About Us

Established in 1971, Kalamunda & Districts Basketball Association (KDBA) is a not-for-profit organisation. From its beginnings as local summer competition, KDBA has grown into the leading basketball association in WA’s eastern region.
KDBA is represented by The Eastern Suns through NBL1 West, WABL and State Championship teams.
KDBA also delivers weekly competitions for just under 250 domestic teams from Under 9 to Open Age, alongside inclusive programs through West Rise.

Position Overview

General Manager: High Performance Basketball & Development provides strategic and operational leadership across all Eastern Suns basketball programs - including NBL1, WABL, and Player Development - ensuring alignment with the club’s mission, vision, and player pathway philosophy.

This role leads the performance direction of Eastern Suns basketball by overseeing:

• NBL1 – program management, player contracting, and list management
• WABL – program management and coach allocation
• Player Development – Manage Talent ID squad, development programs, and athlete progression

Working closely with the High-Performance Coordinator, the General Manager: High Performance Basketball & Development ensures a cohesive, professional, and high-quality basketball environment that connects grassroots development to elite performance.

Responsibilities and Duties

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the General Manager: High Performance Basketball & Development plays an integral role in the ongoing success and growth of the Eastern Suns’ basketball programs.

The General Manager’s role includes the following responsibilities and duties:

LEADERSHIP AND PROGRAM DIRECTION

• Provide strategic leadership and vision across all basketball operations.
• With the Head of Coach Development define and embed a consistent “Suns Way” playing and coaching philosophy across programs.
• Build strong, positive relationships with coaches, players, and key stakeholders.
• Support alignment between NBL1, WABL, and Development pathways.
• Contribute to the planning and execution of the club’s long-term basketball strategy.

NBL1 PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

• Lead all aspects of the Eastern Suns NBL1 Men’s and Women’s programs.
• Lead a sustainable recruitment strategy through ongoing scouting, player shortlisting, and talent identification — ensuring the club builds competitive NBL1 rosters with an emphasis on long-term list planning and development.
• Oversee NBL1 Head Coaches and provide leadership, mentoring, and performance review.
• Ensure compliance with all BWA, NBL1, and Basketball Australia regulations.
• Oversee scheduling, budgeting, logistics, and season planning in coordination with the High Performance Coordinator.
• Liaise with team support staff (e.g., medical, physiotherapy, operations) to ensure player welfare and performance standards are met.
• Support coaches in utilising performance data, video analysis, and statistics to evaluate and improve individual and team performance.

WABL PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

• Oversee the operational and performance management of the Eastern Suns WABL program.
• Manage WABL coach recruitment, selection, and development in collaboration with the Head of Coach Development and High Performance Coordinator.
• Lead the planning and management of WABL selection trials, ensuring fair, transparent, and efficient processes that align with the Suns’ development philosophy.
• Set and uphold standards of program delivery, training structure, and player development.
• Support consistent communication and alignment between WABL, NBL1, and Talent ID pathways.
• With the High Performance Coordinator, assist in managing athlete and parent communication within the WABL program, ensuring clear, consistent, and timely messaging.
• Represent the club in WABL-related meetings and discussions with Basketball WA.

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT & TALENT PATHWAY

• Lead the planning and delivery of Talent Identification and Player Development programs.
• Design clear player pathways that connect domestic competition, WABL, and NBL1 levels.
• Oversee development squads and high-potential athlete programs (e.g., Talent ID Squad – to be named).
• Oversee the alignment of school-based or academy-style programs with the Suns’ player development model.
• Collaborate with the High Performance Coordinator on on-court delivery and scheduling.
• Build relationships with schools, community programs, and other partners to enhance player recruitment and participation.
• Promote education around nutrition, recovery, and mental wellbeing for athletes

The General Manager: High Performance Basketball & Development is a salaried 38 hour per week full-time position.

Due to the nature of the role, regular evening and weekend work is required; particularly during NBL1 and WABL seasons. Position based at Ray Owen Sports Centre, Lesmurdie.