Director of Sports Performance

Placements24; Willows (CA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Performance bonuses

Retirement plan

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Director of Sports Performance based in Welkom. This senior role leads sports science, strength and conditioning, nutrition, and recovery to optimize athlete output.

You will work with coaches, medical staff, and athletes to implement evidence-based strategies and drive continuous improvement. The role requires a Master’s or Doctoral degree in a related field, 10+ years in sports performance, and strong leadership and analytical skills.

Qualifications

• Master's or Doctoral degree in Sports Science, Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics, or closely related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in sports performance, with at least 5 years in leadership/directorial role.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing performance programs for elite athletes.
• Expert knowledge of strength and conditioning, nutrition, injury prevention, and recovery.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive sports performance strategy aligned with the organization's goals.
• Lead and manage a team of sports scientists, strength and conditioning coaches, and nutritionists.
• Oversee the design and delivery of evidence-based training programs tailored to different sports and athletes.
• Integrate sports science principles into daily training practices.
• Utilize performance analytics and technology to monitor progress and inform interventions.
• Collaborate with medical staff to ensure athlete health and rehabilitation strategies.
• Develop and implement nutrition plans to support performance and recovery.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning within the team.
• Manage the budget for the sports performance department.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team management

Performance analytics

Sports science knowledge

Education

Master's or Doctoral in Sports Science

Tools

Performance analysis software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious sports organization based in Welkom, is seeking a highly experienced and visionary Director of Sports Performance. This senior leadership role is critical in shaping and implementing evidence-based performance strategies across all athletic programs. You will be responsible for overseeing and integrating all aspects of sports science, strength and conditioning, nutrition, and recovery to optimize athlete potential. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of sports physiology, biomechanics, and performance analytics, coupled with exceptional leadership and management skills. This position requires a proactive, innovative thinker who can drive a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. You will work closely with head coaches, medical staff, and athletes to ensure the highest standards of performance are met. This is an on-site role critical to the daily operations and success of our athletic endeavors in Welkom.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive sports performance strategy aligned with the organization's goals.
• Lead and manage a team of sports scientists, strength and conditioning coaches, and nutritionists.
• Oversee the design and delivery of evidence-based training programs tailored to the specific needs of different sports and athletes.
• Integrate sports science principles (physiology, biomechanics, psychology) into daily training practices.
• Utilize performance analytics and technology to monitor athlete progress, identify trends, and inform training interventions.
• Collaborate closely with medical staff to ensure optimal athlete health, injury prevention, and rehabilitation strategies.
• Develop and implement robust nutrition plans to support athlete performance and recovery.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning and professional development within the performance team.
• Manage the budget for the sports performance department, ensuring efficient allocation of resources.
• Stay current with the latest research and innovations in sports performance and exercise science.

Requirements

• Master's or Doctoral degree in Sports Science, Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in sports performance, with at least 5 years in a leadership or directorial role.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful performance programs for elite athletes.
• Expert knowledge of strength and conditioning principles, sports nutrition, injury prevention, and recovery strategies.
• Proficiency in performance analysis software and technologies.
• Exceptional leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Strong ability to collaborate effectively with coaches, medical staff, and athletes.
• Experience in managing departmental budgets and resources.
• Commitment to ethical practices and the welfare of athletes.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as required.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, reflecting the senior nature of this role. This includes performance-related bonuses, excellent health insurance coverage, and retirement plan contributions. Opportunities for further professional development, attending international conferences, and engaging with leading sports research are provided. You will have access to cutting-edge facilities and resources. This role is based in Welkom and offers the chance to significantly impact the performance outcomes of a dedicated sports organization.