Head of Athletic Conditioning

Placements24; Waukee (IA); On-site; USD 61,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading professional sports club in Paarl, Western Cape, seeks a Head of Athletic Conditioning to oversee all aspects of physical preparation, strength and conditioning, and injury prevention for elite athletes. This on-site role requires leadership of a high-performance team and close collaboration with medical staff.

You will develop periodized training programs, monitor loads and recovery, and stay abreast of the latest sports science research to enhance performance and reduce injuries

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Sports Science, Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in strength and conditioning, with at least 3 years in a leadership role at the professional or elite collegiate level.
• Certification from CSCS or ASCA.
• Proven track record of designing and implementing successful conditioning programs that have demonstrably improved athletic performance.
• In-depth knowledge of biomechanics, exercise physiology, sports nutrition, and injury management.
• Strong leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Experience with performance monitoring technology and data analysis.
• Ability to work effectively in a high-pressure, team-oriented environment.
• Passion for athletic development and a commitment to evidence-based practice.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport with athletes and staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of comprehensive, periodized strength and conditioning programs tailored to individual athlete needs and team goals.
• Supervise and manage a team of strength and conditioning coaches, providing mentorship and performance feedback.
• Conduct regular assessments of athlete physical capabilities, including strength, power, speed, agility, and endurance.
• Develop and oversee protocols for injury prevention, rehabilitation, and return-to-play strategies in close collaboration with medical staff.
• Monitor athlete training loads, fatigue levels, and recovery status, making necessary adjustments to training plans.
• Collaborate with sport-specific coaches to ensure seamless integration of conditioning principles into overall team training.
• Maintain detailed records of athlete progress, training data, and injury histories.
• Manage the budget for the strength and conditioning department, including equipment procurement and maintenance.
• Stay current with the latest research and best practices in sports science, exercise physiology, and athletic performance.
• Educate athletes and staff on principles of conditioning, nutrition, and recovery.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Communication skills

Biomechanics knowledge

Exercise physiology

Injury management

Data analysis

Performance monitoring

Evidence-based practice

Interpersonal skills

Tech proficiency

Education

Master's degree in Sports Science, Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, or a related field

Tools

CSCS certification

ASCA certification

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading professional sports club situated in the picturesque region of Paarl, Western Cape , is actively searching for a highly experienced and motivated Head of Athletic Conditioning. This pivotal role involves overseeing all aspects of physical preparation, strength and conditioning, and injury prevention for our elite athletes. You will be instrumental in developing and implementing cutting-edge training programs designed to maximize player potential, enhance performance, and minimize the risk of injuries throughout demanding seasons. This is a purely on-site position, requiring your constant presence at our state-of-the-art training facilities in Paarl.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of comprehensive, periodized strength and conditioning programs tailored to individual athlete needs and team goals.
• Supervise and manage a team of strength and conditioning coaches, providing mentorship and performance feedback.
• Conduct regular assessments of athlete physical capabilities, including strength, power, speed, agility, and endurance.
• Develop and oversee protocols for injury prevention, rehabilitation, and return-to-play strategies in close collaboration with medical staff.
• Monitor athlete training loads, fatigue levels, and recovery status, making necessary adjustments to training plans.
• Collaborate with sport-specific coaches to ensure seamless integration of conditioning principles into overall team training.
• Maintain detailed records of athlete progress, training data, and injury histories.
• Manage the budget for the strength and conditioning department, including equipment procurement and maintenance.
• Stay current with the latest research and best practices in sports science, exercise physiology, and athletic performance.
• Educate athletes and staff on principles of conditioning, nutrition, and recovery.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Sports Science, Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in strength and conditioning, with at least 3 years in a leadership role at the professional or elite collegiate level.
• Certification from a recognized strength and conditioning organization (e.g., CSCS, ASCA).
• Proven track record of designing and implementing successful conditioning programs that have demonstrably improved athletic performance.
• In-depth knowledge of biomechanics, exercise physiology, sports nutrition, and injury management.
• Strong leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Experience with performance monitoring technology and data analysis.
• Ability to work effectively in a high-pressure, team-oriented environment.
• Passion for athletic development and a commitment to evidence-based practice.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport with athletes and staff.

Benefits

This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in a high-performance sports environment. The offered salary is R per annum , reflecting the seniority and responsibilities of the role. Benefits include a comprehensive private medical aid plan, a generous pension fund, ample vacation time, opportunities for attending international conferences and workshops, and access to cutting-edge training equipment and facilities located in Paarl.

Join a dedicated team striving for excellence.