Head of Athletic Performance

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,300,000 - 2,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement benefits

World-class facilities

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town is seeking a Head of Athletic Performance to lead our performance division for elite athletes and sports teams. You will design and oversee comprehensive training programs, mentor a team of coaches and scientists, and drive injury prevention and performance monitoring.

With extensive knowledge in sports science and leadership, you will collaborate with coaching staff and manage equipment and technology to maximize athlete potential in a dynamic setting.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Sports Science, Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, or related field.
• 10+ years in athletic performance with leadership roles.
• Certification from NSCA-CSCS or ASCA.
• Proven track record improving athletic performance in elite settings.
• Biomechanics, physiology, nutrition, and sports psychology knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Design and manage comprehensive athletic performance programs.
• Lead and mentor a team of strength and conditioning coaches, sports scientists, and physiotherapists.
• Oversee assessment and monitoring of athlete performance with data-driven insights.
• Develop injury prevention, rehabilitation, and return-to-play protocols.
• Collaborate with coaching staff to align training with team objectives.
• Manage procurement and use of performance training equipment and technology.
• Research latest sports science advancements and ensure ethical standards.

Skills

Leadership

Data analysis

Communication

Team management

Biomechanics

Nutrition knowledge

Education

Master's or PhD in Sports Science

Tools

Performance tracking software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading entity in the Leisure & Sports sector, is seeking a visionary and highly qualified Head of Athletic Performance to lead their performance division based in beautiful Cape Town, Western Cape . This senior leadership position will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of athletic training, conditioning, and performance enhancement programs for elite athletes and sports teams. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of sports science, physiology, and cutting-edge training methodologies. You will play a critical role in maximizing athlete potential, injury prevention, and overall team success. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of athletic excellence within a prestigious organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage comprehensive athletic performance programs tailored to various sports disciplines.
• Lead and mentor a team of strength and conditioning coaches, sports scientists, and physiotherapists.
• Oversee the assessment and monitoring of athlete performance, providing data-driven insights and feedback.
• Develop and enforce protocols for injury prevention, rehabilitation, and return-to-play strategies.
• Collaborate closely with coaching staff to align performance training with team objectives and tactical plans.
• Manage the procurement and utilization of state-of-the‑art performance training equipment and technology.
• Conduct research into the latest advancements in sports science and athletic conditioning.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant sporting regulations and ethical standards.
• Manage the departmental budget effectively, optimizing resource allocation.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and holistic athlete development.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Sports Science, Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in athletic performance and strength and conditioning, with a significant portion in a leadership capacity.
• Certification from a recognized professional body (e.g., NSCA-CSCS, ASCA).
• Proven track record of successfully improving athletic performance in professional or elite amateur settings.
• In-depth knowledge of biomechanics, physiology, nutrition, and sports psychology.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills.
• Experience with performance tracking software and data analysis.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with athletes and staff.
• Strong understanding of injury management and rehabilitation principles.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as required by training schedules.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive medical aid and retirement benefits, performance incentives, access to world‑class training facilities, and significant opportunities for professional growth and development in the vibrant city of Cape Town, Western Cape .