Head of Sports Academy Operations

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive-level salary and performance

Comprehensive health, retirement and保险

Growth opportunities in Leisure & 

World-class facilities access

Job summary

Placements24 in Sandton, Gauteng, ZA, seeks a visionary Head of Sports Academy Operations to lead elite athlete development, facility management, and coaching oversight. This senior role demands strategic leadership and a commitment to excellence in a high-performance environment.

You will manage athlete welfare programs, recruit and oversee staff, and liaison with external partners to uphold the academy's reputation. Based in Sandton with significant responsibility and growth potential.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in sports management, operations, or a leadership role.
• Proven track record of managing complex sporting operations and teams.
• Strong understanding of athlete development pathways, coaching methodologies, and sports science principles.
• Experience in financial management, budgeting, and strategic planning.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in facility management and event coordination within the Leisure & Sports sector.
• Ability to foster a positive and high-performance culture.
• Knowledge of best practices in athlete welfare and safeguarding.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all operational aspects of the Sports Academy, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness across all departments.
• Develop and implement strategic plans for the academy's growth and development in line with the organization's objectives.
• Manage the budget for the academy, ensuring financial responsibility and optimal resource allocation.
• Lead and mentor the academy staff, including coaches, administrators, and support personnel.
• Ensure the highest standards of athlete welfare, development, and performance monitoring.
• Oversee the management and maintenance of academy facilities and equipment.
• Liaise with sports governing bodies, educational institutions, and external partners.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures to maintain a high-performance and ethical environment.
• Manage recruitment and selection processes for both athletes and staff.
• Represent the academy at external events and stakeholder meetings in Sandton, Gauteng, ZA and beyond.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Sports Management

MBA or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious institution within the **Leisure & Sports** sector, is seeking an experienced and strategic **Head of Sports Academy Operations** to lead the comprehensive management of their elite sports academy in **Sandton, Gauteng, ZA**. This senior role is responsible for ensuring the smooth and effective operation of all academy functions, including athlete development programs, facility management, coaching oversight, and administrative support. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership acumen, extensive experience in sports management, and a deep commitment to fostering a high-performance environment for aspiring athletes. You will play a crucial role in upholding the academy's reputation for excellence and driving its continued success. This is a significant leadership opportunity within a leading **Leisure & Sports** organization in **Sandton**, offering the chance to impact the development of future sporting talent. We are looking for a visionary leader dedicated to athletic development.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all operational aspects of the **Sports Academy**, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness across all departments.
• Develop and implement strategic plans for the academy's growth and development in line with the organization's objectives.
• Manage the budget for the academy, ensuring financial responsibility and optimal resource allocation.
• Lead and mentor the academy staff, including coaches, administrators, and support personnel.
• Ensure the highest standards of athlete welfare, development, and performance monitoring.
• Oversee the management and maintenance of academy facilities and equipment.
• Liaise with sports governing bodies, educational institutions, and external partners.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures to maintain a high-performance and ethical environment.
• Manage recruitment and selection processes for both athletes and staff.
• Represent the academy at external events and stakeholder meetings in **Sandton, Gauteng, ZA** and beyond.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in sports management, operations, or a leadership role within a sports academy or similar institution.
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex sporting operations and teams.
• Strong understanding of athlete development pathways, coaching methodologies, and sports science principles.
• Demonstrated experience in financial management, budgeting, and strategic planning.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in facility management and event coordination within the **Leisure & Sports** sector.
• Relevant degree in Sports Management, Business Administration, or a related field; a Master's degree is highly advantageous.
• Ability to foster a positive and high-performance culture.
• Knowledge of best practices in athlete welfare and safeguarding.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to **Sandton, Gauteng, ZA**, and prepared for significant responsibility.

Benefits

• Executive-level salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, retirement, and insurance benefits.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and influence within the **Leisure & Sports** industry.
• The chance to shape the future of elite athlete development.
• Access to world-class facilities and resources.
• A leadership position with substantial impact in **Sandton**.