Head of Strength and Conditioning - Elite Athletics Program

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Continuing education opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Head of Strength and Conditioning in Bloemfontein to lead an elite athletics program. You will design and oversee comprehensive physical development strategies for student-athletes and manage a team of coaches to deliver world-class preparation for peak performance.

The role requires expertise in sports science, injury prevention, and performance optimization, with a data-driven mindset and strong collaboration with sport-specific coaches.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Kinesiology, Sports Science, Exercise Physiology, or related field.
• 7+ years in collegiate or professional strength and conditioning, with at least 3 years in a Head Coach or Director role.
• CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) certification from NSCA is mandatory.
• Additional certifications (e.g., SCCC, PES) are highly desirable.
• Proven experience in designing and implementing periodized training plans for diverse athletic populations.
• Demonstrated expertise in biomechanics, exercise physiology, and injury prevention.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience managing and developing a team of coaches.
• Proficiency in performance tracking software and data analysis.
• A strong understanding of NCAA or equivalent regulations is an advantage.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as dictated by training and competition schedules.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement individualized and team-based strength and conditioning programs tailored to the needs of each sport and athlete.
• Lead, mentor, and manage the strength and conditioning coaching staff, ensuring high standards of coaching and professional development.
• Conduct regular assessments of athletes' physical capabilities, identifying strengths and areas for improvement.
• Design and oversee injury prevention strategies and rehabilitation protocols with medical staff.
• Collaborate closely with sport-specific coaches to ensure integrated training approaches and optimal performance outcomes.
• Manage the strength and conditioning facilities, including equipment maintenance, inventory, and safety protocols.
• Stay current with the latest research, trends, and technologies in sports science, strength and conditioning, and performance optimization.
• Educate athletes on nutrition, recovery, and lifestyle choices that support peak performance.
• Maintain accurate records of athlete progress, training data, and injury information.
• Foster a positive, motivating, and disciplined training environment for all athletes.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Data analysis

Injury prevention

Periodized training design

Education

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

CSCS certification (NSCA)

7+ years in collegiate/professional strength & conditioning

Tools

Performance tracking software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading institution for athletic development based in Bloemfontein , is seeking a highly experienced and innovative Head of Strength and Conditioning to lead their elite athletics program. This crucial role involves designing, implementing, and overseeing comprehensive physical development strategies for student-athletes across various disciplines. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of sports science, injury prevention, and performance optimization. You will manage a team of strength and conditioning coaches, collaborate closely with sport-specific coaches, and ensure that all athletes receive world-class physical preparation to achieve peak performance. This is an exceptional opportunity to work within a high-performance environment and contribute significantly to the success of athletes at the collegiate and potentially national levels. The role demands a meticulous, data-driven approach to training.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement individualized and team-based strength and conditioning programs tailored to the specific needs of each sport and athlete.
• Lead, mentor, and manage the strength and conditioning coaching staff, ensuring high standards of coaching and professional development.
• Conduct regular assessments of athletes' physical capabilities, identifying strengths and areas for improvement.
• Design and oversee injury prevention strategies and rehabilitation protocols in conjunction with medical staff.
• Collaborate closely with sport-specific coaches to ensure integrated training approaches and optimal performance outcomes.
• Manage the strength and conditioning facilities, including equipment maintenance, inventory, and safety protocols.
• Stay current with the latest research, trends, and technologies in sports science, strength and conditioning, and performance optimization.
• Educate athletes on nutrition, recovery, and lifestyle choices that support peak performance.
• Maintain accurate records of athlete progress, training data, and injury information.
• Foster a positive, motivating, and disciplined training environment for all athletes.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Kinesiology, Sports Science, Exercise Physiology, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in collegiate or professional strength and conditioning, with at least 3 years in a Head Coach or Director role.
• CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) certification from the NSCA is mandatory.
• Additional certifications (e.g., SCCC, PES) are highly desirable.
• Proven experience in designing and implementing periodized training plans for diverse athletic populations.
• Demonstrated expertise in biomechanics, exercise physiology, and injury prevention.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience managing and developing a team of coaches.
• Proficiency in performance tracking software and data analysis.
• A strong understanding of NCAA or equivalent regulations is an advantage.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as dictated by training and competition schedules.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, commensurate with the candidate's expertise and experience. This includes a comprehensive benefits portfolio, including health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for continuing education and professional development. Working within a prestigious athletic program in Bloemfontein provides a stimulating environment with access to excellent facilities. We are dedicated to supporting our staff's growth and ensuring a rewarding career path within the field of elite sports performance.