At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and deliver strength and conditioning programmes for academy players.
- Company: Join Sale Sharks, a top-flight rugby club with a strong community spirit.
- Benefits: Enjoy free match tickets, subsidised meals, and access to an on-site gym.
- Other info: Be part of a passionate team dedicated to excellence and community.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young athletes' development in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in strength and conditioning with high-performance athletes required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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.
Responsibilities: 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.
- 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 click APPLY NOW to send your CV and Cover Letter to our team.
Head of Academy Strength and Conditioning in Wigan employer: Sale Sharks
At Sale Sharks, we pride ourselves on being more than just a rugby club; we are a community that values Togetherness, Fearlessness, Passion, Pride, and Humility. As the Head of Academy Strength and Conditioning, you will be part of a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters personal and professional growth, with access to excellent facilities, including an on-site gym and opportunities to attend home matches. Join us in shaping the future of rugby while making a meaningful impact both on and off the pitch in the heart of the North-West.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Academy Strength and Conditioning in Wigan
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Communities
Dive into your local sports scene! Attend community games, coaching sessions, and meet-ups. Building relationships with coaches and team managers can help you uncover job opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Leverage Internships and Volunteering
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✨Visit Sports Job Fairs
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Academy Strength and Conditioning in Wigan
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sports:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sports and recreation shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in the industry and how it's shaped your career choices. Sharing specific experiences, like managing a team or organising an event, can really make you stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, focus on any relevant internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs related to sports and recreation management. Make sure to quantify your achievements – did you increase team participation by a certain percentage or successfully lead a project? Numbers speak volumes!
Tailor Your CV for Sports Management:Use a CV format that emphasises your skills in leadership, teamwork, and event coordination. Don’t forget to include specific training or certifications that relate to sports management, as these can set you apart from other applicants. We love seeing candidates with relevant qualifications!
Express Your Long-Term Goals:In your application, we want to see your career aspirations in sports management. Don’t hesitate to include how you envision your future in this industry and how joining Sale Sharks aligns with those goals. We’re looking for candidates who are not just a perfect fit for the role but are also excited about growing with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sale Sharks
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Sale Sharks, make sure to express your genuine love for sports and recreation. Share experiences that showcase your passion, whether it's managing a local sports team, organising events, or simply being an active participant in various activities. This helps them see you're not just a fit on paper, but also someone who truly cares about the field.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
This role is all about managing resources and people, so be ready to discuss your leadership and organisational skills. Prepare some examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a project, particularly in a sports or recreation setting. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to make your answers concise and impactful.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect case studies or scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. You might be asked how you would handle a tricky situation, such as resolving a conflict between team members or managing a crisis during a major event. Think through these scenarios and practice how you’d articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Demonstrate Enthusiasm for Team Collaboration
In the sports and recreation management field, teamwork is essential. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you work within a team and foster a collaborative environment. Share success stories where teamwork led to a positive outcome, emphasising how you built relationships and encouraged participation among team members to achieve a common goal.
