A rare opportunity has arisen to join the Saints as a performance nutritionist.
This role will provide the delivery and development of nutritional support for senior and academy players, working as part of a multi-disciplinary Strength and Conditioning, Sport Science & Medical team to create a high performance training environment.
MAIN TASKS AND ACTIVITIES
Work with the identified Strength and Conditioning, Sport Science and Medicine staff and Coaches to improve performance through developing, implementing and evaluating nutritional services.
- Lead and enhance the performance nutrition strategy which promotes best practice in all aspects of support across the Senior and Academy structure
- Provide strategic and operational leadership of highly effective performance nutrition support to all players
- Lead and deliver key internal research projects which underpin future service development
- Ensure close working relationships with strength and conditioning coaches within the club to enable optimal individual development
- Ensure close working relationships with the medical team to best support injury and illness strategies
- Ensure close working relationships with the Director of Rugby and technical rugby coaches to best support the development of the physical requirements of each player
- Liaise and manage nutrition partners and critically evaluate suitable products to be used at the club.
- Manage and communicate effectively with the club Performance Chef in relation to optimal menu formation, meal scheduling and nutritional periodisation to support training and competition
- Liaise with the team manager with regards to menus at hotels and restaurants to support travel to away fixtures
- Build close working relationships with International support staff to ensure a cohesive multidisciplinary approach at all times when players transition from club to country
- Demonstrate knowledge and awareness of quality assurance relating to supplements, with an understanding of anti-doping and the current World Anti-Doping Code
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Degree qualification in an appropriate subject, e.g. nutrition, sports science, dietetics
- Qualification at a higher degree level, e.g. IOC diploma in sports nutrition or PG Cert/Dip/Masters in sports nutrition
- Graduate on sports and exercise nutrition register
- Experience as a practising registered sports nutritionist or dietician, providing nutrition support to high performing athletes and coaches to improve performance
- Experience of implementing weight loss, maintenance and gain strategies in support of performance outcomes
- Proven track record of working within a multi-disciplinary team in delivery of nutrition services to high performance sport
- Experience of working closely with a performance chef in the design and delivery of menus to underpin the nutritional needs of athletes (rugby players very desirable)
- Effectively translate nutrition science into practical food advice
- Good knowledge and understanding of the use of nutrition supplements and ergogenic aids
- Understanding of the nutritional issues (performance and clinical) relevant to high performance sport
- Knowledge of nutritional support appropriate to the needs of high performance athletes both in training and competition
- An understanding of the needs of elite athletes and coaches in a high performance environment
- A thorough understanding of the various sports science and sports medicine disciplines
- Comprehensive knowledge of the science that supports sport nutrition
- Understanding of critically appraising scientific methodology and data
- An understanding of the elite sporting environment
- Ability to communicate complex data in terms that are easily understood by a wide range of audiences
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to implement innovative ideas and influence athletes and coaches to support programmes that impact on performance
- Skilled in building and maintaining productive relationships with high performance staff
- An interest in sport and recognition of the importance of promoting and supporting equality, safeguarding and anti-doping within sport
N.B This job description is intended as an outline indication of the areas of activity and may be amended in the light of the changing needs of the club.
Salary is dependent on experience. This is a part-time job for approximately two days per week, although the nature of professional sport means that some working at weekends, in the evenings or on public holidays is to be expected.
This role will be based at Franklin's Gardens, with travel to other sites to be expected on occasion.
To apply send a CV and cover letter to Marc Finney, Head of Strength and Conditioning, Franklin's Gardens, Weedon Road, Northampton, NN5 5BG.
Closing date is Monday, August 7th with interviews expected to take place in the week commencing August 21st.
