Head of Sports Science and Performance

Placements24; Rustenburg; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid and retirement fund

Paid time off

Professional development and travel

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Head of Sports Science and Performance to lead their integrated performance department in Rustenburg, North West. This senior role oversees sports science, strength and conditioning, injury prevention, and performance analytics to optimize athlete potential and success.

The ideal candidate will hold a Masters or PhD in related field, with 8+ years in senior sports science roles, proven leadership, data-driven training, and the ability to manage a team and

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Sports Science, Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics, or a related field.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in a senior sports science and performance role, preferably within professional team sports.
• Proven experience in designing and implementing successful strength and conditioning programs.
• Expertise in performance testing, data analysis, and interpretation of physiological metrics.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to build and motivate a high-performing team.
• Excellent understanding of injury prevention principles and rehabilitation processes.
• Proficiency in relevant software for data management and analysis (e.g., Catapult, STATSports).
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across different departments.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of comprehensive sports science and performance programs for all athletes, focusing on strength, conditioning, endurance, and recovery.
• Oversee the application of physiological monitoring, biomechanical analysis, and performance testing to assess athlete capabilities and track progress.
• Develop and manage injury prevention strategies, working closely with medical staff to minimize athlete downtime and manage rehabilitation.
• Utilize performance data and analytics to provide insights to coaches and athletes, informing training strategies and tactical decisions.
• Manage and mentor a team of sports scientists, strength and conditioning coaches, and performance analysts.
• Collaborate with head coaches and other performance staff to integrate sports science principles into team training and game preparation.
• Conduct research and stay abreast of the latest advancements in sports science, performance training, and injury management.
• Manage the budget for the sports science and performance department, ensuring efficient allocation of resources.
• Develop and maintain accurate record-keeping systems for athlete data and performance metrics.
• Champion a culture of evidence-based practice and continuous improvement within the performance department.
• Ensure all activities are aligned with the club's values and objectives in Rustenburg.

Skills

Leadership

Data analysis

Performance testing

Injury prevention

Biomechanics knowledge

Communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Sports Science or related field

Tools

Catapult

STATSports

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent professional sports club, is seeking an experienced and highly qualified Head of Sports Science and Performance to lead their integrated performance department in Rustenburg, North West . This crucial role involves overseeing all aspects of sports science, strength and conditioning, injury prevention, and performance analytics to optimize athlete potential and success. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of physiological principles, biomechanics, and data-driven training methodologies. You will be responsible for developing and implementing cutting-edge performance programs, managing a team of specialists, and collaborating closely with coaching staff to ensure athletes are physically prepared and resilient throughout the season. This is a significant opportunity to drive elite performance within the Leisure & Sports sector in the North West province.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of comprehensive sports science and performance programs for all athletes, focusing on strength, conditioning, endurance, and recovery.
• Oversee the application of physiological monitoring, biomechanical analysis, and performance testing to assess athlete capabilities and track progress.
• Develop and manage injury prevention strategies, working closely with medical staff to minimize athlete downtime and manage rehabilitation.
• Utilize performance data and analytics to provide insights to coaches and athletes, informing training strategies and tactical decisions.
• Manage and mentor a team of sports scientists, strength and conditioning coaches, and performance analysts.
• Collaborate effectively with head coaches and other performance staff to integrate sports science principles into team training and game preparation.
• Conduct research and stay abreast of the latest advancements in sports science, performance training, and injury management.
• Manage the budget for the sports science and performance department, ensuring efficient allocation of resources.
• Develop and maintain accurate record-keeping systems for athlete data and performance metrics.
• Champion a culture of evidence-based practice and continuous improvement within the performance department.
• Ensure all activities are aligned with the club's values and objectives in Rustenburg .

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Sports Science, Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in a senior sports science and performance role, preferably within professional team sports.
• Proven experience in designing and implementing successful strength and conditioning programs.
• Expertise in performance testing, data analysis, and interpretation of physiological metrics.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to build and motivate a high-performing team.
• Excellent understanding of injury prevention principles and rehabilitation processes.
• Proficiency in relevant software for data management and analysis (e.g., Catapult, STATSports).
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across different departments.
• Knowledge of the Leisure & Sports landscape in South Africa and the North West region is advantageous.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, based on team schedules and competition demands in Rustenburg .

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, including a substantial base salary and potential for significant performance-based bonuses tied to team and athlete success.
• A comprehensive benefits package includes private medical aid, a robust retirement fund, and generous paid time off.
• Exceptional opportunities for professional development, attending international conferences, and advancing within the field of elite sports performance are provided.
• Join a world-class organization focused on athletic excellence in Rustenburg .