SUMMARY:The Head of Physical Performance leads physical preparation for the Real Salt Lake first team, including strength and conditioning, sports science, load management, and recovery. This is a first-team-only position. The role reports to the Senior Director of Player Health & Performance and sits lateral to the Head of Sports Medicine / Head Athletic Trainer.
This position integrates physical preparation with the Head Coach's game model through a Tactical Periodization framework, using training load, testing, and match data to optimize player availability and performance.
The ideal candidate is a credible, hands-on leader with deep applied experience in professional soccer who can deliver on the field, lead a performance staff, and partner closely with coaching, medical, data science, and academy leadership.
RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:- Lead, manage, and develop the first-team physical performance staff, including Strength and Conditioning Coaches, Sports Scientists, and performance fellows and interns.
- Develop and implement a Tactical Periodization model with the Senior Director of Player Health & Performance, aligning training structure, intensity, and volume with the Head Coach's game model and positional demands.
- Deliver and oversee on-field conditioning, warm-up and activation, and gym-based strength, power, and reconditioning programs.
- Manage daily and weekly external and internal load monitoring with the Director of Data Science and Performance Analytics to assess readiness and inform training modifications.
- Deliver clear, actionable reports and dashboards on training load, physical testing, match demands, and availability projections to the coaching staff and sporting leadership.
- Oversee pre-season, mid-season, and post-season physical testing and maintain a longitudinal database of player physical profiles.
- Individualize physical preparation based on position, injury history, physiological profile, and competitive minutes.
- Partner daily with the Head of Sports Medicine on return-to-play criteria, load-modified training, and end-stage rehabilitation.
- Oversee the procurement, maintenance, and strategic use of performance technology, equipment, and facilities.
- Collaborate with the Head of Academy Performance to align physical development philosophy and support player transition from the Academy to the first team.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:- Master's degree in Exercise Science, Sport Science, Strength and Conditioning, Exercise Physiology, or a related field.
- Minimum of 7 years of applied experience in elite or professional sport, including at least 3 years leading a performance staff.
- Demonstrated experience delivering physical preparation in professional soccer required.
- Current NSCA CSCS, UKSCA ASCC, or equivalent strength and conditioning certification.
- Working knowledge of Tactical Periodization or comparable game-model-based training methodologies.
- Proficiency with GPS and wearable systems, force plates, and athlete management systems.
- Demonstrated experience collaborating with medical staff on return-to-play and end-stage rehabilitation.
- Exceptional communication skills with the ability to present complex information clearly to coaches, players, and executives.
- Availability for evenings, weekends, holidays, and first-team travel.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:- PhD in Sport Science, Exercise Physiology, or a related discipline.
- Experience leading physical performance in MLS, NWSL, or a top European league.
- Data analysis skills in R, Python, or SQL, and experience with Power BI, Tableau, or similar platforms.
- Experience with training and competing at altitude.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENTThe job requires extended periods of standing, walking, and demonstrating exercises on training fields and in the gym, and regularly lifting or moving equipment up to 50 pounds. Work is performed outdoors in varying weather and altitude conditions, as well as in office and match-venue settings, with frequent domestic and international travel.
Note: The Club reserves the right to revise, supplement, or rescind portions of this job description at any time.
