High-Performance Coach - Athletics

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Annual leave

Professional development

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 in Polokwane seeks a seasoned High-Performance Coach to identify, develop, and mentor elite track and field athletes toward national and international success.

You will design periodized training programs, lead performance testing, and collaborate with sports scientists and physicians to optimize care and results. A strong coaching pedigree and a passion for athletic excellence are essential. This demanding role rewards strategic thinking, resilience, and a commitment to clean sport.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Sports Science, Human Movement Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience coaching at a high-performance level, with a proven record of developing athletes to elite standards.
• Advanced coaching certifications (e.g., Level 3 or 4 equivalent) from a recognized national or international body.
• Strong understanding of sports science principles, including physiology, biomechanics, and nutrition.
• Excellent observational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and motivational abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Willingness to travel for competitions and training camps.
• Flexibility to work non-standard hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends.
• A deep passion for athletics and a commitment to athlete development and well-being.
• Knowledge of anti-doping regulations and a commitment to clean sport.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive, periodized training programs for elite track and field athletes, tailored to individual needs and event specializations.
• Conduct regular athlete assessments, performance testing, and provide detailed feedback.
• Monitor athlete progress, manage training loads, and adjust programs to optimize performance and prevent injuries.
• Work collaboratively with sports scientists, physiotherapists, nutritionists, and other support staff to provide holistic athlete care.
• Provide technical coaching and instruction across various athletics disciplines.
• Educate athletes on principles of strength and conditioning, nutrition, recovery, and mental skills.
• Identify and recruit talented athletes to the club's high-performance program.
• Prepare athletes for major competitions, including national championships, continental events, and potentially Olympic Games.
• Maintain detailed records of athlete training, performance, and progress.
• Stay abreast of the latest research and advancements in coaching science and athletics training.
• Foster a positive, disciplined, and motivating training environment.
• Represent the club at relevant coaching forums and competitions.

Skills

Coaching

Athletics

Performance analysis

Education

Sports Science degree

Coaching certifications Level 3/4

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished athletics club and training facility in Polokwane , Limpopo, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced High-Performance Coach. This role is dedicated to identifying, developing, and mentoring aspiring and elite athletes towards national and international success. You will leverage your deep understanding of sports science, training methodologies, and athlete psychology to create personalized, world-class training programs. The ideal candidate possesses a strong coaching pedigree, a passion for athletic excellence, and the ability to inspire and guide athletes to reach their full potential. This is a challenging yet rewarding position within a supportive and performance-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and implement comprehensive, periodized training programs for elite track and field athletes, tailored to individual needs and event specializations. Conduct regular athlete assessments, performance testing, and provide detailed feedback. Monitor athlete progress, manage training loads, and adjust programs to optimize performance and prevent injuries. Work collaboratively with sports scientists, physiotherapists, nutritionists, and other support staff to provide holistic athlete care. Provide technical coaching and instruction across various athletics disciplines. Educate athletes on principles of strength and conditioning, nutrition, recovery, and mental skills. Identify and recruit talented athletes to the club's high-performance program. Prepare athletes for major competitions, including national championships, continental events, and potentially Olympic Games. Maintain detailed records of athlete training, performance, and progress. Stay abreast of the latest research and advancements in coaching science and athletics training. Foster a positive, disciplined, and motivating training environment. Represent the club at relevant coaching forums and competitions.

Requirements

Requirements Bachelor's degree in Sports Science, Human Movement Science, or a related field. Minimum of 7 years of experience coaching at a high-performance level, with a proven record of developing athletes to elite standards. Demonstrated expertise in training methodologies for track and field disciplines. Advanced coaching certifications (e.g., Level 3 or 4 equivalent) from a recognized national or international body. Strong understanding of sports science principles, including physiology, biomechanics, and nutrition. Excellent observational, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Exceptional leadership, communication, and motivational abilities. Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. Willingness to travel for competitions and training camps. Flexibility to work non-standard hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends. A deep passion for athletics and a commitment to athlete development and well-being. Knowledge of anti-doping regulations and a commitment to clean sport.

Benefits

This position offers a competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience and qualifications. Benefits include comprehensive medical aid and a retirement fund. Employees receive a generous annual leave allowance and are supported with opportunities for continuous professional development, including attending advanced coaching courses and international seminars. Relocation assistance may be considered for exceptional candidates. Join our dedicated team in Polokwane and shape the future of elite athletics.