Athletic Performance Coach (Strength & Power)

Parramatta Eels; Sydney; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Leadership role in a professional NRL/

Ongoing professional development and a

Job summary

The Parramatta Eels are seeking an Athletic Performance Coach (Strength & Power) to lead the squad’s strength and power program. You will optimise physical performance within our NRL framework, reporting to the High Performance Manager and shaping the HPU coaching standards on game days and training.

With ASCA Level 2+ and a solid track record in elite sport, you will design individualized programs, mentor staff, and drive a culture of excellence and accountability across the gym and field.

Qualifications

• Tertiary degree in Exercise & Sports Science or related field.
• ASCA Level 2 accreditation minimum; Level 3 highly regarded.
• Current First Aid/CPR certification and WWCC.
• Experience coaching in professional or elite sport.
• Proficiency with performance data tools and tracking.

Responsibilities

• Lead elite coaching delivery with clear cues and high intent in every session.
• Design, periodise and evaluate strength/power programs for squad and players.
• Lead weight training sessions and integrate gym-based qualities into game speed.
• Mentor staff and interns; manage scheduling, education and reporting.
• Develop injury prevention and movement quality programs; monitor load.

Skills

Leadership ability

Coaching under pressure

Communication

Data-driven decision making

Injury prevention knowledge

Team collaboration

Adaptability

High professional standards

Education

Tertiary qualification in Exercise & Sports Science

ASCA Level 2 accreditation

First Aid & CPR certification

NSW Working With Children Check

ESSA accreditation (AES/AEP) desirable

Experience coaching in elite sport

Tools

Power BI

Excel

AMS platforms

VBT

VALD

Job description

Athletic Performance Coach (Strength & Power)

Are you passionate about elite sport, developing people and being part of a high-performance environment where standards matter?

The Parramatta Eels are seeking an accomplished Athletic Performance Coach (Strength & Power) to join our NRL program. This is an opportunity for an ambitious performance professional to contribute to one of the NRL’s most recognised clubs and work alongside experienced coaches, practitioners and football professionals in an environment focused on continuous improvement and high performance.

At the Parramatta Eels, we're all about uplifting lives, delivering unforgettable moments and bringing communities together. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we're looking for someone who brings curiosity, energy and a genuine commitment to helping others perform at their best.

Our Club values of Accountable, All-In, United and Respect guide everything we do. We are committed to creating a supportive and high-performing environment where people are encouraged to challenge themselves, challenge others and continually raise the standard.

If you thrive in an environment where excellence is expected, collaboration is essential and your work has a direct impact on the people around you, we'd love to hear from you.

Come Back the Badge and be part of the next chapter of the Parramatta Eels.

About the Role

The Athletic Performance Coach (Strength & Power) will lead the development and delivery of the Parramatta Eels NRL squad’s strength and power program, optimising physical performance in support of the Club’s Game Model and broader high-performance strategy.

Reporting to the High Performance Manager, the role will be responsible for establishing and maintaining the strength and power coaching framework, programming and standards across the High Performance Unit (HPU).

Working closely with the High Performance Manager, the successful candidate will translate the demands of the Game Model into world-class strength and power programming that prepares players to perform at their best, while supporting individual player development, availability and long-term performance.

This is a coaching-first role. The successful candidate will be highly visible on the floor, leading every strength and power session with precision, energy and authority. They will set the coaching standard across the HPU, bringing technical expertise, strong coaching presence and a relentless focus on the quality of execution.

This is an opportunity to play a critical role within the NRL High Performance Unit, directly influencing the physical preparation and performance of the Parramatta Eels NRL squad and contributing to the Club’s pursuit of sustained high performance.

The role will require flexibility to work variable hours, including early mornings, weekends and game days, together with regular travel as required.

Functions, Duties & Responsibilities
Elite Coaching Delivery

• Bring elite-level coaching to every session, with clear cues, sharp technical correction and the ability to get maximum intent out of every rep.
• Adapt your coaching style to each athlete, from established internationals to young players transitioning from Pathways.
• Turn complex programming into simple, effective coaching that players understand, buy into and own.
• Read athletes in real time, adjusting load, volume and exercise selection based on readiness, technique and intent.
• Hold players accountable to training standards while building trust, respect and strong working relationships.
• Model coaching excellence for S&C staff and interns, and develop their coaching through observation, feedback and mentoring.

Strength and Power Program Leadership

• In support of the HPM, lead the design, periodisation and evaluation of an evidence-based strength and power program that builds the physical qualities behind Game Model outcomes.
• Provide individualised programming by positional group, player strengths and weaknesses, and training age and history.
• Lead the delivery of all weight training sessions with the S&C team.
• Integrate gym-based strength and power qualities to support individual and team game speed.
• Support strength and power programming for return to performance, working with medical and rehabilitation staff and taking account of each player's injury history.

Culture and Standards

• Build and drive a year-round positive lifting culture in the gym.
• Lead by example, setting a standard of intensity, energy and attention to detail.
• Educate, inspire and raise the standards of players and colleagues.

Staff Leadership & Pathways Integration

• Lead and educate HP staff on injury prevention, movement efficiency and technique in the gym.
• Lead and manage all scheduling, communication, education and reporting for the NRL internship program.
• Support the Pathways Performance Manager in delivering club-wide strength and power standards and philosophies.
• Oversee the progression of Pathways athletes into the full-time environment, including monitoring their load when they move between programs in season.

Athlete Assessment, Monitoring & Technology

• Implement comprehensive assessment protocols and monitoring systems with the HPU to maximise performance and reduce injury.
• Own the capture, analysis and reporting of all strength data (VBT, VALD suite, session data), with daily, weekly and block reports.
• Use weekly performance data to inform and adapt programs.
• Contribute to global load management against game demands and positional requirements.
• Show an advanced understanding of technology, and build on our current tools to keep a competitive edge.
• Support applied research within the HPU, and keep up to date with emerging technologies and innovative practice.

On-Field, Game Day & Performance Support

• Help high-performance and coaching staff with on-field duties, including pre-training warm-ups, speed and conditioning sessions, and player top-ups.
• Help with travel and game-day duties, including individual pre-game preparation and in-match roles as required.
• Support player recovery and regeneration, training preparation, cross-training and screening.
• Communicate consistently with HPU, coaching, medical, rehabilitation and nutrition staff so the squad's performance plan stays integrated.

Education & Experience

• Tertiary qualification in Exercise and Sports Science, Human Movement or a related field; postgraduate qualifications highly regarded.
• ASCA Level 2 accreditation minimum; ASCA Level 3 highly regarded.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification.
• Valid NSW Working With Children Check.
• ESSA accreditation (AES/AEP) highly regarded.
• Demonstrated experience coaching in professional or elite sport, ideally within a collision or high-performance team sport environment.
• Elite technical knowledge of strength and power, including Olympic lifting derivatives, plyometric and ballistic training
• A strong understanding of the physical demands of rugby league and other contact running sports
• Program leadership and management skills, including aligning physical preparation with the vision of the Head Coach and High-Performance Manager
• Strong computer literacy and data capability, with demonstrated ability to utilise performance technology and data to inform decision-making. Proficiency in Power BI, Excel, AMS platforms, VBT and VALD is required.

Skills & Behaviours

• A proven ability to build a positive performance culture and champion teamwork
• The ability to educate, inspire and raise the standards of players and colleagues
• Personal commitment to excellence and wellbeing, with a proven work ethic
• High personal standards and high expectations of others
• A willingness to challenge, be challenged and listen
• The ability to perform under high pressure and expectations

What We Offer

• A leadership role in a professional NRL environment with a progressive, integrated HPU
• Ownership of the club's strength and power program
• Ongoing professional development and mentoringAccess to state-of-the-art facilities at the Eels Centre of Excellence

Applications close 26 October 2026.