NRLW Head of High Performance

About the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs are one of the NRL's foundation clubs with a proud history spanning over 90 years. Our NRLW program represents the future of the club, and we are committed to building a sustainable, high-performance environment that develops elite female athletes and achieves competitive success. The Role The NRLW Head of High Performance is accountable for leading the High Performance program and delivering integrated strategies that maximise player performance and wellbeing. This part-time role oversees sports medicine services, injury prevention, strength and conditioning, rehabilitation, nutrition, and holistic player development to ensure athletes thrive across all phases of the NRLW season and female pathway programs. Key Responsibilities Program Leadership & Strategy

• Develop and execute the High Performance plan for the NRLW program, ensuring alignment with the club's vision and values
• Lead and manage the NRLW High Performance Program across strength, conditioning, recovery and rehabilitation
• Provide strategic leadership to the High Performance team, setting KPIs and fostering a culture of excellence
• Collaborate with the NRLW Head Coach, medical staff, and external specialists to ensure integrated and holistic player care

Performance & Training

• Design and deliver individualised training programs that optimise player performance and reduce injury risk
• Oversee match-day and training operations, including warm-ups, workload monitoring, recovery protocols, and player support
• Implement performance testing and test batteries, interpreting results and adjusting training accordingly
• Apply evidence-based training methods for strength, speed, power, agility, and energy system development

Sports Medicine & Injury Management

• Oversee injury prevention strategies and rehabilitation programs in collaboration with physiotherapists and medical staff
• Monitor player workloads and wellness to prevent overtraining and manage fatigue
• Coordinate return-to-play protocols ensuring athletes meet all performance and medical benchmarks
• Maintain accurate records and reporting on injury trends and player availability

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with coaching staff, players, medical practitioners, and support staff
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and professional culture that prioritises athlete wellbeing and dual-career support
• Contribute to the development of female pathway programs and junior athlete development initiatives
• Represent the club professionally in all interactions with players, staff, sponsors, and the broader rugby league community

Selection Criteria Essential

• ASCA Level 2 (Associate L2) Strength and Conditioning Coach Accreditation (mandatory requirement)
• Tertiary qualifications in Exercise Science, Sports Science, Physiotherapy, or a related field
• Minimum 5 years' experience in a high-performance sporting environment, ideally in rugby league or another collision sport
• Demonstrated experience designing and implementing periodised training programs for sub-elite to elite athletes
• Strong understanding of injury prevention, rehabilitation protocols, and return-to-play strategies
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport with athletes and multidisciplinary teams
• Current Working with Children Check (or willingness to obtain)
• Current First Aid and CPR

Highly Desirable

• Experience working in women's rugby league (NRLW, Harvey Norman Premiership, or pathway programs)
• Knowledge of the unique physiological and biomechanical considerations for female athletes
• Experience working with collision sports and understanding of contact-related injuries
• Postgraduate qualifications in High Performance Sport, Exercise Physiology, or related discipline
• Experience with athlete monitoring technologies and data analysis platforms

Key Competencies

• Leadership: Ability to inspire, motivate, and guide a high-performance team
• Technical Expertise: Advanced knowledge of strength and conditioning principles, periodisation, and athlete development
• Problem-Solving: Capacity to assess challenges and implement evidence-based solutions
• Collaboration: Strong team player who works effectively across departments and disciplines
• Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust programs based on individual athlete needs and evolving circumstances
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to program design, implementation, and monitoring
• Communication: Clear, effective communication with athletes, coaches, and medical staff

What We Offer

• Opportunity to shape the high-performance program of an NRLW club with strong ambitions
• Collaborative, values-driven environment within a foundation NRL club
• Access to excellent facilities and resources at Belmore Sports Ground
• Professional development opportunities and industry networking
• Be part of the growth and development of women's rugby league