Head of Sports Science & Performance (First Team)

Location: Stevenage FC Training Ground, Aston Lane, Bragbury End, Stevenage SG2 8RH
Department: First Team
Reports To: First Team Manager, Director of Football, CEO
Hours: Full-time (including evenings and weekends, aligned with First Team training and fixtures)
Remuneration: Competitive, based on experience

Role Summary

Stevenage Football Club Academy is seeking a highly motivated, confident, and hard-working individual to support the physical preparation and performance monitoring of First Team players in the role of Head of Sports Science & Performance.

This is a key position within the club’s First Team structure, working daily with players and coaching staff to deliver evidence-based sports science interventions that enhance athletic performance, reduce injury risk, and maximise matchday outcomes.

How to Apply

Please complete an Application Form via iRecruit

Key Responsibilities

1. Collect, analyse, and manage training and match performance data, including use of GPS and athlete monitoring systems (e.g. Catapult, RPE, Wellness), and provide actionable insights to coaching staff.

2. Design and lead effective warm-ups, speed, and endurance sessions aligned with training and match demands.

3. Implement individualised strength and conditioning programmes (gym and field-based) tailored to player needs and roles, with a focus on injury prevention, recovery, and performance enhancement.

4. Manage rehabilitation and return-to-play programmes in collaboration with the medical team and First Team staff.

5. Coordinate with the First Team Chef and nutrition providers to ensure optimal dietary provision on training and matchdays (home and away).

6. Conduct comprehensive fitness testing using relevant technologies (e.g. NordBord, ForceDecks) to inform individual programming and track progress.

7. Liaise with international medical staff to manage players on national team duty.

8. Pursue ongoing professional development, particularly in identified areas for improvement.

9. Support and conduct performance-related research, maintaining accurate records of player physical data throughout the season.

Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

• Proven experience working with senior professional football teams

• Experience supporting young professional players

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

• Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and monitor sports science and S&C programmes

• Proficiency in athlete monitoring systems (e.g. Rivalists) and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)

Attitudes & Behaviours

• Able to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines

• Reliable, with a strong team ethic

• Discreet and professional with sensitive information

• Personable and capable of building strong individual relationships

• Enthusiastic, hardworking, and adaptable

• Loyal and committed to the Club’s vision and values

Safeguarding Statement

Stevenage Football Club is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk, and expects all staff and volunteers to share and endorse this commitment.

This post requires an Enhanced Criminal Records Check and may include checks against the Barred Lists. As such, it is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974), meaning all convictions, including spent convictions that have not been subject to filtering by the DBS, must be declared.

The successful applicant will be required to undertake safer recruitment checks in line with the responsibilities of the role. This includes providing references that demonstrate a clear commitment to safeguarding.

All staff are expected to:

• Understand their individual safeguarding responsibilities

• Comply with the Club’s Safeguarding Policies and Procedures

• Undertake any safeguarding training relevant to their role

Relevant information and documentation will be provided as part of the recruitment process.

Equality & Diversity Statement

Stevenage Football Club is an equal opportunities employer. All staff are treated equally and fairly regardless of sex, age, race, religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity, or ethnic or national origin.

Training on anti-discrimination, diversity, and inclusion is available and encouraged for all staff.