Academy Director

About the job

Based at Shenzhen Peng City this role is responsible for defining and delivering the Academy’s vision, strategy and operational excellence. Reporting to the Sporting Director, you will lead the development of a high-performing Academy environment focused on developing elite players.

Who We Are

City Football Group is the world’s leading private owner and operator of football clubs, with a global network of teams united by a shared philosophy and ambition. Our purpose is to empower better lives through football on and off the pitch.

Founded in January 2017 as Sichuan Jiuniu Football Club, the Club started their journey in the China Amateur Football League and navigated through the Chinese football pyramid, ending the 2023 campaign as second-division China League One champions.

Our Academies play a critical role in developing the next generation of talent, combining performance, education and wellbeing to support long-term success.

The role

As Academy Director, you will lead the strategic and operational delivery of the Academy, ensuring alignment with the Club’s playing philosophy and long-term vision. You will oversee player development, coaching, recruitment and performance, creating an environment that consistently produces high-potential players.

You will lead a multi-disciplinary team across coaching, sports science, medical and education functions, ensuring alignment and high performance. You will also drive talent identification strategies, manage key stakeholder relationships and ensure regulatory compliance and safeguarding standards are met.

You will oversee operational performance including budgets, KPIs and continuous improvement initiatives.

What you'll bring

• Experience as an Academy Director, or in another leadership role within a football or teaching discipline.
• Verifiable experience of leading an operational structure that recognises the critical pedagogy processes and components of developing young people, in a football or other applicable role (e.g., Coaching, Performance, Headteacher).
• Demonstrable understanding of the technical and tactical components of football.
• Strong understanding and experience of working with Multi-Disciplinary Teams.
• Strong understanding of player development and football methodology
• Track record in talent identification and recruitment
• Knowledge of regulatory and safeguarding frameworks

Why choose us

Working at City Football Group means being part of a global organisation driven by innovation and high performance. We support our people to grow and succeed in a collaborative environment.

How to apply

Click ‘Easy Apply’ via THIS LINK

Equal Opportunities

City Football Group is committed to achieving workforce diversity and we pride ourselves on creating an inclusive working environment.

We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, national origin, race, age, sex, gender identity, disability- physical or hidden, sexual orientation, veteran status, religious belief, or any other characteristics protected by law.

We provide a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We encourage all applicants to reach out if they require any support or accommodations to enable them to thrive throughout our recruitment process. Please contact Hiring@cityfootball.com

We work with a select group of agency partners and do not accept unsolicited applications. Any CVs submitted without prior agreement will be treated as a direct application.