Head of Academy Strength and Conditioning

Who We Are

WHO WE ARE:

We are Sale Sharks: A team. A community. A family, woven together by the Fabric of the North. Sale Sharks is the only Premiership Rugby Union team in the North-West, playing top-flight rugby in the Gallagher Premiership and European Champions Cup, with an emerging Women’s team competing in Premiership Women’s Rugby. With Northern charm in our blood and Shark pride in our hearts, our mission is to be the most impactful rugby club on the planet, on and off the pitch.

Inclusive and caring in everything we do. We’re not afraid to take risks, trying something new in search of better and facing up to the toughest with courage and pride. We use our position as the best team in the North to make a real difference, whether that’s through grassroots sports or community initiatives. We play with integrity on and off the pitch and we are seeking someone who shares our values of Togetherness, Fearlessness, Passion, Pride and Humility.

To produce programmes of performance for Sale Sharks Academy players along the Pathway.

The Head of Strength and Conditioning (Academy) is responsible for leading and delivering the club’s physical development strategy for all academy players, ensuring they progress safely and effectively towards the demands of senior elite rugby. This role oversees the design, implementation, and monitoring of age appropriate, evidence based strength and conditioning programmes that support long term athletic development, enhance performance, and minimise injury risk across the Academy pathway.

Working closely with academy coaches, medical staff, and wider performance specialists, the postholder ensures a cohesive, integrated approach to player development from U15s through to the Senior Academy. The role provides leadership and mentoring to academy S&C staff, maintains high professional and safeguarding standards, and contributes to the identification and progression of future senior team talent. The Head of S&C (Academy) plays a key strategic role in shaping the physical identity, behaviours, and performance culture of the club’s emerging players.

• Extensive experience as a Strength and Conditioning Coach working with the development of high performance athletes.
• Proven background in staff management, supervision, and supporting the development of others.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within an interdisciplinary team (e.g., coaches, physiotherapists, sports massage therapists, analysts) to design and deliver integrated performance strategies.

• Holds appropriate professional accreditation and is fully competent to deliver and/or supervise staff in the delivery of all aspects of strength and conditioning, including the design of sport specific, per iodised programmes for academy level athletes; UKSCA Accredited S&C Coach or S&C Trainer.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organisational and time management abilities.
• Able to work independently, prioritise effectively, and meet deadlines.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and manage a team of coaches.
• Passionate about developing individuals and helping them achieve their goals and aspirations.

• Access to on-site gym
• Subsidised meals during season
• Free parking on site
• Free match tickets to all Sale Sharks home fixtures

Please click APPLY NOW to send your CV and Cover Letter to our team.