Lead Strength and Conditioning Coach

Key Objectives of the Role 

• Design a periodised program focusing on off season, pre season and in season training design for the first team and each individual member of the squad.
• Design and deliver holistic pitch- and gym-based physical performance programs focused on speed, power, repeat-sprint ability, and match durability.
• Implement robust injury prevention, movement screening, and return-to-play (RTP) protocols in collaboration with the medical staff.
• Establish an evidence-informed data infrastructure (GPS, force plates, wellness) to drive actionable coaching decisions.

Main Duties & Responsibilities 

1. Strategic & Administrative Alignment 

• Department Strategy: Plan, develop, and implement a club-wide physical performance philosophy that aligns First Team physical standards with the Academy pathway.
• Integrated Working: Work collaboratively across all departments (Medical, Technical, Recruitment, Analysis) and external stakeholders.
• Individual Development Plans (IDPs): Lead physical profiling and contribute to player IDPs and youth athletic development alongside the medical and technical staff.
• Recruitment Support: Assist the Sporting Director and Medical Team with physical assessments, screening, and injury risk profiling for target transfer signings.
• CPD & Innovation: Maintain continuous professional development (CPD), keeping abreast of sports science research to ensure modern, evidence-based practices across the department.

2. Daily Operations 

• Pitch & Gym Delivery: Design and lead high-quality, periodized pitch conditioning (speed, agility, high-intensity aerobic/anaerobic) and gym-based strength and power programs.
• Tactical Integration: Collaborate daily with the Head Coach to ensure physical session design matches the tactical periodization (microcycles and mesocycles).
• Pitch Preparation & Warm-ups: Deliver dynamic warm-ups and activation sessions for all training days and competitive fixtures.
• Daily Readiness: Report daily player physical availability, readiness scores, and training load tolerances to the Head Coach prior to technical sessions.
• Academy Athletic Development: Manage and mentor part time and interns to build out the academy youth athletic development program.

3. Rehabilitation & Medical Integration

• Return-to-Play (RTP): Partner closely with the medical staff to deliver end-stage pitch and gym rehabilitation protocols for injured athletes.
• Screening & Profiling: Conduct physical and movement screening at key seasonal intervals to identify injury risk markers and individual deficits.
• Post-Illness/Injury Protocols: Deliver tailored return-to-training conditioning for players recovering from long-term illness or injuries.

4. Technology, IT & Data Monitoring 

• GPS Tracking: Oversee daily operation of GPS systems.
• Physical Profiling: monitor neuromuscular fatigue, asymmetry, and output changes across weekly cycles.
• Visual Data Reporting: Possess high competency in visualization tools to produce daily, weekly, and monthly physical load and injury trend reports.

5. Matchday & Operational Logistics 

• Lead matchday physical preparation, including pitch setup, dynamic warm-ups, bench area preparation, and live GPS telemetry.
• Execute post-match recovery strategies