Derby County are seeking to recruit an experienced Senior Transition Coach to join the Academy Coaching Department, working closely with the First Team at Moor Farm Training Centre.
Working for Derby County Football Club offers a unique opportunity to be part of one of England’s most historic and passionately supported clubs. With a proud legacy, a dedicated fan base, and an exciting vision for the future, Derby County offers a dynamic and rewarding work environment both on and off the pitch. Whether you're joining the team in coaching, administration, marketing, or operations, you'll be contributing to a culture rooted in ambition, community, and progress. Employees benefit from a collaborative work environment and opportunities for professional development.
The successful candidate will have a role within the first team coaching structure to assist the elite young players from the professional development phase of the Academy, transitioning into the first team environment. The successful candidate will also implement the first team methodology, where required, into the U21S programme and B Team fixtures.
Key Role Responsibilities:
Player Development & Coaching
* Support 1st team and U21 training delivery, including team, unit, and individual sessions.
* Lead 2x technical sessions weekly for ‘High Potential’ transition players; record and upload content.
* Implement and manage Individual Development Plans (IDPs) for all first team and transitioning academy players.
* Conduct regular meetings with transition players to review progress using feedback, data, and video analysis.
* Provide technical and tactical feedback through performance analysis, identifying strengths and development areas.
Pathway & Transition Management
* Identify and track ‘High Potential’ players for 1st team exposure, aligned with Technical Board and audit outcomes.
* Communicate weekly training plans to transition players and ensure seamless integration between the academy and the first team.
* Attend U18, U21, and selected B Team fixtures to monitor development and implement first-team game models.
* Coordinate with multi‑disciplinary staff (medical, analysis, S&C, etc.) to maximise player development.
* Liaise with national teams regarding transition player performance and selection.
* Ensure daily communication with the academy and first team staff to maintain consistency.
* Actively contribute to Technical Board discussions, providing updates on youth player progress.
Admin & Compliance
* Keep PMA updated within 48 hours for sessions, fixtures, reviews, and IDPs.
* Commit to club and FA CPD programmes; deliver and document internal coach development where needed.
* Maintain at least 5 hours of annual FA in‑service training.
Culture & Professionalism
* Promote open, professional communication across departments and with admin staff.
* Be a positive role model, upholding high standards of behaviour, coaching, and language.
* Support scouting and talent ID processes when appropriate.
* Operate within all FA, EFL, and Premier League regulations.
Personal characteristics and experience:
* A minimum of 3 years of coaching experience in a professional development phase of an academy.
* Playing experience within the professional game (Desirable).
* Ability to manage and motivate a team.
* Excellent communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively, positively and enthusiastically with people at all levels.
* Knowledge of relevant governing body programmes, policies and procedures.
* Good knowledge of the age‑appropriate techniques and skill practices for player development.
* Excellent planning and organisational skills.
* Committed to high standards.
* Flexible approach and prepared to work unsociable hours.
* Able to take a considered and sensible approach to problem‑solving.
Qualifications:
* UEFA A License
* UEFA B License
* Advanced FA Youth Award for Goalkeeping
* IFAFF
Salary is competitive, dependent on experience.
This is a full‑time role, and due to the demands of professional football, there is a requirement for weekend and evening work, as well as regular national travel.
Who are Derby County…
Derby County Football Club, established in 1884, is one of the founder members of the English Football League and has a rich and varied history, including two First Division titles in 1972 and 1975 and an FA Cup success in 1946. The club are currently playing in the Sky Bet Championship, the second tier of English Football, following their promotion from League One in the 2023/24 season and is under the management of Head Coach John Eustace. The club also boasts a successful and respected Category One Academy, a status which has been held since 2014, and a Women’s side competing in the FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division. Derby County recently embarked on an exciting new era following the change in ownership to Clowes Developments (UK) Limited in the summer of 2022. Our track record of producing talent is outstanding, and we intend to protect that proud legacy, investing in key roles within the club to build on the foundations in place for success.
Everything we do as a Club is built around the three pillars of stability, integrity and progress. Our core values are:
* We are proud of who we are and what we do
* We are positive, inspired and passionate
* We are ambitious and driven
* We are prepared, honest and humble
* We are the heartbeat of our community
* We are the club of opportunity
Derby County employee benefits include:
* 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
* Two complimentary staff season tickets
* Two complimentary staff away memberships, subject to availability
* Discounts with select Club partners and sponsors
* Healthshield Cash Health Plan to support employee health and well‑being, and Perks for great deals and discounts
* Participating in our employee forum, ‘The Herd’ and Staff Events!
* Training and development opportunities
* Access to programmes and volunteering opportunities with Derby County Community Trust
* Subsidised lunchtime meals at Moor Farm
Derby County Football Club is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
As part of the Club's commitment to providing a safe environment for children and young people, applicants should be aware that this post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Criminal Record Check.
Derby County Football Club is an Inclusive Club for all and is committed to Equality and Diversity.
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