Education Lead

**Location: Carrington Training Ground** **At Manchester United, we believe that excellence on the pitch starts with excellence off the pitch. Our team thrives in a high\-performance environment, united by a shared passion for success. We aim to elevate the standard of performance through collaboration and continuous growth, creating a space where everyone can contribute their best to our common goals. We work together at our iconic Manchester United offices, enabling connection and innovation as we look ahead to what we can achieve as a global football club. We are excited to bring in passionate people who share our vision and drive for success.** **The Role** As a Womens team we are young (six seasons old) and at the start of our journey within an institution with rich history, pedigree and success. Within the Womens game we are disruptor who do things differently and break the status quo. The club’s ambition is to win out first WSL title by 2028 by producing a Women’s First Team that succeeds, entertains, innovates and inspires. Having a thriving Academy programme which develops home grown players is part of the clubs DNA and essential for future success. The Education Lead plays a central role in ensuring the Professional Game Academy (PGA) provides a world‑class Dual Career environment that supports players equally in football and their future aspirations. **Responsibilities** * Provide strategic leadership, design and quality assurance of the Academy Education Programme, ensuring a personalised, high\-quality academic offer aligned with players’ football commitments. * Act as the primary point of contact for all education providers (schools, colleges, universities and awarding bodies), building strong relationships and ensuring effective communication and coordination. * Ensure all players are engaged in full\-time education or appropriate post\-16 pathways, supporting their academic, vocational and personal development for life during and beyond football. * Promote dual\-career development by supporting long\-term wellbeing, career adaptability and informed decision\-making. * Create and maintain a safe, inclusive and aspirational learning environment that supports individual ambition, manages academic pressure and meets all safeguarding and FA PGA Licence requirements. * Oversee educational screening for all incoming players. * Work collaboratively within the multidisciplinary team, embedding education within holistic player development and maintaining clear accountability for education provision. * Ensure continuity of education during player transitions, including loan moves, dual registrations and contract changes, and manage Day Release arrangements and associated documentation. * Design and oversee the annual education plan, including key milestones, application timelines, provider engagement and alignment with training schedules. * Ensure a broad and appropriate range of academic and vocational pathways is available to all players. * Lead the development and regular review of Educational Individual Development Plans (EIDPs), incorporating educational targets, aligned football development goals and career action planning. * Provide tailored support for players requiring bespoke education or training arrangements. * Monitor academic progress, attendance and punctuality, maintaining accurate records of targets and working grades, and implementing interventions where necessary. * Ensure all education provision meets required regulatory and licensing standards. * Build and maintain effective relationships with parents/carers, education providers and internal staff, ensuring consistent communication and alignment between academic and football commitments. **The Person** **Qualifications** * Qualified Teacher Status: QTS or QTLS **Experience** * Practicing in sport with exposure in women’s and youth sport. * Working in the educational sector. * Working within a multi\-disciplinary performance team in the delivery of services to elite youth athletes, preferably females. * Delivering 1:1 consultancy with female athletes, alongside designing and implementing education and lifestyle sessions to youth athletes. * To build meaningful, strong strategic relationships with club staff, players and their parents/guardians. * Demonstrating high professional standards when representing the club. * Awareness and understanding of the DiSE programme. **Knowledge \& Skills** * Applying consultation techniques to help players succeed. * Understanding of the needs of elite youth athletes and coaches in a high\-performance environment. * Ability to implement innovative ideas and influence athlete and coach support programmes. * Able to communicate complex data in terms that are easily understood by a wide range of audiences, including players, coaches, parents, catering and wider staff team. **Our Values:** **Badge** – Earn the badge, every day. Respect our history and heritage. Be best in class and deliver to the standards expected of Manchester United. No one is bigger than the club. **Bravery** – Be bold, be brave, and take calculated risks. Do things differently and innovate. Lead by example and do what’s right for the club, even when it’s hard. **Spirit** – Embody the spirit of Manchester United. Show strength of character, act with passion, and fight back, no matter what. **What We Offer** At Manchester United, we recognise that our people are at the heart of our success. That’s why we offer a range of rewards designed to support your professional and personal well\-being: * Annual Incentive Scheme to reward your dedication and hard work * 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) and an opportunity to purchase additional holiday days * Electric Vehicle scheme via Octopus and cycle to work scheme * Wellness Support with access to mental health resources, digital health checks, and \& nutritionists through Aviva Digicare\+ Workplace * Exclusive Discounts through our United Rewards platform, giving you access to exclusive deals from the club and partners * Gym Facilities in our onsite locations and opportunities for regular social events and team\-building activities * Enhanced family Leave Benefits and policies * Enhanced Career Development with access to professional learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning, and internal training programs * A Supportive Work Environment that values diversity, equity and inclusion, and individual growth **Our Commitment To You** We believe that a diverse and inclusive environment makes us stronger. We are committed to building a team where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. Diversity, equity, and inclusion sit at the core of our recruitment strategy, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. **Ready to Join Us?** If this sounds like the perfect role for you, please submit your application by Tuesday 5th May **Manchester United is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, and as part of this commitment, all candidates will undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check and reference checks.** **If you need any adjustments to help you perform at your best during the recruitment process, please contact us, and we will be happy to discuss them with you.** **It is unlawful to employ a person in a UK\-based job who does not have permission to live and work in the UK. You should make yourself aware of how immigration laws apply to you before applying for any of our roles.**