Head Physiotherapist - Elite Sports

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Opportunities for professional dev

Job summary

Placements24 in Upington, Northern Cape seeks a Head Physiotherapist to lead the medical team for elite athletes. You will oversee injury prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, collaborating with coaches and sports scientists while managing staff and budget.

This on-site role requires a Master’s in Physiotherapy, HPCSA registration, 8+ years post-graduate experience (4+ in elite sport), and strong leadership. You will shape athlete care and performance.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Physiotherapy or a related field.
• HPCSA registration must be current.
• 8+ years post-graduate physiotherapy experience.
• At least 4 years in elite sports.
• Proven experience leading a physiotherapy department or team.
• Deep knowledge of sports injuries, biomechanics, rehabilitation techniques.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert physiotherapy assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for elite athletes.
• Develop individualized rehabilitation programs for athletes recovering from injuries.
• Lead injury prevention through screening, education, and conditioning guidance.
• Oversee the physiotherapy department, including staff, equipment, and budget.
• Collaborate with coaches, sports scientists, and medical team for integrated care.
• Maintain accurate, confidential medical records for all athletes.
• Stay updated with advancements in sports physio and medicine.
• Educate athletes and staff on health, injury prevention, and wellness strategies.
• Manage logistics of medical support for training, travel, and competitions.
• Ensure compliance with professional standards and ethics.

Skills

Elite sports physiotherapy

Leadership

Diagnostics

Rehabilitation

Injury prevention

Multidisciplinary team

Communication

Travel readiness

Education

Master's degree in Physiotherapy

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent sports franchise, is seeking a highly experienced and dedicated Head Physiotherapist to lead their medical team. This full-time, on-site position is based in Upington, Northern Cape . You will be responsible for the comprehensive physiotherapy care of elite athletes, including injury prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. The Head Physiotherapist will play a crucial role in ensuring athletes maintain peak physical condition throughout the season, working collaboratively with coaches, sports scientists, and other medical professionals. This role requires exceptional clinical skills, strong leadership abilities, and a passion for sports medicine and athletic performance. The successful candidate will be instrumental in upholding the health and well-being of the team in Upington, Northern Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert physiotherapy assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for elite athletes.
• Develop and implement individualized rehabilitation programs for athletes recovering from injuries.
• Lead the prevention of sports-related injuries through proactive screening, education, and conditioning advice.
• Oversee and manage the physiotherapy department, including staff, equipment, and budget.
• Collaborate closely with the coaching staff, sports scientists, and medical team to ensure integrated athlete care.
• Maintain accurate and confidential medical records for all athletes.
• Stay current with the latest advancements and best practices in sports physiotherapy and sports medicine.
• Educate athletes and staff on injury prevention, health, and wellness strategies.
• Manage the logistics of medical support for training, travel, and competitions.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant professional and ethical standards.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Physiotherapy or a related field.
• Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
• Minimum of 8 years of post-graduate experience in physiotherapy, with at least 4 years specializing in elite sports.
• Proven experience in managing a physiotherapy department or team.
• In-depth knowledge of sports injuries, biomechanics, exercise physiology, and rehabilitation techniques.
• Excellent diagnostic, manual therapy, and therapeutic exercise skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience working within a multidisciplinary sports medicine team.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and travel, as required.
• A deep commitment to athlete health and performance, with knowledge of the sports environment in Upington, Northern Cape .

Benefits

• competitive salary
• comprehensive medical aid
• retirement fund contributions
• opportunities for further professional development and specialization

Be part of a high-performance environment dedicated to excellence in sports medicine.

Join a supportive team focused on ensuring the optimal health and success of our athletes in Upington, Northern Cape .