Performance Coach, SKC II

Job Description Summary

The Human Performance Department at Sporting Kansas City is dedicated to creating an environment where athletes thrive. The department is a collaborative team of diverse health and performance specialists, focused on holistic player care. We are currently seeking candidates to fill our need with Sporting Kansas City II (SKC II) as Performance Coach.

An integral part of the developmental pathway, the SKC II Performance Coach is responsible for the continued physical development of all SKC II players, maximizing their potential to physically perform at the first team level. They manage the design, implementation, and oversight of sports performance and sports science programs, ensuring players are physically prepared for training and competition. As an integral part of the Sporting Kansas City Human Performance department, the SKC II Performance Coach will also work collaboratively with the First Team and Academy Performance Departments to maintain consistent training methodologies, monitoring practices, and performance standards across the club.

This position reports directly into the VP of Human Performance with important daily reporting functions into the SKC II Head Coach and other SKCII and Academy staff.  

Job Description

• Manage the physical development of all SKC II players through individual physical profiling, program design, and implementation, as part of a multi-disciplinary health and performance team.
• Oversee the periodic reporting and refinement of individual physical program results through the training year.
• Manage the physical periodization of the yearly training plan in close collaboration with the SKC II technical staff.
• Monitor all aspects of daily, weekly, monthly and yearly training load utilizing the latest sport science technologies including but not limited to, GPS, heart rate data, and wellness/readiness testing.
• Ensure vertical alignment in training methodology, player monitoring, rehabilitation progression, and performance standards with the First Team and Academy.
• Assist in the transition and monitoring of daily player movements between the First team, SKC II and the Academy.
• Ensure players are physically prepared for training and matches through pre-training activation, injury prevention, nutrition, and recovery programming.
• Direct on-field warm-up and cool-down sessions for all SKC II training sessions and matches.
• Assist with return-to-play progressions in collaboration with medical staff.
• Coordinate nutrition, hydration, and supplementation recommendations.
• Maintain accurate performance records, testing data, and athlete monitoring reports.
• Support the continued development and implementation of sports performance initiatives throughout the Sporting Kansas City player pathway.
• Represent Sporting Kansas City and its related affiliates in a professional manner at all times.

• A great communicator and teammate.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Demonstrated leadership with the ability to motivate and develop professional athletes.
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative mindset with a commitment to player development.
• Professional, dependable, and self-motivated.
• Positive attitude and strong work ethic.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.

• Master's Degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Strength and Conditioning, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of strength and conditioning or sports performance experience with collegiate, academy, or professional athletes.
• Professional soccer experience is required.
• Strong knowledge of exercise physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, sports science, and athlete monitoring.
• Experience utilizing GPS, heart rate, force plate, wellness, and athlete management technologies.
• Ability to design and implement comprehensive performance programs for elite athletes.
• Experience collaborating with technical and medical staff within a high-performance environment.
• NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) required.
• NCSA Certified Performance and Sport Scientist (CPSS) preffered.
• Additional performance certifications (NASM PES, USAW, or equivalent) preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Calendar.

• Based primarily at the Club’s training facility and stadium, with potential regular travel for matches and events.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 100 pounds routinely as a part of session set up, breakdown and demonstration.
• 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.