Head of Sports Science & Conditioning

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary package

Medical aid

Retirement fund contribution

Life assurance

Professional development support

World-class training facilities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Head of Sports Science & Conditioning in Stellenbosch to lead the sports science and strength & conditioning teams within an elite professional sports club. The role focuses on optimizing athlete performance, injury prevention, and overall well-being through research-based, data-driven methods.

The successful candidate will oversee integrated performance programs, utilize advanced monitoring technologies, and collaborate with coaching, medical, and analytics staff to

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Sports Science, Exercise Physiology, or a related field.
• Experience leading sports science/strength & conditioning teams at elite level.
• Strong skills in data analysis and monitoring systems.
• Excellent leadership and communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the sports science and strength & conditioning departments.
• Develop and oversee integrated performance programs for athletes.
• Utilize monitoring technologies to assess loads, fatigue, and readiness.
• Design and supervise training protocols across strength, power, endurance and speed.
• Oversee recovery strategies including nutrition and sleep.
• Collaborate with coaching, medical, and performance analysts for holistic development.
• Conduct research and stay updated with current advances in the field.
• Manage department budget, equipment, and facilities.
• Mentor junior staff in sports science and conditioning.
• Implement best practices for athlete welfare and injury prevention.

Skills

Leadership

Data analysis

Communication

Team management

Program design

Education

Master's or PhD in Sports Science or related field

Tools

Performance tracking systems

Data analysis software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious professional sports club in Stellenbosch, Western Cape , is seeking an experienced and innovative Head of Sports Science & Conditioning . This senior leadership role is crucial for optimizing athlete performance, injury prevention, and overall well-being within the club's elite programs. You will lead a team of sports scientists and strength and conditioning coaches, integrating cutting-edge research and methodologies into daily training regimens. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, and recovery strategies, coupled with exceptional leadership and communication skills. This position offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to work at the pinnacle of professional sports in the scenic Stellenbosch region.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the sports science and strength & conditioning departments, fostering a culture of excellence.
• Develop, implement, and oversee integrated performance programs tailored to individual athlete needs.
• Utilize advanced monitoring technologies and data analysis to assess athlete loads, fatigue, and performance readiness.
• Design and supervise strength, power, endurance, and speed training protocols.
• Oversee athlete recovery strategies, including nutrition, sleep, and active recovery modalities.
• Collaborate closely with coaching staff, medical teams, and performance analysts to ensure a holistic approach to athlete development.
• Conduct research and stay abreast of the latest advancements in sports science and exercise physiology.
• Manage the department's budget, equipment procurement, and facility maintenance.
• Mentor and develop junior members of the sports science and conditioning team.
• Ensure the implementation of best practices in athlete welfare and injury prevention programs.

Requirements

• A Master's or PhD degree in Sports Science, Exercise Physiology, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in a sports science or strength and conditioning role, with at least 3 years in a leadership capacity at an elite level.
• Extensive knowledge of periodization, program design, and athlete monitoring systems.
• Proficiency in data analysis software and performance tracking technologies.
• Demonstrated experience in managing and motivating a team of specialists.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Accreditation with a recognized professional body (e.g., BASES, NSCA).
• Experience working within professional sports environments.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and travel, as required by the team's schedule.
• Must be located in or willing to relocate to the Stellenbosch, Western Cape area.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive executive salary package, commensurate with experience and qualifications, along with performance-related bonuses.
• Comprehensive benefits include top-tier medical aid (including specialists), a generous retirement fund contribution, and life assurance.
• Significant opportunities for professional development and further education are provided, including support for attending international conferences and obtaining advanced certifications.
• You will have access to world-class training facilities and equipment.
• Paid time off, including annual leave and sick leave, is provided.
• This is a unique opportunity to significantly impact athlete performance at a leading sports institution in Stellenbosch .