Head of Sports Science & Performance

Placements24; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary and benefits

Leading department in Randburg

Cutting-edge technology access

Professional development opportunities

Networking at national/international _

World-class performance environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Head of Sports Science & Performance for our client in Randburg, Gauteng. The role leads a multidisciplinary team to optimize athlete well-being and performance in elite sports settings.

The successful candidate will bring a PhD or Master's, 10+ years in sports science, and strong leadership capabilities, shaping evidence-based practices and strategic planning. A senior leader who can drive innovation and collaboration across departments will thrive.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master's in Sports Science or closely related field.
• 10+ years in sports science/performance with elite environment.
• 5+ years in leadership or management roles.
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills using monitoring tech.
• Excellent leadership and communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Set strategic direction for the Sports Science and Performance department.
• Oversee physiology, biomechanics, strength & conditioning, nutrition, and psychology.
• Develop evidence-based performance programs for elite athletes.
• Mentor and develop a multidisciplinary team of scientists and coaches.
• Collaborate with head coaches for integrated athlete support.
• Manage budgets and ensure ethical standards in practice.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Data interpretation

Communication

Budget management

Education

PhD in Sports Science / Exercise Physiology / Biomechanics

Master's degree in Sports Science / related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a high-performance sports institute located in Randburg, Gauteng , is seeking an exceptional Head of Sports Science & Performance . This senior leadership role is responsible for leading and developing a multidisciplinary team focused on optimizing athlete well-being and performance. The ideal candidate will possess a deep scientific understanding, extensive practical experience, and a proven ability to implement innovative strategies within the elite Leisure & Sports domain. This position requires a visionary leader who can foster a culture of excellence, evidence-based practice, and continuous improvement, significantly impacting athletic outcomes for the institute.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the strategic direction and operational management of the Sports Science and Performance department. Oversee the delivery of a comprehensive range of services, including physiology, biomechanics, strength and conditioning, nutrition, and psychology. Develop and implement evidence-based performance programs tailored to the needs of elite athletes. Manage and mentor a team of sports scientists and performance coaches, fostering their professional development. Collaborate closely with head coaches and other performance staff to ensure integrated athlete support. Establish robust systems for athlete monitoring, data collection, and performance analysis. Conduct research and stay abreast of the latest advancements in sports science and performance enhancement. Manage the department's budget effectively, ensuring optimal allocation of resources. Ensure compliance with all relevant ethical guidelines and professional standards. Champion a holistic approach to athlete care, focusing on both performance and long-term health. Contribute to the institute's strategic planning and development within the Leisure & Sports sector. Represent the institute at national and international conferences and forums.

Requirements

A PhD or Master's degree in Sports Science, Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics, or a closely related field. A minimum of 10 years of experience in sports science and performance, with at least 5 years in a leadership or management role within an elite sporting environment. Demonstrated experience in leading and managing multidisciplinary teams. Extensive knowledge of physiological, biomechanical, and psychological principles applied to athletic performance. Proven track record in developing and implementing successful athlete performance programs. Strong analytical skills with expertise in data interpretation and performance monitoring technologies. Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. Experience in managing departmental budgets and resources. A commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional development. A deep understanding of the competitive Gauteng sporting landscape and the Leisure & Sports industry. Ability to foster strong collaborative relationships across various departments and with external stakeholders.

Benefits

• A highly competitive executive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunity to lead a world-class sports science and performance department in Randburg .
• Significant scope for innovation and impact on elite athlete development.
• Access to cutting-edge technology and facilities.
• Professional development and networking opportunities within the global sports science community.