Head of Coaching & Player Development

Placements24; Queenstown; Remote; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Head of Coaching & Player Development to shape athletic talent across all ages in a fully remote setting. You will design, implement, and oversee coaching methodologies and development programs while leading a team of coaches and ensuring ethical, athlete-centered practices.

You will drive long-term development with sports science integration, set clear goals, mentor staff, and report outcomes to senior management, all while maintaining a

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Sports Science, Coaching, Sports Psychology, or related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of elite coaching and player development experience.
• Proven ability to design long-term athletic development programs.
• Strong sports pedagogy and athlete assessment knowledge.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience mentoring coaches and managing staff.
• Experience with remote coaching and technology for performance tracking.
• Commitment to athlete welfare and ethical coaching.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a standardized, long-term player development curriculum and coaching philosophy.
• Oversee recruitment, training, and ongoing professional development of coaching staff.
• Mentor and evaluate coaches, providing constructive feedback and support.
• Establish clear performance benchmarks and assessment processes for player progression.
• Collaborate with athletes and parents to set development goals and track progress.
• Ensure integration of sports science, psychology, and nutrition into training programs.
• Identify and implement best practices in athletic development from various sports.
• Oversee talent identification and recruitment strategies for aspiring athletes.
• Manage the budget allocated for coaching and player development initiatives.
• Stay current with research and trends in sports coaching and athlete development.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and performance-oriented team culture.
• Regularly report on the effectiveness of programs and player development outcomes to senior management.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Mentoring

Sports psychology

Athlete development

Performance tracking

Communication

Strategic planning

Budget management

Remote work

Education

Master's degree in Sports Science/Coaching/Sports Psychology

Tools

Performance tracking software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading institution in the development of youth athletes within the Leisure & Sports sector, is seeking an experienced and dynamic Head of Coaching & Player Development. This is a fully remote position, allowing you to shape the future of athletic talent from anywhere. You will be responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing comprehensive coaching methodologies and player development programs across all age groups and disciplines. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of sports psychology, long-term athletic development principles, and elite coaching practices. You will lead and mentor a team of coaches, ensuring consistency in training philosophy and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and athlete well-being. This role requires exceptional leadership, strategic planning capabilities, and a proven track record of developing high-potential athletes. Your expertise will be pivotal in elevating the performance and potential of every athlete within our program.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a standardized, long-term player development curriculum and coaching philosophy.
• Oversee the recruitment, training, and ongoing professional development of coaching staff.
• Mentor and evaluate coaches, providing constructive feedback and support.
• Establish clear performance benchmarks and assessment processes for player progression.
• Collaborate with athletes and parents to set development goals and track progress.
• Ensure the integration of sports science, psychology, and nutrition into training programs.
• Identify and implement best practices in athletic development from various sports.
• Oversee talent identification and recruitment strategies for aspiring athletes.
• Manage the budget allocated for coaching and player development initiatives.
• Stay current with research and trends in sports coaching and athlete development.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and performance-oriented team culture.
• Regularly report on the effectiveness of programs and player development outcomes to senior management.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Sports Science, Coaching, Sports Psychology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in coaching and player development at an elite level, including experience in managing coaching staff.
• Proven expertise in designing and implementing long-term athletic development programs.
• Strong understanding of sports pedagogy, coaching methodologies, and athlete assessment.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop coaches.
• Experience in working with athletes across various age groups.
• Proficiency in utilizing technology for performance tracking and communication in a remote setting.
• A strong commitment to athlete welfare and ethical coaching practices.
• Passion for the Leisure & Sports industry and youth development.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fully remote environment.

Benefits

This fully remote position offers significant flexibility and the opportunity to work from your preferred location. Our client provides a competitive salary, commensurate with experience, and offers performance-based incentives. Comprehensive health and wellness benefits are provided. Professional development opportunities, including certifications and participation in international sports forums, are encouraged and supported. You will be part of a forward-thinking organization dedicated to nurturing athletic talent. Contribute to a positive impact on the lives of young athletes and the future of the Leisure & Sports sector. Enjoy the autonomy of a remote leadership role and the satisfaction of developing world-class talent.