Are you ready to take your career to the next level and work for one of the biggest clubs in the NRL? If you're passionate about elite sport, thrive in a high-performance environment, and want to contribute to the long-term success of a Club with deep roots in Western Sydney, then the Parramatta Eels could be the perfect fit for you.
At the Parramatta Eels, we're all about uplifting lives, delivering unforgettable moments, and bringing communities together. Our people are the driving force behind our success - on and off the field - and we're looking for passionate and experienced professionals to join our team.
Our Club values are Accountable, All-In, Respect, and United – and we live and breathe these every day. We are committed to fostering a supportive and high-performing culture, where every individual is empowered to lead, grow, and make a meaningful impact. Apply now and become part of the pride of the Rising West!
About the Role
The Head of Athletic Performance plays a critical role in leading the physical preparation of the NRL playing group and delivering a world-class high-performance environment.
This full-time role will suit a driven, collaborative, and technically skilled professional with proven experience in elite strength and conditioning environments. You’ll work closely with coaches, medical, nutrition, and performance staff to ensure our athletes are physically primed to perform at their peak throughout the season.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the entire Athletic Performance department regarding strategy, planning, reporting and communicating with key stakeholders within the Football Department.
- Develop strategies to optimise the physical preparation and performance of the NRL team consistent with the Head Coach’s intended game model.
- Oversee the design, implementation and evaluation of all athletic performance modalities within the program to enhance performance, including speed, strength & power, conditioning, nutrition, sports science, external consultants, etc.
- Where appropriate, ensure the delivery of individualised performance programs tailored to the needs of the athlete and their positional demands.
- Oversee the functional use of sports science data and integration into the NRL program
- Adopt an integrated (best practice) approach with the medical team relating to injury prevention, recovery and rehabilitation practices for the player to return to optimal performance levels
- Actively participate as a member of the PNRL Supplements Committee and uphold NRL supplement policy requirements under the direction of Club Chief Medical Officer and General Manager of Football
- Align with Elite Pathways staff to ensure that specific physical performance metrics are captured, monitored and communicated throughout the Football Department to best enable the player transition from Elite Pathways to the NRL program
Key Attributes
- Growth mindset
- Collaborative approach to working
- Foster a positive and productive working environment
- Whole of Club mentality
- Highly effective communicator
- Sound problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Education & Experience (Essential)
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Sport and Exercise Science or related field.
- ASCA Level 3 Elite Coach accreditation.
- Proven experience delivering elite-level strength and conditioning programs.
- Experience using various technology for athlete monitoring and programming.
- Strong background in speed and agility development in elite sport.
- Experience in a professional or semi-professional sporting environment.
- Ability to lead and manage performance staff in a collaborative team environment.
- Eligibility to meet NRL accreditation and registration requirements.
- Deep understanding of applied sports science and evidence-based programming.
Desirable / Highly Regarded
- ASCA Level 3 Master Coach
- ESSA Level 2 Sports Scientist
- First Aid Certificate
- Provide/Perform CPR certification
- Sports Trainer Accreditation
- ASCA PCAS Master Coach
