Head of Strength and Conditioning teaching jobs at St John’s College, lead athlete development from January 2026, applications close 30 September 2025

St John’s College, a prestigious Anglican school in Houghton, Johannesburg, is inviting applications for a Head of Strength and Conditioning to join their team in January 2026. This is a significant opportunity for a dynamic and visionary professional to lead and transform the school’s strength and conditioning programme from pre-primary to post-matric levels, aiming to establish one of the strongest and most innovative school-based programmes. If you’re looking for impactful teaching jobs that blend sports science with student development, and are available to apply by 30 September 2025, this could be your next exciting challenge.

Detailed vacancy information

• Position: Head of Strength and Conditioning (S&C)
• Institution: St John’s College, a world-class Anglican School
• Location: Houghton, Johannesburg
• Start Date: January 2026
• Application Deadline: Tuesday, 30 September 2025
• Role Overview: The successful candidate will design and deliver training, build and oversee the S&C programme, mentor coaches and students, and embed best-practice sports science throughout the school’s sporting framework. This role requires flexibility, including work on evenings, weekends, and occasionally during school holidays for fixtures and tournaments.
• Key Responsibilities include:
  • Designing and implementing a school-wide S&C programme that supports all levels of athletic development.
  • Leading and managing part-time S&C coaches, ensuring consistent delivery across all sports.
  • Extending the programme into the Pre-Preparatory and Preparatory Schools with age-appropriate initiatives.
  • Collaborating with Masters-in-Charge, head coaches, sports scientists, gym manager, and multi-disciplinary professionals.
  • Drafting and monitoring periodisation and performance plans for each sport.
  • Conducting fitness testing and profiling of student athletes and teams.
  • Delivering direct S&C coaching in the gym and on the field, and teaching S&C as part of the Physical Education curriculum.
  • Educating student athletes and coaches on key performance areas like recovery, hydration, and injury prevention.
  • Overseeing return-to-play protocols in partnership with the medical team.
  • Utilising performance technologies for data-informed training and evaluation.
  • Staying abreast of emerging trends in sports science to elevate performance.
• Essential Requirements:
  • Relevant Undergraduate degree in Strength and Conditioning, Human Performance or a related field.
  • Minimum of 4 years’ experience in a comparable role, ideally with teams or within a performance-driven environment.
  • Experience using various assessment and/or monitoring systems specific to student athlete performance (e.g., GPS monitoring systems).
  • Valid First Aid Level 1 Certificate (or higher).
• Advantageous Qualifications:
  • Postgraduate degree.
  • SACE registration.
• Expected Behaviours: Strong leadership, collaborative spirit, innovativeness, student athlete-centred focus, resilience, professionalism, and a commitment to child welfare and safeguarding principles in line with St John’s College’s Legacy of Care.
• Application Process: Complete the form via the provided link by the closing date. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• Safeguarding: St John’s College is committed to proactive safeguarding; all staff undergo necessary background checks.

Simple summary of the vacancy

St John’s College, a renowned Anglican school in Johannesburg, is seeking an exceptional individual to fill the role of Head of Strength and Conditioning, starting in January 2026. This is not just another one of those regular teaching jobs; it’s a leadership position where you’ll be instrumental in shaping the future of student athlete development. The college aims to build a world-class S&C programme, and they need a dynamic professional to design, implement, and lead it across all age groups, from pre-primary to post-matric. This involves direct coaching, mentoring other S&C coaches, integrating sports science, and collaborating with a wide range of sports and medical professionals. You’ll be responsible for everything from crafting detailed training plans and conducting fitness assessments to educating students and coaches on optimal performance, recovery, and injury prevention. The role demands flexibility, as it includes working during evenings, weekends, and holidays to support school sports events. Candidates should possess a relevant undergraduate degree, at least four years of comparable experience, and a valid First Aid certificate. A postgraduate degree and SACE registration would be a bonus. The school places a high value on leadership, collaboration, innovation, and a strong commitment to student welfare. This is a chance to make a significant impact on young athletes’ physical capacity, resilience, and overall well-being, both on and off the field.

Questions and advice for potential candidates

1. What is the vision for the S&C programme at St John’s College?
   The college aspires to establish one of the strongest and most innovative school-based strength and conditioning programmes. Candidates should articulate how their vision aligns with transforming and elevating the existing programme into a world-class standard.
2. How important is a postgraduate degree or SACE registration?
   While an undergraduate degree and relevant experience are essential, a postgraduate degree and SACE registration are advantageous. Demonstrating a commitment to ongoing professional development and formal recognition will make you a more preferred candidate.
3. What kind of experience are they looking for specifically?
   They require a minimum of 4 years’ experience in a comparable role, ideally within a team or performance-driven environment. Highlight any experience with youth athletic development, elite sports, or establishing new S&C programmes.
4. How will I collaborate with other departments and professionals?
   The role involves extensive collaboration with Masters-in-Charge, head coaches, sports scientists, the gym manager, and various multi-disciplinary professionals like physiotherapists and dietitians. Emphasise your ability to build strong, respectful working relationships and integrate S&C into a broader athletic development framework.
5. What is the expectation regarding work hours?
   The position requires flexibility, as it involves work on evenings, weekends, and occasionally during school holidays to support fixtures, tournaments, and related commitments. Be prepared to discuss your understanding of this and how you manage such demands.
6. How will my role contribute to the Physical Education curriculum?
   You will be expected to deliver direct S&C coaching and teach S&C as part of the Physical Education curriculum. Highlight any experience you have in curriculum development or teaching sports science concepts to students.
7. What is the school’s approach to safeguarding and child welfare?
   St John’s College is deeply committed to proactive safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children. Familiarise yourself with safeguarding principles and be prepared to demonstrate a strong dedication to the well-being of children, in line with the school’s “Legacy of Care.”
8. How can I demonstrate my leadership skills for this role?
   The college is looking for someone who can inspire, mentor, and elevate others while driving excellence. Provide examples of how you have led teams, mentored coaches, or championed new initiatives in previous roles.
9. What technologies or assessment systems should I be familiar with?
   Experience using various assessment and/or monitoring systems, specifically for student athlete performance like GPS monitoring systems, is required. Detail your proficiency with such tools and how you use data to inform training and evaluation.
10. What is the application deadline and process?
    Applications must be completed using the provided application form by Tuesday, 30 September 2025. Ensure you complete all sections thoroughly and highlight how your experience directly addresses the requirements.
11. How can I make my application stand out?
    Beyond meeting the requirements, demonstrate your passion for student athlete development, your vision for an innovative S&C programme, and your ability to foster a student-centred, inclusive, and stimulating learning environment. Highlight your commitment to the school’s Anglican ethos and values.

Institution details

• Institution: St John’s College
• Address: St John’s Road, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg, 2198, South Africa
• Website: www.stjohnscollege.co.za

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