Job Description: Head of Strength & Conditioning

Contact: Email resume with cover letter to info@apeccourses.com

Reports To: Head of Performance, APEC
Location: Toronto, Canada (with travel as required)
Contract Type: Full-Time

Overview

The Head of Strength & Conditioning (S&C) is a key member of APEC’s High-Performance Department, responsible for the design, implementation, and ongoing refinement of evidence-based physical preparation programs for all rugby athletes under APEC’s care. This role combines applied strength & conditioning, sports science monitoring, and performance coaching to drive physical development, optimize player readiness, and build resilience across the athlete pathway.

About APEC
APEC (Athletic Performance Education Company) is a global leader in sports performance and fitness education, dedicated to developing athletes and coaches at every level of the game. We work with professional, semi-professional, academy, and amateur athletes worldwide, delivering cutting-edge strength & conditioning, sports science, and performance nutrition support. Our mission is to bridge the gap between education and performance, empowering athletes to maximize their potential through evidence-based training systems, data-driven decision-making, and a world-class coaching network

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping performance culture, integrating data-driven decision-making, and collaborating with coaches, medical staff, and performance leads to reduce injury risk, maximize training transfer, and develop robust, powerful athletes capable of performing under the demands of elite rugby competition.

Key Responsibilities

Program Design & Delivery

  • Design and periodize comprehensive physical preparation programs in alignment with Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) and Rugby-specific performance models.
  • Deliver gym-based sessions emphasizing maximal strength, power development, and robustness; deliver field-based sessions emphasizing sprint mechanics, COD (change of direction), and repeated high-intensity efforts.
  • Apply progressive overload and adjust loading parameters (volume, intensity, density) across pre-season, in-season, and transition phases to optimize performance while managing fatigue.
  • Integrate recovery strategies including mobility protocols, RPE monitoring, and nutrition education to support athlete readiness and long-term health.

Sports Science & Monitoring

  • Lead the collection and analysis of key performance data (GPS metrics, force plate data, jump profiling, wellness questionnaires, and VBT [velocity-based training] metrics).
  • Translate data insights into actionable adjustments to weekly microcycles and share findings with coaching staff and athletes.
  • Maintain detailed athlete profiles including load monitoring, strength levels, speed benchmarks, and injury history to inform return-to-play decision-making.
  • Collaborate closely with physiotherapists and medical staff to align rehabilitation programs with performance objectives.

Collaboration & Leadership

  • Act as the primary performance liaison between technical coaches, medical staff, and players.
  • Deliver coach education workshops on applied strength & conditioning principles, load management, and performance monitoring to enhance integration across departments.
  • Build a culture of accountability, discipline, and continual improvement, modeling APEC’s commitment to professional standards.

Athlete Education & Well-Being

  • Deliver group workshops and 1:1 education sessions on nutrition, hydration, sleep hygiene, recovery modalities, and psychological resilience.
  • Promote athlete autonomy and decision-making around lifestyle factors that influence performance.
  • Ensure training environments remain inclusive, safe, and athlete-centered.

Operational & Administrative Duties

  • Oversee scheduling of gym and field sessions, equipment upkeep, and testing logistics.
  • Collaborate with APEC’s Head of Performance to build annual periodization plans, testing batteries, and match-specific taper protocols.
  • Support APEC’s marketing and education initiatives by contributing case studies, athlete success stories, and social media content highlighting performance outcomes.

Key Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, Strength & Conditioning, Exercise Science, or Sports Science (Master’s preferred).
  • Accredited by NSCA (CSCS), UKSCA, ASCA, or equivalent (or willingness to obtain).
  • Minimum 5+ years applied experience in a high-performance rugby, professional sport, or collegiate setting.
  • Skilled in using sports science technology: GPS tracking, force plates, jump mats, VBT devices, athlete management systems.
  • Proven ability to interpret data and communicate actionable insights to players and staff.
  • Exceptional coaching, communication, and leadership skills, with experience working with youth athletes through to elite professionals.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to adapt training plans dynamically based on athlete readiness, competition schedules, and travel demands.

Performance Metrics

  • Increased compliance and engagement with physical preparation programs.
  • Demonstrable improvements in key performance indicators (speed, power, strength, repeat sprint ability).
  • Reduction in non-contact injury incidence and improved return-to-play timelines.
  • Positive athlete and coach feedback, reflecting alignment of performance objectives with outcomes.

Contact: Email resume with cover letter to info@apeccourses.com

 

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