Head of Physiotherapy

Kassam Stadium

Oxford United are recruiting a Head of Physiotherapy who will lead the delivery of physiotherapy services across Oxford United, ensuring the highest standards of injury prevention, rehabilitation, and player care.

Working closely with the Head of Performance, Sports Science, and Performance staff, the role is central to maximising player availability and supporting team success on the pitch.

Job Title: Head of Physiotherapy
Date: August 2025
Reports To: Head of Performance
Line Manager: Head of Performance
Location: Oxford United Training Centre

To apply, please send a CV and covering letter to chancock@oufc.co.uk

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

  • Lead and manage the physiotherapy team, providing direction, mentorship, and professional development.
  • Coordinate physiotherapy provision across the men’s First Team.
  • Develop, implement, and monitor best-practice physiotherapy protocols in line with EFL/FA standards.
  • Lead and deliver the pre-signing medical process.
  • Lead daily medical pre-training individual player management meeting.
  • Revise and update Standard Operating Procedures.

Player Care & Rehabilitation

  • Oversee assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of injured players, ensuring evidence-based and progressive practice.
  • Design and deliver individualised rehabilitation programmes to optimise return-to-play outcomes.
  • Liaise with coaching staff on player availability, workload, and progression.
  • Injury Prevention & Performance Support
  • Lead on injury surveillance and risk reduction strategies across the playing squad.
  • Collaborate with sports science staff to integrate load monitoring, recovery strategies, and preventative care.
  • Provide feedback to the Head of Performance on all aspects of physiotherapy provision, including individual case management discussions.
  • Ensure medical screening, musculoskeletal profiling, and ongoing monitoring are carried out effectively.

Communication & Collaboration

  • Act as the primary point of contact between medical staff, players, coaches, and senior management regarding physiotherapy matters.
  • Maintain accurate medical records in line with governance and regulatory requirements.
  • Establish strong working relationships with external consultants, hospitals, and rehabilitation providers.
  • Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team including physiotherapists, physical performance coaches, and technical staff to optimise player physical development, health, and performance.

Governance & Compliance

  • Ensure all physiotherapy practices are aligned with CSP, HCPC, FA, and EFL medical standards.
  • Lead on audits, clinical governance, and continuous improvement within the physiotherapy department.
  • Uphold the highest standards of medical ethics, confidentiality, and safeguarding.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Essential Requirements

  • BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy.
  • HCPC and CSP registered.
  • Minimum 5 years’ experience working within elite sport, preferably professional football.
  • Proven leadership and staff management experience.
  • Strong background in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, injury rehabilitation, and return-to-play.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

Desirable Requirements

  • MSc or higher qualification in Sports Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation, or related field.
  • Experience working in the EFL, Premier League, or equivalent elite sporting environment.
  • Knowledge of sports science principles and their integration into physiotherapy practice.
  • Familiarity with medical data systems (e.g., Edge10, Teambuildr, Power BI).

This role will have regular contact with children and young adults, and it is therefore required to have a DBS Enhanced Criminal Record Check.

About The Club

Code of Conduct

Oxford United Football Club expects the highest standards of integrity and conduct in all matters concerning the Club and its employees. The Code of Conduct clearly outlines the standards of conduct expected from its employees and explains the responsibilities of the Club as their employer. All employees are expected to always act wholeheartedly in the interests of the Club. Any conduct detrimental to its interests or its relations with its customers, suppliers, the public, or damaging to its public image shall be a breach of Club rules and policies. Discriminatory, offensive, and violent behaviour is unacceptable, and any complaints or concerns will be dealt with and acted upon.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Oxford United Football Club are committed to ensuring that equality, inclusion, and diversity of opportunity are at the very heart of everything we do to ensure we provide fair and non-prejudicial access to the services across the Club. We uphold everyone’s freedom of rights and choice to be different and aim to provide opportunities for everyone to succeed. It is the policy of the Club that no person, whether player, job applicant, employee, volunteer, or customer, shall be discriminated against. The Club opposes all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination, either direct or indirect, or harassment, on the grounds of the following ‘protected characteristics’: Age, Disability, Gender Reassignment, Marriage & civil Partnership, Pregnancy & Maternity, Race, Religion or Belief, Sex and Sexual Orientation. Anyone who is found to be in breach of this could receive disciplinary action, which may well include suspension and dismissal.

The Club is fully committed to the EFL Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Standards, and as we are underrepresented in these areas, we particularly welcome ‘entry level’ applications from women, individuals from Black and Minority Ethnicities, the LGBT community, and anyone with a disability.

Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment

Oxford United is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check and attend safeguarding training as part of their onboarding.