Head of Performance

The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys Rugby League Football Club is seeking an experienced and values-led Head of Performance to lead our Athletic Development and Performance Department and help position the Club as a leading sporting franchise in Australia. Based in Townsville, this senior leadership role will oversee the physical preparation, performance systems, training load monitoring and day-to-day operations that support our NRL squad to perform at their best.

About the role

Reporting to the Head Coach, the Head of Performance will lead a multidisciplinary team across strength and conditioning, sports science, nutrition and performance analysis. The role is responsible for developing and implementing performance standards, systems and programs that support athlete preparation, wellbeing, training adaptation and on-field performance.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, support and develop the Club’s Athletic Performance team, including strength and conditioning, sport science, nutrition and analytics staff.
• Oversee the physical preparation of the NRL squad and ensure players are appropriately prepared for the demands of the season.
• Develop and maintain performance policies, standards, procedures, and reporting frameworks.
• Monitor training loads, training stress, adaptation, physiological wellbeing, and psychological wellbeing through internal and external systems.
• Manage player performance data and contribute meaningful reports and insights to coaching and performance planning.
• Work closely with the Head Coach, coaching staff, medical staff, consultants, and contractors to align performance priorities.
• Contribute to annual budget planning and ensure department activities are managed within agreed parameters.
• Maintain strong relationships with tertiary education partners and identify research opportunities that enhance training and performance outcomes.
• Ensure relevant NRL compliance requirements and qualifications are achieved and maintained by Performance staff.

About you

You will be an experienced performance leader with strong technical capability, sound judgement, and the ability to build trusted relationships across athletes, coaches, executives and external partners. You will bring a high level of care for people, while maintaining the standards and authority required to achieve excellent results in an elite sporting environment.

Selection criteria

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Exercise Science, Sports Science, or a related field.
• Minimum five years’ relevant experience in athletic performance, sports science, or high-performance sport.
• Relevant ESSA accreditation and SMA Level 1, including proficiency in strapping.
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary performance teams.
• Strong understanding of training load monitoring, athlete management systems, and data-informed performance practice.
• Competency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, with working knowledge of data analytics programs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong attention to detail and confidentiality.
• Current Working with Children Check (QLD Blue Card) or be able to obtain.

Why join the NQ Toyota Cowboys?

This is an outstanding opportunity to play a key leadership role within one of Australia’s most recognised sporting organisations. You will help shape the performance environment for elite athletes while working with a committed team that values competitiveness, humility, drive and gratitude.

Employment details

• Position: Head of Performance
• Department: Football
• Location: Townsville, QLD
• Employment type: Full-time
• Salary: Competitive remuneration package, commensurate with experience

Essential Requirements

• Human Movement / Coaching / Exercise / Sports Science Degree
• Registered Exercise / Fitness Professional
• Working with Children / Working with Vulnerable People Check