Head of Athletic Performance and Conditioning

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Generous paid time off

Education opportunities

State-of-the-art facilities

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban seeks a visionary Head of Athletic Performance and Conditioning to lead a team of strength and conditioning coaches. You will design and oversee world‑class training programs, integrate science‑based strategies, and drive injury prevention.

Requires a Master’s degree in Sports Science or related field and 8+ years in elite conditioning, with at least 3 years in leadership. You will manage budgets, collaborate with sports medicine and coaches, and pursue data‑driven

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in a related field (Sports Science, Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology).
• 8+ years in high-level athletic performance/conditioning; 3+ years in leadership.
• CSCS/SCCC certification or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and oversee comprehensive athletic performance programs.
• Lead and mentor a team of strength and conditioning coaches.
• Collaborate with sports scientists, medical staff, and coaches to integrate performance strategies.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Communication

Data analysis

Sports science knowledge

Injury prevention

Education

Master’s degree in Sports Science/Exercise Physiology/Kinesiology

Tools

Sports performance tracking systems

Biomechanics analysis software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent organization within the Leisure & Sports sector, is seeking a visionary and highly skilled Head of Athletic Performance and Conditioning for their facility in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal . This leadership role is paramount in developing and implementing cutting-edge training programs designed to optimize the physical capabilities of athletes across various disciplines. The successful candidate will lead a team of conditioning specialists, ensuring that all athletes receive world‑class training and support. This position requires a profound understanding of sports science, biomechanics, physiology, and nutrition, combined with exceptional leadership and program management skills. The Head of Athletic Performance and Conditioning will play a crucial role in athlete development, injury prevention, and performance enhancement, contributing significantly to the success of the athletes and the organization. We are looking for an innovator who can drive best practices and foster a culture of peak performance and well‑being within the athletic community. This role offers the chance to shape the future of athletic development in a thriving region.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and oversee comprehensive athletic performance and conditioning programs tailored to the needs of diverse athlete populations.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of strength and conditioning coaches, ensuring high standards of practice and professional development.
• Collaborate with sports scientists, medical staff, and coaches to integrate performance strategies with overall training plans.
• Design and implement effective injury prevention protocols and rehabilitation support systems.
• Conduct regular assessments and evaluations of athlete physical capabilities, tracking progress and making data‑driven adjustments to training programs.
• Stay current with the latest research, trends, and technologies in sports science, athletic training, and conditioning.
• Manage the budget for the athletic performance department, including equipment procurement, facility maintenance, and staffing.
• Educate athletes and coaching staff on principles of strength, conditioning, nutrition, recovery, and injury prevention.
• Ensure all training activities comply with ethical standards, sports regulations, and safety protocols.
• Contribute to the recruitment and development of talent within the athletic department.

Requirements

• Master's degree or higher in Sports Science, Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in a high-level athletic performance and conditioning role, with at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory capacity.
• Certification from a recognized strength and conditioning association (e.g., CSCS, SCCC).
• Extensive knowledge of sports physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, and injury prevention strategies.
• Proven ability to design and implement evidence‑based training programs for elite athletes.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate athletes and staff.
• Experience with performance tracking technology and data analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets and resources effectively.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Flexibility to work varied hours, including evenings and weekends, as required by training schedules and competition demands.

Benefits

• A leading salary package commensurate with expertise and experience.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement plan with employer contributions.
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
• Opportunities for continued professional education and conference attendance.
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art training facilities and equipment.
• Employee discounts on sports merchandise and facility memberships.
• Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.
• A supportive and dynamic work culture focused on athlete success.