LA Kings - Director of Strength & Performance Science
$200,000–$230,000 year
On-site · El Segundo, California, United States
Job Summary
Director will lead integrated sports science and strength & conditioning programs across NHL roster and AHL affiliate, serving as a senior leader of a multidisciplinary performance staff. The role governs evidence-based practice, player health, monitoring, periodization, and return-to-play decisions, and acts as the primary liaison among hockey operations, medical staff, analytics, and coaching. Responsibilities include designing season-long performance architecture, managing athlete monitoring systems (GPS/wearables, force plates, HRV), developing data infrastructure for actionable insights, overseeing on-/off-ice training, coordinating with medical staff on return-to-play, and fostering a player-centered performance culture. The position requires leadership of a high-performance department, budget and facilities oversight, cross-functional collaboration with analytics and operations, and delivery of a holistic program aligned with playoff goals. The ideal candidate holds an advanced degree, CSCS certification, extensive elite-sport leadership experience, and strong communication skills to translate data into strategic decisions for coaches and front office.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Sports Science, or a closely related field; Master's degree or Ph.D. strongly preferred
- Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive experience in elite sport performance, with at least 3–5 years in a senior leadership role at the professional or high-performance national team level
- Current Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification through the NSCA
- Deep technical expertise in periodization theory, athlete monitoring, sports science methodology, and evidence-based strength and conditioning practice
- Demonstrated proficiency with performance technology platforms (e.g., Catapult, Polar, Vald, Hawkins Dynamics, Smartabase, or equivalent systems)
- Strong data literacy and experience translating complex performance data into clear, actionable communication for coaches and front office
- Proven ability to lead and develop multidisciplinary performance staffs in a professional sport environment
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build authentic relationships with elite athletes
- Proven ability to design and execute long-term player health strategies across a full season and offseason cycle
- Experience operating within high-performance environments with playoff expectations
- Advanced knowledge of hockey-specific injury mechanisms and NHL scheduling demands
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