Sporting Kansas City
Head of Physical Performance
Sporting Kansas City - Senior
Kansas City · KS
Strength and Conditioning / Fitness
0
3
hours ago
Sporting KC is at the beginning of the next era. The club has openly set out to restore competitive excellence, re-energize its soccer operation and build a structure capable of long-term success. That sense of momentum makes this an especially compelling time to join, candidates are not simply stepping into an established organization that has a history of success and winning but into one with the ambition, support and clarity to evolve, improve and compete at the highest level again.
The Head of Physical Performance is responsible for leading all aspects of physical preparation, sports science, and athletic development for Sporting Kanas City’s First Team. The position oversees the design, delivery, and integration of programs that optimize player readiness, physical performance, and long-term health. As a member of the technical staff, the Head of Physical Performance will also work in partnership with the Head Coach to design and deliver an integrated physical periodization plan that optimizes the team’s ability to physically execute the team’s playing philosophy.
Essential Functions
Essential Functions
- Lead and manage the First Team performance department, including physical performance coaches, sports scientists, and other performance staff.
- Design, implement, and evaluate a long term strategic physical preparation plan that supports the team’s training model, competition schedule, and individual player profiles.
- Oversee physical testing, monitoring, and load management systems, ensuring accurate data capture, interpretation, and communication to support player availability and progression.
- Collaborate with the coaching, medical, analysis, and nutrition departments to ensure a fully integrated approach to physical preparation, injury prevention, and player recovery.
- Develop and maintain individual athlete plans focused on long-term performance development, robustness, and readiness to train and compete.
- Lead the design and supervision of gym-based and on-field sessions, including strength, power, conditioning, speed, agility, and mobility training.
- Guide recovery and regeneration programs, including scheduling, technologies, and player education on best practices for physical recovery.
- Oversee return-to-train and return-to-play processes, collaborating closely with the medical and coaching teams to ensure safe and efficient reintegration.
- Mentor and develop staff within the performance department, promoting collaboration, innovation, and continued professional growth.
- Oversee all performance technologies and systems (e.g., GPS, heart rate, wellness monitoring, force plates), ensuring consistent use and data quality.
- Provide clear reporting and communication to coaches and players on physical readiness, training loads, and key performance indicators.
- Lead the constant refinement of the departments systems and processes, holding the department to an elite standard.
Personal Attributes
- Deep understanding of soccer-specific physical preparation and the demands of elite professional competition.
- Strong communication and leadership skills; able to influence and collaborate effectively with coaches, players, and staff across departments.
- Analytical and detail-oriented with the ability to translate complex data into actionable training insights.
- Composed and adaptable, capable of thriving in a dynamic, high-performance team environment.
- Innovative and curious, committed to continuous learning and application of the latest evidence-based methods.
- Lead with professional integrity, discretion, emotional intelligence and commitment to the club’s values and player-development philosophy.
- Passionate about leading & developing performance staff members.
- Energetic and positive demeanor that fosters trust, motivation, and accountability across the team.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Sports Science, Strength & Conditioning, Exercise Physiology, or a related discipline required; master’s degree preferred.
- Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in elite professional sport, with at least two (2) years in a leadership role overseeing sports science or performance operations.
- Demonstrated success in designing and delivering soccer-specific strength & conditioning and monitoring programs for elite athletes.
- Accreditation with a recognized governing body (e.g., NSCA-CSCS, UKSCA, ASCA, or equivalent) preferred.
- Strong knowledge of athlete monitoring systems (e.g., GPS, heart rate, wellness, force platforms) and ability to analyze and communicate key data effectively.
- Understanding of applied physiology, biomechanics, and recovery strategies relevant to professional football.
- Experience in return-to-play programming and collaboration within multi-disciplinary environments.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and performance data platforms.
- Flexible availability, including evenings, weekends, and travel as required for training, competition, and camps.
Physical & Working Conditions
- Based primarily at the Club’s training facility and stadium, with regular travel for matches and events.
- Work involves both on-field coaching and office-based planning environments.
- Ability to sit, stand, walk, run, bend, stoop, push and pull as required.
- Must be able to lift and carry up to 100 pounds occasionally.
- Ability to work in both indoor and outdoor environments under varying weather conditions.
- Travel and irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays are required.
- Must maintain professionalism and emotional control in demanding or high-pressure situations.
Sporting Kansas City is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and equity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all associates. All associates are expected to positively collaborate with individuals of diverse backgrounds. We encourage all talented individuals looking for a challenge to apply.
Job Questions:
Are you legally authorized to work and be paid in the United States?
Will you now or in the future require sponsorship to work in the United States?
Are you able to work non-traditional hours including weekends, evenings, and holidays as necessary to perform the functions of the role?
If offered the position, what are your compensation requirements?
