Head of Athletic Performance and Sports Science

Organisation: Scottish Rugby
Salary: Up to £140,000 to 160,000, depending on experience
Location: Edinburgh
Contract type: Fixed Term (Full time)
Closing date: 23 May 2025
Job Description: Fixed term contract: 2-4 years

Are you ready to lead at the forefront of elite rugby performance? Scottish Rugby is seeking a visionary Head of Athletic Performance & Sports Science to drive a world-class, player-centred approach to athletic development across our national and professional teams. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of Scottish rugby from the ground up, working with some of the best talent in the game.

What you will be doing:

> Lead the development and delivery of an integrated Athletic Development & Sports Science Strategy in partnership with the Performance Director.
> Oversee the national Rugby Athletic Performance Programme (Men & Women), aligning systems across all levels—from youth to pro and national teams.
> Ensure a unified, evidence-led performance framework that supports player development, welfare, and readiness for the demands of elite rugby.
> Build and lead a high-performing APSS team, promoting collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and continuous professional development.
> Establish research partnerships with academic institutions to drive innovation and world-class practice.

What we’re looking for:

> An experienced, visionary leader with a passion for sports science
> A strong track record in elite sport, ideally rugby or a similarly high-performance environment.
> A passion for building integrated, evidence-based systems that put the athlete at the centre.
> The ability to unite diverse teams and stakeholders behind a shared vision for performance excellence.
How to apply: To view the full role profile and submit your application, click here: https://www.cloudonlinerecruitment.co.uk/sru/VacancyDetails.aspx?FromSearch=True&MenuID=S0Aov7UuFlE=&VacancyID=701