Head of Academy Strength and Conditioning in Manchester

WHO WE ARE: We are Sale Sharks: A team. A community. A family, woven together by the Fabric of the North. Sale Sharks is the only Premiership Rugby Union team in the North-West, playing top-flight rugby in the Gallagher Premiership and European Champions Cup, with an emerging Women’s team competing in Premiership Women’s Rugby. With Northern charm in our blood and Shark pride in our hearts, our mission is to be the most impactful rugby club on the planet, on and off the pitch. Inclusive and caring in everything we do. We’re not afraid to take risks, trying something new in search of better and facing up to the toughest with courage and pride. We use our position as the best team in the North to make a real difference, whether that’s through grassroots sports or community initiatives. We play with integrity on and off the pitch and we are seeking someone who shares our values of Togetherness, Fearlessness, Passion, Pride and Humility.

OBJECTIVES: To produce programmes of performance for Sale Sharks Academy players along the Pathway.

RESPONSIBLE FOR: The planning, delivery implementation and appraisal of all Sale Sharks Academy player pathways and programmes.

Role purpose: The Head of Strength and Conditioning (Academy) is responsible for leading and delivering the club’s physical development strategy for all academy players, ensuring they progress safely and effectively towards the demands of senior elite rugby. This role oversees the design, implementation, and monitoring of age appropriate, evidence based strength and conditioning programmes that support long term athletic development, enhance performance, and minimise injury risk across the Academy pathway. Working closely with academy coaches, medical staff, and wider performance specialists, the postholder ensures a cohesive, integrated approach to player development from U15s through to the Senior Academy. The role provides leadership and mentoring to academy S&C staff, maintains high professional and safeguarding standards, and contributes to the identification and progression of future senior team talent. The Head of S&C (Academy) plays a key strategic role in shaping the physical identity, behaviours, and performance culture of the club’s emerging players.

KEY TASKS:

• Lead the design, delivery and coordination of all individual Senior Academy athletic performance programmes through effective periodised plans specific to their development needs.
• Manage the training load information, the daily monitoring process as directed by the senior programme and communicate any issues relating to player development to the relevant staff.
• Coordinate and integrate the delivery of services, intervention design and processes across the academy strength and conditioning department.
• Ensure the Junior and Senior Academy athletic performance programmes align and coordinate with the Sale senior programme through effective communication and relationship building.
• Coordinate the annual athletic performance testing across the whole pathway according to RFU National Standards and testing schedule.
• Capture, store and manage all athletic performance testing and training data and ensure that it is reviewed and informs the athletic development programmes.
• Responsible for the design and delivery of all recovery and game preparation elements for the Academy pathway.
• Liaise regularly with the junior academy S&C staff to ensure appropriate programme alignment and prescription to the needs of the Academy and Senior programmes, in particular the transition of EAPs between programmes.
• Assist in the delivery of coach and player education programmes.

Experience: Extensive experience as a Strength and Conditioning Coach working with the development of high performance athletes. Proven background in staff management, supervision, and supporting the development of others. Demonstrated ability to work effectively within an interdisciplinary team (e.g., coaches, physiotherapists, sports massage therapists, analysts) to design and deliver integrated performance strategies.

Education & Qualifications: Holds appropriate professional accreditation and is fully competent to deliver and/or supervise staff in the delivery of all aspects of strength and conditioning, including the design of sport specific, periodised programmes for academy level athletes; UKSCA Accredited S&C Coach or S&C Trainer.

Skills & Abilities: Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong organisational and time management abilities. Able to work independently, prioritise effectively, and meet deadlines. Proven ability to lead, motivate, and manage a team of coaches. Passionate about developing individuals and helping them achieve their goals and aspirations.

BENEFITS: Access to on-site gym, Subsidised meals during season, Free parking on site, Free match tickets to all Sale Sharks home fixtures.

How to apply: Please send your CV and a covering letter. When applying, please ensure your covering letter clearly outlines: Your relevant experience in elite or academy-level performance environments, Your qualifications in Strength & Conditioning or related disciplines, Why you are interested in joining Sale Sharks, Your availability for interview and notice period (if applicable). We look forward to receiving your application.