Manager II: Sport Science (P7) (UJ Sport Division) at University of Johannesburg

Job Purpose:

• The Manager II: Sport Science is responsible for the strategic planning, coordination, and delivery of high-quality sport science services within UJ Sport to support student-athlete performance, health, and holistic development. The role ensures the effective integration of sport science disciplines, evidence-based performance monitoring, and appliedresearch to enhance athletic performance, reduce injury risk, and support safe participation in sport.
• The position provides leadership and oversight of sport science programmes, staff, and service providers, while working collaboratively with coaches, the Athlete Support Unit, and academic stakeholders. The Manager II: Sport Science contributes to high-performance outcomes, student success, and institutional objectives by aligning sport science initiatives with UJ Sport’s strategic priorities, compliance requirements, and resource optimisation.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the planning, coordination, and delivery of sport science services in support of UJ Sport’s High Performance and Athlete Support programmes.
• Provide direct, hands-on sport science support to one or two designated sporting codes, including planning and implementing performance interventions, monitoring athlete readiness, and supporting training and competition demands, in addition to managing and overseeing the Sport Science division.
• Implement evidence-based sport science interventions to enhance performance, reduce injury risk, and support safe participation in sport.
• Oversee athlete performance monitoring, testing, data analysis, and reporting across multiple sporting codes.
• Provide strategic and operational leadership to sport science staff, interns, and students, including supervision, mentoring, and performance management.
• Collaborate closely with coaches, medical and rehabilitation staff, and other Athlete Support professionals to ensure integrated service delivery.
• Utilise and oversee sport science technologies and digital systems to support monitoring, reporting, and decision-making.
• Travel with teams to training camps, tournaments, and matches as required to implement sport science modalities and provide on-site performance support.
• Ensure compliance with institutional policies, health and safety regulations, ethical standards, and drug-free sport requirements.
• Manage sport science resources, facilities, and equipment, including maintenance, procurement, and optimal utilisation.
• Compile and submit regular reports on sport science activities, outcomes, and recommendations to management.
• Promote innovation, applied research, and continuous improvement within the sport science environment.

Minimum requirements

• Degree or any relevant qualification (NQF 7), with two (2) to three (3) years' job-related experience with a major in Sport Science
• Required excellent knowledge and skill in the field of sport science, strength in conditioning for multiple sports
• High competencies in sport specific assessment tools
• Level 2 First Aid
• Valid Code B driver’s license

Competencies and Behavioural Attributes:

• Advanced knowledge and applied experience in sport science principles, including performance analysis, athlete monitoring, strength and conditioning, load management, recovery, and injury prevention within a high performance environment.
• Strong ability to plan, coordinate, and implement sport science programmes aligned to seasonal demands, competition calendars, and high-performance objectives across multiple sporting codes.
• Proven competence in compiling structured reports, evaluating programme outcomes, and providing strategic, evidence-based recommendations to management.
• Demonstrated experience in managing, mentoring, and developing sport science staff, interns, and students, including performance management and capacity development.
• Sound knowledge of institutional policies, health and safety regulations, ethical standards, data protection requirements, and drug-free sport principles applicable to a university sport environment.
• Ability to engage effectively with coaches, medical practitioners, administrators, academic staff, and external service providers to ensure integrated and collaborative service delivery.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities in a dynamic sport environment.
• Strong strategic thinking skills, with the ability to align sport science initiatives to institutional goals and contribute to long-term planning and decision-making.
• Demonstrated ethical leadership, accountability, and ownership of outcomes, with the ability to set clear expectations and service standards.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to exercise sound judgement and make informed decisions under pressure.
• Commitment to maintaining high standards of accuracy, professionalism, and service quality.
• Upholds ethical conduct, confidentiality, and professional integrity in compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements.
• Proactive approach to continuous improvement through innovation, reflection, and ongoing professional development.

Apply by: 20 February 2026