Reports to: Head Coach / Head of Medical
Contract: Full-time
Location: Waterford, Ireland
Closing date: 10pm Sunday 22nd November 2026
Role Purpose
The Lead Strength & Conditioning / Performance Coach is responsible for maximising the physical capabilities, athletic performance and availability of the Men’s First Team squad while minimising injury risk. The successful candidate will have a proven background in elite sport, preferably professional football.
You will lead the athletic development of the squad, own season periodisation, and oversee the return-to-play process in close partnership with the medical team. Day to day you will manage pitch and gym delivery, microcycle planning, tactical physical integration, matchday preparation and real-time load management.
Key Objectives of the Role
- Design and deliver a periodised programme across off-season, pre-season and in-season for the First Team and for each individual player.
- Lead the athletic development of the squad through holistic pitch- and gym-based programmes focused on speed, power, repeat-sprint ability and match durability.
- Oversee injury prevention, movement screening and return-to-play (RTP) protocols in collaboration with the medical staff.
- Establish an evidence-informed data infrastructure (GPS, force plates, wellness) to drive actionable coaching decisions.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
1. Strategic & Administrative Alignment
- Department Strategy: Plan, develop and implement a club-wide physical performance philosophy and standards for the First Team.
- Integrated Working: Work collaboratively across all departments (Medical, Technical, Recruitment, Analysis) and with external stakeholders.
- Individual Development Plans (IDPs): Lead physical profiling and contribute to player IDPs alongside the medical and technical staff.
- Recruitment Support: Assist the Sporting Director and Medical Team with physical assessments, screening and injury risk profiling for target signings.
- CPD & Innovation: Maintain continuous professional development and keep abreast of sports science research to ensure modern, evidence-based practice.
2. Season Planning & Daily Operations
- Periodisation: Own the planning of the season, including macrocycles, mesocycles and microcycles, and adapt it for fixture congestion, travel and cup competition.
- Pitch & Gym Delivery: Design and lead high-quality pitch conditioning (speed, agility, high-intensity aerobic/anaerobic) and gym-based strength and power programmes.
- Tactical Integration: Collaborate daily with the Head Coach to ensure physical session design matches the tactical plan for the training week.
- Warm-ups & Activation: Deliver dynamic warm-ups and activation sessions for all training days and fixtures.
- Daily Readiness: Report player availability, readiness scores and training load tolerances to the Head Coach prior to technical sessions.
- Staff Development: Manage and mentor any assistant, part-time or intern performance staff.
3. Rehabilitation & Return to Play
- Return-to-Play (RTP): Partner closely with the medical staff to lead end-stage pitch and gym rehabilitation protocols for injured athletes, with clear criteria and progressions through to full match availability.
- Screening & Profiling: Conduct physical and movement screening at key seasonal intervals to identify injury risk markers and individual deficits.
- Post-Illness/Injury Protocols: Deliver tailored return-to-training conditioning for players recovering from long-term illness or injury.
4. Technology, IT & Data Monitoring
- GPS Tracking: Oversee the daily operation of GPS systems.
- Physical Profiling: Monitor neuromuscular fatigue, asymmetry and output changes across weekly cycles (e.g. force plates).
- Data Reporting: Use visualisation tools to produce daily, weekly and monthly physical load and injury trend reports.
5. Matchday & Operational Logistics
- Lead matchday physical preparation, including pitch setup, dynamic warm-ups, bench area preparation and live GPS monitoring.
- Execute post-match recovery strategies.
Person Specification
| Category | Essential | Desirable |
| Qualifications | – BSc in Sport Science, Strength & Conditioning or a related field – UKSCA (ASCC) or NSCA (CSCS) accreditation – Valid Emergency First Aid in Football (EFAiF) or FAI-approved equivalent – FAI Garda Vetting and Safeguarding clearance | – MSc in Strength & Conditioning or High-Performance Sport – UEFA Basic/Advanced Fitness Coaching Diploma or UEFA coaching qualifications |
| Experience | – Proven experience working in elite sport – Experience planning and delivering season periodisation for a competitive squad – Experience leading return-to-play in a multidisciplinary team – Experience using GPS and athlete monitoring systems | – Experience in professional or senior men’s football – Experience in a league environment – Experience working across first team and academy pathways |
| Skills & Attributes | – Strong communication and leadership skills – Ability to work collaboratively with coaches, medical and analysis staff – Confident presenting data to players and coaching staff – Ability to work under pressure in a match day environment | – Experience mentoring and developing junior staff or interns – Full driving licence |
How to Apply
Please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience to richy.walsh@waterfordfc.ie by 10pm Sunday 22nd November 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview. Waterford FC is an equal opportunities employer.
