Manager II: Sport Science (P7) (UJ Sport Division)
Position Summary
Introduction
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a vibrant and cosmopolitan institution, guided by its bold UJ Strategy 2035, which emphasises Societal Impact and Sustainability, Global Footprint and Partnerships, and Technology for the Future. Committed to transformative change, UJ’s mission is “To transform and serve humanity through innovation and the collective and collaborative pursuit of knowledge.” The University is guided by the vision of building “An international university of choice, anchored in Africa and the global south, dynamically shaping a sustainable future".
Job description
“Please note that the University is obligated, in terms of recent amendments to the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (Act 13 of 2021), to assess all prospective employees (including applicants) against the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO). The outcome of such an assessment may have an impact upon possible employment with the University.
- Lead and manage the planning, coordination, and delivery of sport science services in support of UJ Sport’s High Performance and Athlete Support programmes.
- Provide direct, hands-on sport science support to one or two designated sporting codes, including planning and implementing performance interventions, monitoring athlete readiness, and supporting training and competition demands, in addition to managing and overseeing the Sport Science division.
- Implement evidence-based sport science interventions to enhance performance, reduce injury risk, and support safe participation in sport.
- Oversee athlete performance monitoring, testing, data analysis, and reporting across multiple sporting codes.
- Provide strategic and operational leadership to sport science staff, interns, and students, including supervision, mentoring, and performance management.
- Collaborate closely with coaches, medical and rehabilitation staff, and other Athlete Support professionals to ensure integrated service delivery.
- Utilise and oversee sport science technologies and digital systems to support monitoring, reporting, and decision-making.
- Travel with teams to training camps, tournaments, and matches as required to implement sport science modalities and provide on-site performance support.
- Ensure compliance with institutional policies, health and safety regulations, ethical standards, and drug-free sport requirements.
- Manage sport science resources, facilities, and equipment, including maintenance, procurement, and optimal utilisation.
- Compile and submit regular reports on sport science activities, outcomes, and recommendations to management.
- Promote innovation, applied research, and continuous improvement within the sport science environment.
Minimum requirements
- Degree or any relevant qualification (NQF 7), with two (2) to three (3) years' job-related experience with a major in Sport Science
- Required excellent knowledge and skill in the field of sport science, strength in conditioning for multiple sports
- High competencies in sport specific assessment tools
- Level 2 First Aid
- Valid Code B driver’s license
- Advanced knowledge and applied experience in sport science principles, including performance analysis, athlete monitoring, strength and conditioning, load management, recovery, and injury prevention within a high performance environment.
- Strong ability to plan, coordinate, and implement sport science programmes aligned to seasonal demands, competition calendars, and high-performance objectives across multiple sporting codes.
- Proven competence in compiling structured reports, evaluating programme outcomes, and providing strategic, evidence-based recommendations to management.
- Demonstrated experience in managing, mentoring, and developing sport science staff, interns, and students, including performance management and capacity development.
- Sound knowledge of institutional policies, health and safety regulations, ethical standards, data protection requirements, and drug-free sport principles applicable to a university sport environment.
- Ability to engage effectively with coaches, medical practitioners, administrators, academic staff, and external service providers to ensure integrated and collaborative service delivery.
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities in a dynamic sport environment.
- Strong strategic thinking skills, with the ability to align sport science initiatives to institutional goals and contribute to long-term planning and decision-making.
- Demonstrated ethical leadership, accountability, and ownership of outcomes, with the ability to set clear expectations and service standards.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to exercise sound judgement and make informed decisions under pressure.
- Commitment to maintaining high standards of accuracy, professionalism, and service quality.
- Upholds ethical conduct, confidentiality, and professional integrity in compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements.
- Proactive approach to continuous improvement through innovation, reflection, and ongoing professional development.
Your application, comprising of a detailed Curriculum Vitae as well as the names and full contact details (including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) of at least three traceable and credible referees must be uploaded before or on the closing date of the advertised post. Please also attach the following: a copy of your highest academic qualification, proof of registration with professional bodies you might belong to and if applying for an academic position, a list of accredited research output and/ or a portfolio of your creative output.
If you require technical support / assistance on the UJ e-recruitment website, please contact our service provider PNET on the following contact details: 0861 227337/010 140 3099 or email ujsupport@pnet.co.za.
Candidates may be subjected to appropriate psychometric testing and other selection instruments.
In conjunction to merit on the basis of qualifications, experience and proven achievements the University of Johannesburg is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and those individuals from the historically disadvantaged groups. As necessitated by operational requirements the University reserves the right not to make an appointment to positions advertised. If you have not received a response from the University within 8 weeks of the closing date, you should assume that your application has been unsuccessful.
Please note that the University is obligated, in terms of recent amendments to the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (Act 13 of 2021), to assess all prospective employees (including applicants) against the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO). The outcome of such an assessment may have an impact upon possible employment with the University.
