• Full Time (Option for part-time) 

ROLE PURPOSE

The purpose of Surfing Australia’s High Performance Program is to support Australian athletes to become the world’s best surfers and people.

The Physical Preparation Lead plays a key leadership role in designing, delivering and evolving Surfing Australia’s physical preparation framework across the high performance pathway. The role provides integrated physical preparation support to athletes and coaches while contributing to a collaborative, athlete-focused and performance-driven environment.

The role is responsible for leading best-practice physical preparation support across training environments, camps and competition settings, while driving alignment across coaches, performance support staff and national system partners.

The Physical Preparation Lead contributes to athlete readiness, long-term progression and sustainable high performance through evidence-informed practice, innovation, education and strong multidisciplinary collaboration

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Athlete Performance & Physical Preparation

• Lead the implementation and ongoing evolution of Surfing Australia’s Physical Preparation Framework.
• Design and deliver high-quality physical preparation support to targeted athletes across strength & conditioning, mobility, movement and return-to-performance contexts.
• Support athlete readiness, progression and sustainable performance across training blocks, camps and competition cycles.
• Implement athlete screening, monitoring and testing processes aligned to performance priorities.
• Contribute to rehabilitation and return-to-performance planning in collaboration with physiotherapy and medical staff.
• Provide clear and practical performance feedback to athletes, coaches and support staff.

2. Integrated Performance Team Delivery

• Work collaboratively within multidisciplinary performance teams to optimise athlete preparation and performance outcomes.
• Build trusted relationships with athletes, coaches and key stakeholders across the HP system.
• Support and contribute to Individual Performance Planning (IPP) and “What It Takes To Win” (WITTW) processes.
• Drive alignment between Surfing Australia programs, coaches and national institute network partners.
• Maintain regular communication with coaches and support staff to ensure integrated athlete management.

3. Leadership, Education & Capability Development

• Provide technical leadership and mentorship within the Physical Preparation network.
• Develop and deliver education resources and learning opportunities for athletes, coaches and practitioners.
• Contribute to the development of high-performance coaching capability across the system.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous learning, innovation and collaboration.
• Contribute to strategic projects and initiatives that strengthen Surfing Australia’s High Performance capability.

4. Monitoring, Reporting & Operations

• Maintain high-quality athlete monitoring, reporting and data capture processes within relevant athlete management systems.
• Analyse and interpret performance data to inform decision-making and athlete planning.
• Contribute to operational planning and coordination of camps, training environments and performance support delivery.
• Provide regular reporting on athlete support activities, progress and outcomes.
• Support the ongoing development and quality assurance of physical preparation services, systems and equipment.

5. Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain contemporary knowledge of high-performance physical preparation methodologies and trends.
• Contribute to research, innovation and evidence-informed practice within Surfing Australia’s HP environment.
• Identify opportunities to improve systems, processes and service delivery across the physical preparation discipline.
• Share best-practice learnings across the broader performance support network.

KEY CHALLENGES

• Operating within a fast-paced and dynamic high performance environment.
• Supporting athletes across diverse competition schedules and geographical locations.
• Balancing strategic leadership responsibilities with direct athlete servicing.
• Collaborating effectively across multiple stakeholders, disciplines and external partners.
• Delivering high-quality outcomes within constrained resource environments.

LEADERSHIP EXPECTATIONS

The Physical Preparation Lead is expected to demonstrate leadership through:

• Building trusted and collaborative relationships
• Driving accountability and performance standards
• Influencing and aligning multidisciplinary teams
• Communicating clearly and effectively
• Demonstrating adaptability and initiative
• Contributing positively to team culture and organisational values
• Maintaining a growth mindset and commitment to continuous improvement

SUCCESS PROFILE

Essential Experience

• Minimum 7 years’ experience delivering strength & conditioning / physical preparation services.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience working within high performance sport environments.
• Demonstrated success supporting athletes competing at senior international level.
• Experience working within multidisciplinary performance support teams.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, monitor and progress athletes across multiple performance cycles.
• Experience using athlete monitoring and performance data to inform decision-making.
• Experience mentoring or leading staff, contractors or developing practitioners.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Exercise Science, Strength & Conditioning or related discipline.
• ASCA Professional Level accreditation (or equivalent).
• Current First Aid and CPR certification.
• Working with Children Check.
• Current Driver Licence.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Leadership Capabilities

• Builds strong relationships and influences effectively
• Leads collaboratively within multidisciplinary environments
• Uses evidence and data to inform decision-making
• Communicates with clarity and professionalism
• Drives accountability and continuous improvement
• Adapts effectively within dynamic high performance settings

Personal Attributes

Surfing Australia is seeking a person who is:

• Athlete-centred
• Energetic and proactive
• Collaborative and respectful
• Practical and solutions-focused
• Accountable and outcome-driven
• Curious and committed to continuous learning

PLEASE NOTE:

• It is your responsibility to obtain the appropriate licenses. 
• This position is required to travel domestically and/or internationally.
• This position requires/may require weekend work, or outside ordinary work hours.
• The successful candidate for this role will be subject to a National Police Criminal History Check prior to appointment.
• The successful candidate for this role will be required to undertake a Security Clearance.
• The ability to obtain (and maintain) clearance/s to work with children is an essential component of this role and continued employment.

You must be an Australian citizen, have permanent residency status or a visa permitting you to work in Australia. You are required to notify surfing Australia if your right to work in Australia ceases.