Sports Science & Conditioning Specialist

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 640,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 in Polokwane invites a Sports Science & Conditioning Specialist to lead year-round strength and conditioning for elite athletes. You will design programs, monitor workloads, and guide nutrition and recovery with the coaching and medical staff.

The role requires a strong sports science background, professional certifications, and at least five years of experience in high-level teams. You will stay current with the literature and help drive performance improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Sports Science, Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• CSCS/ASCA/UKSCA certifications valued; experience with performance monitoring tools.
• 5+ years as Strength & Conditioning Coach in high-level sport setting; ability to design effective programs.
• Strong understanding of biomechanics, physiology, and nutrition principles; excellent communication and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and supervise year-round strength and conditioning programs for athletes.
• Assess athletes' physical attributes (strength, power, speed, endurance, flexibility).
• Monitor training loads, fatigue, and recovery using technology and metrics.
• Develop individualized conditioning plans based on assessments and performance goals.
• Educate athletes on strength, nutrition, recovery, and injury prevention.
• Collaborate with medical staff to rehabilitate injured athletes.
• Stay current with scientific literature and best practices in sports science.
• Analyze performance data to inform training strategies.
• Maintain records of progress and program effectiveness.
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement within the performance team.

Skills

CSCS

ASCA

UKSCA

Biomechanics

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Sports Science/Exercise Physiology/Kinesiology

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Performance monitoring software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a high-performance sports organization based in Polokwane, Limpopo, is seeking a dedicated Sports Science & Conditioning Specialist. This role is crucial in enhancing athlete performance through evidence-based training methodologies and physiological monitoring. You will be responsible for designing and implementing individualized and team-based strength and conditioning programs, monitoring athlete workload, and providing nutritional guidance. The ideal candidate will possess a strong theoretical knowledge base in sports science and physiology, coupled with practical experience in coaching and athlete development. You will work collaboratively with coaches, medical staff, and athletes to optimize physical capabilities and prevent injuries. This hybrid position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the success of elite athletes in a supportive and dynamic environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and supervise year-round strength and conditioning programs for athletes.
• Conduct assessments of athletes' physical attributes (strength, power, speed, endurance, flexibility).
• Monitor athlete training loads, fatigue levels, and recovery status using appropriate technology and metrics.
• Develop individualized conditioning plans based on assessment results and performance goals.
• Educate athletes on principles of strength training, nutrition, recovery, and injury prevention.
• Collaborate with medical staff to ensure the safe and effective rehabilitation of injured athletes.
• Stay current with scientific literature and best practices in sports science and conditioning.
• Assist in the analysis of performance data to inform training strategies.
• Maintain accurate records of athlete progress and program effectiveness.
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement within the performance team.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Sports Science, Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, or a related field. A Master's degree is preferred.
• Relevant professional certification (e.g., CSCS, ASCA, UKSCA).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience working as a Strength and Conditioning Coach in a professional or high-level amateur sports setting.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing effective training programs.
• Proficiency in using performance monitoring tools and software.
• Strong understanding of biomechanics, exercise physiology, and nutrition principles.
• Excellent communication, motivational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• High level of organization and attention to detail.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as dictated by training and competition schedules.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health insurance, and a retirement savings plan.
• Benefits include generous annual leave, funding for professional development and certifications, and access to advanced training facilities.
• This role provides a significant career opportunity within the sports science field in Polokwane, allowing you to make a tangible impact on athlete performance and well-being.
• Join a dedicated team focused on achieving peak athletic potential.