Head of Physical Performance

Sporting Kansas City

11d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.
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.
Must maintain professionalism and emotional control in demanding or high-pressure situations.

Nice To Haves

Accreditation with a recognized governing body (e.g., NSCA-CSCS, UKSCA, ASCA, or equivalent) preferred.

Responsibilities

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.