What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director, Sports Performance position at Sporting Kansas City?
The Director of 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. Working in close partnership with the Head Coach, medical staff, and other performance specialists, the Director of Performance ensures all training and recovery strategies are aligned with the team’s playing philosophy, match demands, and individual player development needs.
Sporting Kansas City is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and equity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all associates. All associates are expected to positively collaborate with individuals of diverse backgrounds. We encourage all talented individuals looking for a challenge to apply.
Essential Functions
- Lead and manage the First Team performance department, including strength & conditioning coaches, sports scientists, and physical performance staff.
- Design, implement, and evaluate comprehensive physical preparation programs that support 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 medical, coaching, 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.
- Manage all performance technologies and systems (e.g., GPS, heart rate, wellness monitoring, force plates), ensuring consistent use and data quality.
- Mentor and develop staff within the performance department, promoting collaboration, innovation, and continued professional growth.
- Provide clear reporting and communication to coaches and players on physical readiness, training loads, and key performance indicators.
- Ensure best-practice standards in safety, data protection, and ethical application of sports science and strength & conditioning principles.
Personal Attributes
- Deep understanding of soccer-specific physical preparation and the demands of elite professional competition.
- Strong communication and leadership skills; able to influence and collaborate effectively with coaches, players, and staff across departments.
- Analytical and detail-oriented with the ability to translate complex data into actionable training insights.
- Composed and adaptable, capable of thriving in a dynamic, high-performance team environment.
- Innovative and curious, committed to continuous learning and application of the latest evidence-based methods.
- Professional integrity, discretion, and commitment to the club’s values and player-development philosophy.
- Energetic and positive demeanor that fosters trust, motivation, and accountability across the team.
Qualifications & Experience
- 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.
- Accreditation with a recognized governing body (e.g., NSCA-CSCS, UKSCA, ASCA, or equivalent) required.
- 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.
- Flexible availability, including evenings, weekends, and travel as required for training, competition, and camps.
Physical & Working Conditions
- Based primarily at the Club’s training facility and stadium, with regular travel for matches and events.
- Work involves both on-field coaching and office-based planning environments.
- Ability to sit, stand, walk, run, bend, stoop, push and pull as required.
- Must be able to lift and carry up to 100 pounds occasionally.
- Ability to work in both indoor and outdoor environments under varying weather conditions.
- Travel and irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays are required.
- Must maintain professionalism and emotional control in demanding or high-pressure situations.