Physical Performance Manager

About the role

The Physical Performance Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of physical preparation and performance enhancement for players at the Club. This role involves designing, implementing, and managing age and stage appropriate physical performance programs. The Physical Performance Manager will work closely with coaches, medical staff, and other team/program staff to ensure players are physically prepared to meet the demands of competition while promoting long-term athletic development and recovery.

Key responsibilities

• Collaborate, develop and implement comprehensive physical conditioning programs for all players, ensuring they align with the club's game style and performance goals and/or prescribed physical performance frameworks.
• Oversee the periodization of training schedules, balancing intensity, recovery, and match preparation.
• Tailor individual physical development programs for players based on age and stage of development, position-specific requirements and personal needs.
• Lead the club's strength and conditioning programs.
• Design and oversee gym and field-based sessions targeting physical performance improvements in line with player development and requirements of the game.
• Lead the implementation of all agreed physical performance programs embedded in talent development programs, including physical testing protocols.
• Work closely with the medical and physiotherapy teams to design and implement injury prevention strategies, monitoring player load and physical wellness.
• Collaborate on rehabilitation protocols for injured players, ensuring a safe and effective return to play.
• Utilize performance data to monitor player workload, recovery, and overall performance improvements and ensure all performance data is maintained in the agreed Athlete Management System.
• Provide detailed performance reports to coaches and management, contributing to tactical and strategic decisions.

About you

• Proven experience as a strength and conditioning coach or physical performance manager within a professional sports environment, preferably in Rugby League or a similar high-performance sport.
• Strong background in designing and implementing physical performance programs, including strength, speed, energy systems, and injury prevention.
• Experience working with performance monitoring tools (e.g., GPS, Athlete Management Systems) and analyzing data to inform training plans.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple players and performance plans simultaneously.
• Proficient in performance monitoring technology, data analysis, and using insights to drive performance improvements.
• Tertiary qualifications in sports science, exercise physiology, or a related field.
• Accredited strength and conditioning qualifications - ASCA Professional L2.
• Advanced knowledge of injury prevention, rehabilitation, and recovery protocols.
• First Aid and CPR certification.
• Blue Card (or ability to obtain).

About us

The Townsville & District Mendi Blackhawks RLFC are seeking a highly credentialled Sports & Conditioning professional to join our football program. Over the past two years, our Physical Performance Managers have progressed into the NRL system — a reflection of the strong development pathway the Blackhawks continue to build year after year. Join a club that develops people, develops players and creates pathways.