Head Athletics Coach & Performance Lead

Placements24; Polokwane; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive executive salary

Performance bonus

Medical aid and generous annual leave

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Head Athletics Coach & Performance Lead for a prominent athletics club in Polokwane, Limpopo. You will oversee athletic development, train elite athletes, and lead a team of specialist coaches to national and international standards.

The role requires 8+ years coaching, advanced certification, and strong leadership. You will coordinate sports scientists and nutritionists, manage budgets, and ensure a safe, high-performance environment across events and camps in

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years coaching athletics, incl. 4+ years in senior/head role.
• Advanced coaching certification from a recognized federation.
• Proven track record of developing athletes to international levels.
• In-depth knowledge of training principles, biomechanics and physiology.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement training programs across athletics disciplines.
• Lead and mentor a team of specialist coaches.
• Identify, recruit and develop talented athletes for long-term progression.
• Manage performance planning and execution for elite athletes targeting major championships.
• Collaborate with sports scientists, physiotherapists and nutritionists for holistic support.
• Manage budget for the athletics program and ensure efficient use of resources.
• Organize training camps, competitions and performance assessments.
• Maintain athlete performance data and progress reports.
• Stay current with advances in athletics coaching and sport science.
• Promote a positive, safe training environment in Polokwane and Limpopo.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organization

Budget management

Coach development

Athletics knowledge

Education

Sports Science or Coaching degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent athletics club based in Polokwane , is seeking a seasoned Head Athletics Coach & Performance Lead. This critical role will oversee the club's athletic development programs, spearhead the training of elite athletes, and manage the performance department. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of track and field disciplines, advanced coaching methodologies, and a proven ability to develop athletes to national and international standards. You will lead a team of specialist coaches, fostering a culture of excellence, dedication, and continuous improvement within the athletic community of Polokwane , Limpopo . Join us to make a lasting impact on the Leisure & Sports landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive training programs across various athletics disciplines (e.g., track, field, endurance).
• Lead and mentor a team of specialist coaches, providing guidance and fostering professional growth.
• Oversee the identification, recruitment, and long-term development of talented athletes.
• Manage the performance planning and execution for elite athletes targeting major championships.
• Collaborate with sports scientists, physiotherapists, and nutritionists to ensure holistic athlete support.
• Manage the budget for the athletics program, ensuring efficient use of resources.
• Organize and oversee training camps, competitions, and performance assessments.
• Maintain accurate athlete performance data and progress reports.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in athletics coaching, sports science, and athlete management.
• Promote a positive, safe, and motivating training environment for all athletes in Limpopo .

Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in coaching athletics, with at least 4 years in a senior or head coach role.
• Advanced coaching certification from a recognized national or international athletics federation.
• Proven track record of developing athletes to national and international competitive levels.
• In-depth knowledge of training principles, biomechanics, and physiological adaptations for various athletic events.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Experience in managing budgets and leading coaching teams.
• A genuine passion for athletics and athlete development.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and during competition seasons in Polokwane .
• A degree in Sports Science, Coaching, or a related field is highly desirable.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive executive salary, alongside a performance-related bonus structure. Comprehensive medical aid and a generous annual leave package are provided. Significant opportunities for professional development, including attendance at international coaching conferences and specialized training courses, will be supported. You will work in well-equipped athletic facilities and be part of a dedicated team focused on achieving sporting excellence in the Leisure & Sports sector.