Strength and Conditioning Salary Guidelines (UK)

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Scope

As part of our ongoing work to professionalise the S&C sector, the IUSCA has carried out extensive research across universities in the United Kingdom (UK) and found that there is inconsistent grading regarding the role of a Strength and Conditioning Coach (S&C Coach). We have therefore produced this document to assist HR departments in developing Job Descriptions and Role Profiles appropriate to the provision of S&C support within universities. This will also benchmark the duties and expectations for each position as well as the minimum acceptable gradings (salaries).

IUSCA University Remuneration Guidelines (UK)

The IUSCA values free market economies and understands that competition will often dictate value. In the general sports environment we therefore understand that teams are free to set whatever value they deem suitable to a role. It is our view however that the profession should do a better job in promoting that value. Universities, who are recruiting and developing the next generation of coaches have a duty to ensure that graduates are meeting industry needs and demonstrating this value.

Despite our view of not dictating salaries in the general sporting environment, universities in the UK are different because they work on a standard grading scale. This means that an employee should be paid in accordance to their skills and requirements of the role. Universities can therefore play a leading part in the progression of the S&C industry by demonstrating what this value should be. With more S&C courses emerging at the graduate and undergraduate level, it is imperative that these universities grade S&C Coaches at the appropriate level.

The IUSCA would therefore like to ensure that all universities are valuing S&C coaches the same as they would other scientific practitioners or technicians. We have thus determined that the following job titles should be used wherever possible, along with the recommended Higher Education Role Analysis (HERA) scores and associated salaries (approx. based on 2020 salaries). This should help to standardise the provision within universities and gives the appropriate recognition for the S&C professional.

Example Job Descriptions and Person Specifications (UK)

Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach

Grade 5: HERA 285 - 359

Job Description

Supporting the delivery of Strength and Conditioning (S&C) services to university athletes and other partners. This will include independent supervision of sessions, with support where required by a Lead/Head S&C Coach.

You will be expected to liaise with key stakeholders both within and external to the university, including athletes, coaches, academics, and senior management.

As part of a multidisciplinary team, you must have good interpersonal skills and the ability to cooperate towards a shared goal/vision of athlete health and wellbeing.

Hours: 37 hours/week

Annual Leave Entitlement: 4 weeks

Notice period: 4 weeks

Person Specification

A recognised academic sports or science related qualification at Degree level or equivalent
Appropriate accreditation (IUSCA, UKSCA, or similar) or ability to achieve within 6 months with the support of the university
Experience delivering S&C support to a range of sports and athletes
An understanding of Performance Sport / University sport requirements
Experience of field based training and testing protocols
Experience using advanced testing methods such as Gymaware, Optojump, Timing Gates, GPS, etc.
Understanding of how to work with coaches, NGB's and performance sport practitioners from a variety of disciplines
Understanding of the academic pathway and surrounding issues
Good IT skills including Microsoft Office specifically Excel
Excellent organisational, administrative and planning skills
An understanding of various sport science disciplines and key performance indicators
Flexible approach to working hours.

Strength and Conditioning Coach

Grade 6: HERA 360 - 469

Job Description

Supporting the delivery of Strength and Conditioning (S&C) services to university athletes and other partners. This will include developing bespoke, periodised plans for a variety of teams and athletes, under the guidance of a Lead/Head S&C Coach.

You will be expected to liaise and develop relationships with key stakeholders, both within and external to the university, including athletes, coaches, academics, and senior management.

As a key member of the multidisciplinary team, you must have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to cooperate towards a shared goal/vision of athlete health and wellbeing.

Hours: 37 hours/week

Annual Leave Entitlement: 5 weeks

Notice period: 5 weeks

Person Specification

A recognised academic sports or science related qualification at Degree level or equivalent (or extensive appropriate experience).
Appropriate accreditation (IUSCA, UKSCA, or similar) or willingness to work towards qualification or alternative / significant experience of athlete support in a performance sport environment.
Understanding of Performance Sport Development preferably in FE / HE
Fitness / conditioning experience (e.g fitness program planning and delivering for performance improvement)
Proven background in facilitating and delivering S&C support to performance athletes ideally in an HE setting
Experience of performing needs analysis and field based testing for athletes and prescription of tailored service provision.
Experience of working with coaches, NGB's and performance sport practitioners from a variety of disciplines.
Understanding of the academic pathway and surrounding issues particularly at HE level
Good IT skills including Microsoft Office specifically Excel
Excellent organisational, administrative and planning skills
Excellent communication skills - written, oral and presentation skills and with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
Customer focused approach to work, but able to prioritise. Strong time management and ability to meet deadlines.
An understanding of various sport science disciplines and key performance indicators
A creative and innovative approach to exercise prescription
Ability to work within a team and contribute to team development.
Ability to deal with conflicting demands without supervision.
Appointment to this post is being made using the Facilities Directorate Attribute Framework (see job description for details)
Flexible approach to working hours.

Lead Strength and Conditioning Coach

Grade 7: HERA 470 - 575

Job Description

Leading the delivery of Strength and Conditioning (S&C) services to university athletes and other partners. This will include developing bespoke, periodised plans for a variety of teams and athletes, as well as the management and support of other S&C staff.

You will be expected to develop and manage relationships with key stakeholders, both within and external to the university, including athletes, coaches, academics, and senior management.

As a leading member of a multidisciplinary team, you must have exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to develop KPI’s, strategy and mission/vision of the department.

Hours: 37 hours/week

Annual Leave Entitlement: 6 weeks

Notice period: 6 weeks

Person Specification

A qualification at degree level (or equivalent) in sport science specialising in the area of physical preparation of elite athletes
Relevant Strength and Conditioning Certificate with evidence of continuing professional development
A qualification at higher degree level (Masters or equivalent) specialising in the physical preparation of elite athletes
IUSCA/UKSCA Accreditation or equivalent
Significant employment in the provision of strength and conditioning services to athletes and coaches to improve performance
Experience of developing and implementing innovative ideas and putting them into practice, including working in an applied and integrated manner.
Demonstrated ability to analyse a range of sports in relation to their individual athletes within these sports.
Experience in the provision of strength and conditioning services to high performance sport. (international / professional)
Experience of strategic planning, implementation and monitoring of strength and conditioning to high performance athletes.
Experience of coaching sport, specifically team sports.
Experience of working within a multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary team in the delivery of strength and conditioning services to high performance sport.
Experience of line managing staff
An understanding of the various sports science and medicine disciplines
An understanding of collating information specific to management administration of S and C
Excellent anatomical knowledge and ability to apply this to elite athletes within a strength and conditioning setting.
An ability to demonstrate up to date knowledge of strength and conditioning techniques.
Ability to work under pressure
Ability to organise and prioritise own workload
Ability to organise and prioritise others workload
Excellent problem solving and decision-making skills
Excellent communication skills
Self-motivated
Able to work in a team as well as individually
Excellent interpersonal skills

Head of Strength and Conditioning Services

Grade 8: HERA 576 - 640

Job Description

Manage and strategically develop the delivery of Strength and Conditioning (S&C) services to university athletes and other partners. This will include developing and managing bespoke, periodised plans for a variety of teams and athletes, as well as leadership of the entire department.

You will be expected to develop and manage relationships with key stakeholders, both within and external to the university, including athletes, coaches, academics, and senior management.

As a leading member of a multidisciplinary team, you must have exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to develop KPI’s, strategy and mission/vision of the department.

Hours: 37 hours/week

Annual Leave Entitlement: 7 weeks

Notice period: 12 weeks

Person Specification

Extensive experience of working as a coach or applied sports scientist with High Performance Athletes.
Experience of working with a sport National Governing Body or the English Institute of Sport.
Significant experience of staff management and supervision.
Experience of working in an interdisciplinary team of service providers (coach, physio, sports massage, medic, etc.)
Education and Qualifications Educated to postgraduate level or appropriate equivalent experience.
IUSCA/UKSCA accreditation and competent to carry out and/or supervise staff in the instruction of individuals in all aspects of strength and conditioning and the prescription of sport specific, periodised programmes for all level of clients
A valid first aid certificate.
Excellent communication skills (both written and oral.)
IT presentation skills – Powerpoint.
Excellent organisational and time management skills.
Ability to meet deadlines and work on own initiative.
Ability to manage and motivate a team of coaches.
Training Evidence of having undertaken further training.
Other Willingness to work irregular hours as necessary.
Commitment to observing the University’s Equal Opportunities policy at all times.
Experience of delivering coach development programmes.
Experience of managing budgets and resource allocations.
Qualifications Sport related degree and postgraduate qualification
Skills and abilities Familiar with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook and Access).