Director of Player Development - Professional Sports Academy

Placements24; Polokwane; Vor Ort; ZAR 1.500.000 - 2.100.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Relocation assistance

Executive salary package

Professional growth opportunities

Zusammenfassung

Placements24 is seeking a Director of Player Development for a leading sports academy in Polokwane. You will design and implement comprehensive programs guiding athletes from grassroots to professional levels, overseeing technical, tactical, physical, mental, and academic development.

The role requires a Master’s degree in a related field and 8+ years in elite athlete development or coaching with leadership experience, plus strong leadership and collaboration abilities.

Qualifikationen

• Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Minimum 8 years in elite athlete development, coaching or sports management with leadership exposure.
• Proven track record of developing athletes to high competitive levels.
• Deep knowledge of sports science principles, training methods and talent ID processes.
• Exceptional leadership, communication and interpersonal skills.

Aufgaben

• Develop and oversee a holistic player development strategy and curriculum.
• Lead and mentor coaches, trainers and support staff.
• Recruit talented young athletes and assess growth potential.
• Track progress across technical, tactical, physical, psychological and academic domains.
• Ensure high-quality coaching, training and mentorship.
• Collaborate with professional teams or scouts regarding progression and transfers.
• Maintain detailed records of development and performance metrics.
• Promote life skills, education and character development alongside training.
• Stay updated on best practices in youth athlete development.

Kenntnisse

Leadership

Athlete development

Sports science

Coaching

Budgeting

Team management

Talent identification

Strategic planning

Ausbildung

Master’s degree in Sports Science, Coaching, Sports Management, or related field

Jobbeschreibung

About the Role

Our client, a leading professional sports academy situated in Polokwane, is seeking a highly experienced and dedicated Director of Player Development. This executive role is responsible for designing and implementing comprehensive development programs that nurture talent from grassroots to professional levels. You will oversee all aspects of player progression, including technical skills, tactical understanding, physical conditioning, mental strength, and educational support. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of athlete development pathways, a strong background in sports science or coaching, and exceptional leadership abilities. This is a critical position aimed at fostering the next generation of elite athletes within the Limpopo province.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and oversee a holistic player development strategy and curriculum.
• Manage and mentor a team of coaches, trainers, and support staff dedicated to player development.
• Identify and recruit talented young athletes, assessing their potential for growth.
• Monitor player progress across all developmental domains: technical, tactical, physical, psychological, and academic.
• Ensure players receive high-quality coaching, training, and mentorship.
• Collaborate with professional teams or scouts regarding player progression and potential transfers.
• Maintain detailed records of player development and performance metrics.
• Implement programs that promote life skills, education, and character development alongside athletic training.
• Stay abreast of best practices and innovations in youth athlete development globally.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Sports Science, Coaching, Sports Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in elite athlete development, coaching, or sports management, with a significant portion in a leadership role.
• Proven track record of successfully developing athletes to a high competitive level.
• In-depth knowledge of sports science principles, training methodologies, and talent identification processes.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in managing and motivating a team of specialists.
• Strong understanding of the pathway from youth to professional sports.
• Ability to develop and manage departmental budgets.
• A passion for athlete welfare and holistic development.

Benefits

• Competitive executive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Significant impact on the development of future sports stars.
• Opportunities for professional growth and networking within the sports industry.
• Relocation assistance may be available for the right candidate.
• Be part of a cutting-edge sports academy in Polokwane.