Manager: Sport Technology and Training Innovations

Maties Sport High Performance Unit

Manager: Sport Technology and Training Innovations

(Ref. MS/356/1117)

The Sport Technology and Training Innovations Manager is responsible for the optimisation of sport technology in the design and implementation of innovative training programmes within the Maties Sport High Performance (HP) IMAS programme. These activities will cut across all aspects of performance enhancement and student-athlete empowerment for all Maties HP sports, including Strength & Conditioning for one HP Sport Code.

The key responsibilities of the incumbent will cover the following key performance areas:

Integrated Medicine and Science:

• Coordinating the annual medical screenings of all student-athletes in the identified HP Sport squad.

Performance Enhancement:

• Completing an annual periodization plan for performance enhancement interventions for an HP Sport Code;
• Supporting and managing performance enhancement at competitions;
• Designing and delivering HP Sport Code-specific rehabilitation programmes (team and individual);
• Designing and delivering HP Sport Code-specific strength programmes (team and individual);
• Designing and delivering HP Sport Code-specific metabolic programmes (team and individual);
• Leading and coordinating the implementation of sport technology-based vision and decision training, performance analysis, and performance measuring and monitoring services to inform decisions regarding training and competition of a HP Sport Code.

Empowerment:

• Understand and have knowledge of the HP Sport Code "big picture" - provincial, national, federations, etc;
• Performance management of the IMAS Accelerated Personal Development Plan of identified student-athletes in the HP Sport Code;
• Providing mentorship for student-athletes utilising sport technology in the delivery of Community Impact Projects.

Sport Technology:

• Leading and coordinating the implementation of sport technology-based vision and decision training, performance analysis, and performance measuring and monitoring services to inform decisions regarding training and competition of the identified high-performance teams and athletes supported by the Maties Sport HP Programme;
• Leading the research and development of sport technology innovations within the Maties Sport HP Programme;
• Contributing to the academic footprint of Maties Sport by producing and supporting research publications that make use of sport technology within the Maties Sport HP Programme;
• Maintaining all sport technology equipment in working order and reporting any technological faults/issues to the Head of High Performance: Maties Sport;
• Reporting on sport technology equipment usage by high performance teams and athletes within the Maties Sport HP Programme;
• Building and maintaining relationships with key sport technology companies and individual service providers;
• Supporting recruitment and retention activities endorsed by the Maties Sport HP Unit as they relate to sport technology;
• Using technology to inform decisions about training programmes as well as the management of player load and fatigue;
• Recruiting, training and managing sport technology assistants to support sport technology services to the Maties Sport HP Programme;
• Supporting the empowerment of Maties Sport coaches, trainers and student-athletes to use sport technology to improve their sport performance;
• Contributing to the overall functioning of the Maties Sport HP Unit and its future by accepting responsibilities for Unit sustainability and adhering to a code of high-performance ethics.

Job Requirements:

• A relevant Master's Research degree;
• The ability to work effectively as part of an integrated Medicine and Science support team;
• Experience in High Performance Sport at university level across the following sports codes:
  • Athletics
  • Cricket
  • Football
  • Hockey
  • Netball
  • Rugby
  • Swimming
  • Cycling
  • Basketball
  • Parasport
• Technical proficiency as evident in five or more years of practical working experience, gathering data and translating the results generated by technology equipment to high performance teams and athletes;
• Effective leadership in the management of people;
• Computer skills with regard to MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Excellent interpersonal skills;
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team, as well as independently;
• The ability to take initiative and to function effectively under pressure;
• The ability to prioritise effectively;
• Accuracy in performing administrative tasks;
• Excellent time management skills;
• The ability to respect and maintain confidentiality;
• Willingness and availability to work after-hours, including evenings, on weekends and public holidays;
• Valid driver's license and own transport.

Recommendation:

• Microsoft Excel for Sport Analysts;
• Advanced Microsoft Office (Word, Access & PowerPoint) and knowledge of Google Analytics;
• Strong analytical and strategic planning skills.

Enquiries regarding job content:

Sean Surmon, Head: Maties Sport High Performance Unit on 021 808 4682, or on surmon@sun.ac.za

Enquiries regarding remuneration/benefits as well as technical assistance with the electronic application process:

Human Resources Client Service Centre on 021 808 2753

Closing date:

24 November 2017

Commencement date:

1 January 2018

The University will consider all applications in terms of its Employment Equity Plan, which acknowledges the need to diversify the demographic composition of the staff corps, especially with regard to the appointment of suitable candidates from the designated groups.

The University reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Candidates may be subjected to appropriate psychometric testing and other selection instruments.

 The University reserves the right to investigate qualifications and conduct background checks on all candidates.

 Should no feedback be received from the University within four weeks of the closing date, kindly accept that your application did not succeed.