Director of Sports Science and Performance

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary & benefits

Top-level sport environment

State-of-the-art facilities

Influence on athlete development

Professional development

Travel opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Director of Sports Science and Performance for a Durban-based professional sports club. The role leads strategic direction of sports science, strength and conditioning, and athletic performance programs to optimize health and on-field performance.

You will lead a multidisciplinary team, implement monitoring systems for load, fatigue, recovery, and design individualized training; collaborate with medical staff and coaches; manage budgets and resources; travel as required.

Qualifications

• Requires PhD or MSc in Sports Science, Exercise Physiology, or related field.
• Extensive knowledge of physiological testing, biomechanics, nutrition, and recovery strategies.
• Proven experience designing athlete monitoring systems and performance programs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee the club's comprehensive sports science strategy.
• Lead and manage sports scientists, strength coaches, and athletic trainers.
• Implement monitoring systems for athlete load, fatigue and recovery.
• Design individualized training programs to enhance strength, power, speed and endurance.
• Develop injury prevention protocols and rehabilitation programs with medical staff.
• Conduct physiological testing and performance analysis to inform training decisions.
• Stay abreast of research and technological advancements in sports science.
• Educate athletes and coaching staff on performance optimization and injury management.
• Manage the sports science and performance budget and resources.
• Collaborate with head coaches, medical team and analysts for integrated athlete support.

Skills

Leadership

Physiological testing

Monitoring systems design

Injury prevention

Data management

Communication

Education

PhD or MSc in Sports Science

Tools

Data analysis software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious professional sports club based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, is seeking an exceptional and experienced Director of Sports Science and Performance. This critical role will lead the strategic direction and implementation of all sports science, strength and conditioning, and athletic performance programs for the club's athletes. You will be responsible for optimizing athlete health, injury prevention, and on-field performance through evidence-based practices and cutting-edge methodologies. This is a full-time, on-site position requiring your dedicated presence to work closely with athletes, coaches, and medical staff. If you possess a deep scientific understanding and a proven ability to translate research into practical performance enhancements, we encourage you to apply.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee the club's comprehensive sports science and performance strategy.
• Lead and manage the team of sports scientists, strength coaches, and athletic trainers.
• Implement cutting-edge monitoring systems for athlete load, fatigue, and recovery.
• Design and implement individualized training programs to enhance athlete strength, power, speed, and endurance.
• Develop and manage injury prevention protocols and rehabilitation programs in collaboration with medical staff.
• Conduct physiological testing and performance analysis to inform training decisions.
• Stay abreast of the latest research and technological advancements in sports science and performance.
• Educate athletes and coaching staff on principles of performance optimization and injury management.
• Manage the sports science and performance budget and resources effectively.
• Collaborate closely with head coaches, medical team, and performance analysts to ensure integrated athlete support.

Requirements

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in sports science and performance management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within professional sports.
• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Sports Science, Exercise Physiology, or a related field.
• Extensive knowledge of physiological testing, biomechanics, nutrition, and recovery strategies.
• Proven experience in designing and implementing athlete monitoring systems and performance programs.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate staff.
• Excellent understanding of injury prevention and rehabilitation principles.
• Proficiency with performance analysis software and data management tools.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as required by the sporting calendar.
• Strong ethical compass and commitment to athlete welfare.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to work at the highest level of professional sports.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.
• Significant influence on athlete development and team success.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Travel opportunities with the team.