Pathway · Step up
Sport Scientist to Head of Performance
How to move from Sport Scientist to Head of Performance: what to learn, what to prove and what formal steps, if any, are needed.
Qualification check for Head of Performance
Strongly preferred
Most employers will expect a qualification for the new role, but evidence of experience also counts. Senior roles usually require a master's degree or equivalent and years of club experience.
4 to 7 yearstypical timeline
2new skills to build
1qualifications to consider
+296%mid-point UK pay change, illustrative
The move at a glance
Sport Scientist
Collects and interprets training-load, fitness and wellness data to support coaches.
Head of Performance
Leads sport science, strength and conditioning and often links with medical and nutrition.
Skills and knowledge to build
Experience and routes that help
Qualifications to consider
What the new role asks of you
- Lead the performance team and its plans
- Coordinate training load with the head coach
- Review physical data and injury trends
Practical steps
- Ask for a small piece of the new role's work before you apply, for example one of the tasks above.
- Close the top gap first: Leadership.
- Keep a record of two results that show you working at the next level.
- Talk to three people who do the job. Ask how they got in, and who they would recommend you speak to.