Manager of Athlete Development Programs

Placements24; South Africa; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Hybrid work model

Annual leave and development

Job summary

Placements24 in Pretoria is seeking a Manager of Athlete Development Programs to design and oversee holistic development pathways for youth and emerging athletes. You will collaborate with coaches, sport scientists, and educators to balance technical, physical, and psychological training with academic progress.

The role requires a strong background in sports science or sports management, plus 5–7 years' experience in program leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field required; Master's preferred.
• 5-7 years in athlete development, coaching, or sports program management.
• Strong understanding of exercise physiology, biomechanics, psychology, and nutrition.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a strategic framework for athlete development across sports.
• Oversee recruitment and progression of young athletes into development pathways.
• Design individualized training plans addressing technical, tactical, physical and psychological needs.
• Coordinate with coaches, sport scientists, and schools to support academic progress.
• Organize training camps, workshops and competitions for developing athletes.
• Monitor progress and provide feedback to athletes, parents and stakeholders.
• Manage program budgets and resources efficiently.
• Stay updated on best practices in athlete development and youth sports.

Skills

Exercise physiology

Biomechanics

Sports psychology

Nutrition

Education

Bachelor's degree in Sports Science / Kinesiology / Sports Management / Education

Master's degree preferred

Job description

About the Role

Leisure & Sports sector, is seeking a dedicated and experienced Manager of Athlete Development Programs for their Pretoria operations. This critical role focuses on designing, implementing, and overseeing comprehensive programs aimed at nurturing athletic talent from grassroots levels through to elite performance. You will work closely with coaches, sports scientists, and educational institutions to create holistic development pathways that address technical skills, physical conditioning, mental fortitude, and academic success. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in sports science, coaching, or sports management, combined with a passion for youth development and a proven ability to manage complex programs. This position offers a fulfilling career opportunity to significantly impact the future of sports talent in Pretoria and contribute to the growth of athletic excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a strategic framework for athlete development programs across various sports disciplines.
• Oversee the recruitment, selection, and monitoring of promising young athletes for development pathways.
• Collaborate with coaches and specialists to design individualized training plans focusing on technical, tactical, physical, and psychological development.
• Ensure athletes receive appropriate support services, including nutritional guidance, injury prevention, and mental skills training.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with schools, universities, and other educational institutions to support athletes' academic progress.
• Organize and coordinate training camps, workshops, and competitive opportunities for developing athletes.
• Track and evaluate athlete progress, providing regular feedback to athletes, parents, and relevant stakeholders.
• Manage program budgets, resources, and administrative functions efficiently.
• Stay informed about best practices and innovations in athlete development and youth sports.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Sports Science, Kinesiology, Sports Management, Education, or a related field. A Master's degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in athlete development, coaching, or sports program management, preferably with a focus on youth or emerging athletes.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing successful sports development programs.
• Strong understanding of exercise physiology, biomechanics, sports psychology, and nutrition.
• Excellent organizational, project management, and communication skills.
• Ability to build rapport and effectively communicate with athletes, coaches, parents, and administrators.
• Experience working within the Pretoria sports community is a plus.
• Proficiency in relevant software for program management and athlete tracking.
• Willingness to adapt to a hybrid work environment, balancing on-site program coordination with remote administrative tasks.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Performance-related incentives.
• Comprehensive health insurance plan.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development and certifications.
• Access to excellent training facilities and resources.
• A rewarding role focused on shaping the next generation of athletes.
• Hybrid work model providing a balance of office and remote flexibility.