Senior Athlete Performance Specialist

Placements24; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Medical aid

Continuing education

Conferences

Job summary

Placements24 in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, is seeking a Senior Athlete Performance Specialist to optimize the physical and mental performance of elite athletes across disciplines at our cutting-edge facility.

The role requires expertise in sports science — strength and conditioning, biomechanics, nutrition and sports psychology — and involves designing personalized training programs, conducting performance assessments and providing ongoing support to help athletes reach peak potential.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Sports Science, Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, or related field.
• Accreditation with BASES, ACSM, NSCA or equivalent required.
• 8+ years working with elite athletes or sports teams.
• Strong knowledge of biomechanics, exercise physiology, and sports psychology.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement science-based performance enhancement programs.
• Assess athletes' physical capabilities (strength, power, endurance, speed).
• Design and supervise personalized strength and conditioning routines.
• Monitor progress and adjust training to maximize gains and minimize injury risk.
• Educate athletes on nutrition, hydration, recovery, and injury prevention.
• Utilize performance tracking tech and data analysis to inform decisions.
• Collaborate with coaches, medical staff, and support personnel.
• Stay updated on latest research in sports science and performance optimization.
• Provide guidance on mental skills and psychological readiness for competition.
• Maintain confidential athlete performance records.

Skills

Strength & Conditioning

Biomechanics

Sports Psychology

Nutrition

Data Analysis

Performance Testing

Program Design

Communication

Team Collaboration

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Sports Science or related field

Tools

Performance Tracking Technology

Data Analysis Tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in the **Leisure & Sports** sector, is seeking a highly qualified Senior Athlete Performance Specialist to join their cutting-edge facility in **Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape**. This crucial role focuses on optimizing the physical and mental performance of athletes across various disciplines. The ideal candidate will possess extensive expertise in sports science, including strength and conditioning, biomechanics, nutrition, and sports psychology. You will be responsible for designing and implementing personalized training programs, conducting performance assessments, and providing ongoing support to help athletes reach their peak potential. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to athletic excellence in the **Eastern Cape**.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive, science-based performance enhancement programs for athletes.
• Conduct in-depth assessments of athletes' physical capabilities, including strength, power, endurance, and speed.
• Design and supervise personalized strength and conditioning routines.
• Monitor athlete progress and adjust training programs as needed to maximize gains and minimize injury risk.
• Educate athletes on sports nutrition, hydration, recovery strategies, and injury prevention.
• Utilize advanced performance tracking technology and data analysis to inform training decisions.
• Collaborate with coaches, medical staff, and other support personnel to ensure a holistic approach to athlete development.
• Stay abreast of the latest research and advancements in sports science and performance optimization.
• Provide guidance on mental skills training and psychological readiness for competition.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of athlete performance data and program details.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Sports Science, Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience working directly with elite athletes or sports teams.
• Accreditation with a recognized professional body (e.g., BASES, ACSM, NSCA) is required.
• Proven expertise in strength and conditioning, performance testing, and program design.
• Experience with performance monitoring technology and data analysis tools.
• Excellent understanding of biomechanics, exercise physiology, and sports psychology principles.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and motivational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience within the Eastern Cape sporting community is an advantage.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, including an annual performance bonus and comprehensive medical aid. Opportunities for continuing education, professional development, and attendance at leading sports science conferences are provided. This role is based in **Port Elizabeth** and offers a chance to work with dedicated athletes and a supportive team focused on achieving peak performance.