Head of Athletic Performance

Placements24; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 2,000,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and bonus structure

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off and holidays

Retirement plan with company match

Professional development opportunities

Access to training facilities and gear

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 in Gauteng seeks a visionary Head of Athletic Performance to lead elite athlete development. You will design, implement, and oversee cutting-edge training, injury prevention, and performance protocols in collaboration with coaches, medical staff, and sports scientists.

The role requires a Master’s or PhD in Exercise Science or related field, 10+ years’ progressive experience, and leadership experience.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Exercise Science, Sports Physiology, Kinesiology, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years in athletic performance with at least 5 years in leadership overseeing a team.
• Proven success in high-performance programs for elite athletes.
• Extensive knowledge of biomechanics, physiology, exercise prescription, and injury management.
• Certification from CSCS, SCCC, ASCA, or recognized body.
• Experience with athlete monitoring systems and performance analysis software.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage comprehensive athletic performance programs for all athletes.
• Lead and mentor a team of strength and conditioning coaches, sports scientists, and performance staff.
• Oversee athlete testing, monitoring, and data analysis to inform training adjustments.
• Design and implement evidence-based strength, conditioning, speed, agility, and endurance protocols.
• Develop injury prevention and rehabilitation strategies with medical staff.
• Manage department budget and resource allocation.
• Stay updated with advances in sports science and athletic performance.
• Collaborate with head coaches to align performance programs with team strategies.
• Educate athletes and coaches on nutrition, recovery, and mental conditioning.
• Maintain detailed records of progress, training loads, and injuries.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Sports physiology

Education

Master's or PhD in Exercise Science / Sports Physiology / Kinesiology

Tools

Athlete monitoring systems

Performance analysis software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious sporting organization based in Tembisa, Gauteng, is actively seeking a visionary and highly qualified Head of Athletic Performance to lead its athlete development programs. This senior leadership position is crucial for optimizing the physical capabilities and overall well-being of our athletes across all disciplines. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing cutting edge training methodologies, injury prevention strategies, and performance enhancement protocols. This role demands a blend of scientific expertise, practical application, and strong leadership acumen. The Head of Athletic Performance will work closely with coaches, medical staff, and sports scientists to ensure a holistic approach to athlete care and performance. We are looking for an individual with a profound understanding of sports physiology, biomechanics, and nutrition, coupled with a passion for pushing the boundaries of human performance. Join us in Tembisa, Gauteng and help shape the future of elite sports by nurturing talent and achieving peak athletic potential. This is a unique opportunity to manage a team of dedicated professionals and drive innovation in athletic science.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive athletic performance programs for all athletes.
• Lead and mentor a team of strength and conditioning coaches, sports scientists, and other performance staff.
• Oversee athlete testing, monitoring, and data analysis to track progress and inform training adjustments.
• Design and implement evidence based strength, conditioning, speed, agility, and endurance training protocols.
• Develop and implement effective injury prevention and rehabilitation strategies in collaboration with medical personnel.
• Manage the athletic performance department's budget, ensuring efficient resource allocation.
• Stay abreast of the latest research and technological advancements in sports science and athletic performance.
• Collaborate closely with head coaches to ensure alignment between performance programs and team strategies.
• Educate athletes and coaches on best practices in nutrition, recovery, and mental conditioning.
• Maintain detailed records of athlete progress, training loads, and injury status.
• Ensure the safe and effective use of all training equipment and facilities.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Exercise Science, Sports Physiology, Kinesiology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in athletic performance, with at least 5 years in a leadership role managing a team.
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing high-performance programs for elite athletes.
• Extensive knowledge of biomechanics, physiology, exercise prescription, and injury management.
• Certification from a recognized professional body (e.g., CSCS, SCCC, ASCA).
• Experience with athlete monitoring systems and performance analysis software.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to build strong relationships with athletes, coaches, and staff.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
• Experience in Tembisa, Gauteng or similar competitive sports environments is preferred.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as required by training schedules.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• Retirement savings plan with company match.
• Professional development opportunities, including conference attendance and certifications.
• Access to state of the art training facilities and equipment.
• Relocation assistance may be available.
• Dynamic and collaborative work culture focused on athlete success.