JOB TITLE: Head of Sports Science and Medicine
DEPARTMENT: Sale Sharks Women’s Team
REPORTING INTO: Women’s Performance Lead / Head Coach
HOURS OF WORK: Full time, including some evening and weekend working
BASED: On-sight at Carrington training ground
SALARY: £DOE
WHO WE ARE:
We are Sale Sharks: A team. A community. A family, woven together by the Fabric of the North.
Born in Manchester and proud of our roots, 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.
THE OPPORTUNITY:
This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic professional to lead on the development and delivery of our sports science provision for the performance of our Women’s team. The successful candidate will also ensure the effective operation of the multi-disciplinary team and drive both development and performance outcomes. This is a newly created role which would be an ideal position for someone with proven leadership experience in an elite sporting environment.
KEY TASKS:
• Lead, deliver and enhance our sports science provision, developing the strategic objectives and driving demonstrable impact on the field.
• Lead and coordinate a team of Athletic Performance Coaches and Sport Scientists to ensure all players receive individual development programmes, monitoring, and reporting on pre-season / in-season preparation.
• Lead on the programming for the development of Rugby specific conditioning and the development of general and specific strength and power.
• Act as the lynchpin between our Medical and Sports Science staff to ensure a coordinated approach to the athletic development of our players, injury prevention and rehabilitation – liaising daily with the medical staff on player status, wellness and rehabilitation.
• Design and/or enhance core protocols and processes for the Sports Science and Medical departments, ensuring they are well integrated and regularly appraised and improved. This includes accountability for evidence-based protocols for return to train and return to play processes and (alongside medical staff) the effective management of the transition process.
• Liaise daily with coaching staff regarding the status and physical preparation requirements for the players (i.e. monitoring and related interventions).
• Establish a well-respected relationship with the team, acting as a motivational gym and pitch side presence – assessing and delivering advice to enhance performance.
• Create relationships with staff, coaches, players and the wider club stakeholders to facilitate strong operational delivery of the strategic aims.
• Lead and coordinate the interdisciplinary staff (Sports Science and Medicine) establishing and supporting practitioner KPI’s and driving an effective CPD programme as appropriate.
• Comply with all relevant regulatory bodies and legislation and always maintain professional conduct.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:
• BSc/BA in Sports Science (or related discipline)
• Accreditation from the UKSCA, BASES or equivalent
• At least 5 years’ experience within an elite sport setting (candidates without rugby experience would be considered based on experience)
• Excellent people management, conflict resolution and leadership skills – a confident decision maker.
• Excellent communication skills – a strong motivator of staff and athletes
• High level of self-awareness and overall emotional intelligence
• Experience in conducting scientifically underpinned assessment, monitoring and evaluation procedures
DESIREABLE SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:
• MSc/MRes/MPhil in Sports Science (or related discipline)
• Experience of leading a multi-disciplinary team within elite sport
• High level of knowledge around the physical, psychological, technical (position specific), and tactical (style of play) demands associated with Rugby
• Recognised First Aid and CPR certification
• Excellent computer literacy skills
• Full British driving licence and access to your own car
BENEFITS:
• Access to on-site gym
• Subsidised meals during season
• Free parking on site
• Free match tickets to all Sale Sharks home fixtures
APPLICATION PROCESS:
We are an equal opportunities employer, committed to having an inclusive culture that respects diversity and equity.
We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons.
Please send CV and covering letter to katy.dm@salesharks.com by Friday 12th July.
