Lead Performance Coach - Athletics

Placements24; Gauteng; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Professional development

State-of-the-art facilities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Performance Coach in Athletics for its high-performance training center in Tembisa, Gauteng. This senior role requires designing comprehensive, periodized programs and leading a team of coaches to develop athletes competing at national and international levels.

The candidate will integrate exercise physiology, biomechanics, and sport-specific methods, while coordinating with sports scientists and clinicians.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field is required.
• 7+ years of progressive coaching, 3+ years in senior/lead role within Athletics.
• Proven track record developing athletes to national/international levels.
• Expert knowledge of biomechanics and physiology relevant to track and field.
• Strong leadership, communication, and staff motivation abilities.

Responsibilities

• Design periodized training programs for elite track and field athletes.
• Lead and mentor a team of assistant coaches.
• Conduct athlete assessments, including testing and movement analysis.
• Collaborate with sports scientists, nutritionists, physiotherapists, and psychologists.
• Monitor and refine training strategies based on performance data.
• Coordinate scheduling, logistics, and travel for competitions.
• Promote a positive, ethical training environment and athlete well-being.
• Identify talent and participate in recruitment efforts.
• Represent the center at clinics, conferences, and community events.

Skills

Leadership

Performance analysis

Biomechanics knowledge

Communication

Athletic development

Education

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

Tools

Performance analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a high-performance athletic training center based in Tembisa, Gauteng, ZA, is seeking a Lead Performance Coach specializing in Athletics. This senior role requires a seasoned coach with a proven ability to develop elite athletes, design comprehensive training programs, and lead a team of specialized coaches. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of exercise physiology, biomechanics, and sport-specific training methodologies for track and field disciplines. You will be responsible for driving athletic excellence, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and contributing to the success of athletes competing at national and international levels. This hybrid role allows for strategic planning and administrative tasks to be completed remotely, while demanding on-site presence for coaching and athlete development in Tembisa.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and oversee comprehensive, periodized training programs for elite track and field athletes, focusing on performance enhancement.
• Lead and mentor a team of assistant coaches, ensuring adherence to best practices in training, athlete care, and program delivery.
• Conduct detailed athlete assessments, including physical testing, movement analysis, and performance monitoring, to inform personalized training plans.
• Collaborate with sports scientists, nutritionists, physiotherapists, and psychologists to provide holistic athlete support.
• Stay abreast of the latest research and innovations in sports performance, coaching science, and athletic development.
• Manage the scheduling and logistics of training sessions, competitions, and team travel.
• Foster a positive, disciplined, and results-oriented training environment that prioritizes athlete well-being and ethical conduct.
• Analyze athlete performance data and competition results to refine training strategies and identify areas for improvement.
• Contribute to talent identification and recruitment efforts for the training center.
• Represent the organization at clinics, conferences, and community events to promote the Leisure & Sports programs in Tembisa and beyond.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Exercise Science, Sports Coaching, Kinesiology, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive coaching experience, with at least 3 years specifically in a senior or lead coaching role within Athletics.
• Demonstrated success in developing athletes to national or international competitive standards.
• Expert knowledge of biomechanics, physiology, and periodization principles relevant to track and field.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate athletes and staff.
• Proficiency in performance analysis tools and technologies.
• Relevant coaching certifications from recognized national or international bodies (e.g., USTFCCCA, World Athletics Level5).
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends, and occasional travel.
• A deep understanding of the Leisure & Sports landscape and a passion for athletic development in Tembisa, Gauteng, ZA.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, and opportunities for continued professional development and certifications.
• You will work with dedicated professionals and have access to state-of-the-art training facilities.
• This role provides a significant opportunity to shape the future of athletics performance and contribute to the Leisure & Sports community in Tembisa, Gauteng, ZA.