AFL Talent National High Performance Manager

ABOUT US

As an organisation, the AFL works tirelessly in all states and at all levels to enhance and grow the game – from grassroots to elite. Together, we put on the game, deliver important events, communicate with our fans, run community programs, develop coaches and umpires, collaborate with partners, delight members, support clubs and so much more. While our roles may vary, we are all united by a common goal, to progress the game for everyone to love and connect with Australia’s game.

The AFL is committed to promoting and protecting the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in our care. Please note, we undertake several screening processes to ensure this commitment is upheld, this includes ensuring the successful candidate to this position holds a valid employee Working with Children/ Vulnerable People check and a satisfactory criminal history record check.

We are an Equal Opportunity employer and firmly believe that diversity and inclusion is an important part of both the AFL and the communities in which we operate. Our game is for everyone, and we strive to be a workplace for everyone.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The AFL Talent National High-Performance Manager will lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of high-performance programs across the AFL Talent Pathway.

This role oversees the physical preparation and development of emerging athletes within the AFL Academies, Diversity Programs, and broader Talent Pathway. The position provides strategic direction, leadership, and innovation to ensure the AFL remains at the forefront of athlete development and performance.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF

Key Accountabilities:

Staff Development & Mentoring

• Lead, mentor, and develop the network of Talent Pathway High Performance staff to ensure consistent best-practice delivery across all programs.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation and consistency across the National high-performance network

Strategic Leadership & Innovation

• Drive innovation and strategic direction in high-performance systems, physical preparation, and athlete management practices.
• Develop and drive a national high-performance framework for the AFL Talent Pathway, aligned with the AFL’s overall talent objectives.
• Lead innovation and change management initiatives to continuously improve athlete development and high-performance systems across the pathway.
• Influence and contribute to the design of the National Talent Calendar, supporting State and Regional preparation for key milestones (e.g., National Championships, Combines).

Consistency, Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Drive consistency and quality assurance across all state and territory talent programs to ensure national standards are met and best practices implemented.
• Ensure compliance with AFL policies, safeguarding requirements, and athlete wellbeing frameworks.

Stakeholder management collaboration

• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including state bodies, AFL and AFLW clubs, and external sport science providers.
• Oversee key performance-related shared services for the AFL Talent Pathway and AFL Clubs, including Catapult GPS, Teamworks AMS, and Rookie Me.
• Collaborate closely with AFL Medical and Sports Science personnel to align performance, wellbeing, and injury prevention strategies across the Talent Pathway.
• Collaborate with wellbeing stakeholders to ensure holistic development and wellbeing of pathway athletes.

Program Leadership & Coordination

• Provide leadership, coordination, and quality assurance for the AFL’s Draft Combines and State Testing events.
• Lead the management and delivery of national AFL Talent Pathway high-performance programs, including AFL Academies and AFL Talent Diversity programs.
• Collaborate with AFL Talent data analyst to utilise data insights to inform program improvements, athlete profiling, and decision-making processes

OUR IDEAL TEAM MEMBER

Core Competencies:

• Degree in Exercise Science, Strength & Conditioning, Sports Science, or related field (postgraduate qualification desirable).
• Extensive experience (ideally 5+ years) in high‑performance sport or elite athlete development, preferably in Australian football or comparable high‑performance environments.
• ASCA Level 2 or equivalent strength and conditioning accreditation preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership ability with experience developing and managing multidisciplinary staff.
• Extensive experience in managing high-performance programs within elite or talent development sporting environments.
• Demonstrated leadership and ability to manage and influence multiple stakeholders at national and state/territory levels.
• Ability to travel regularly (nationally) and work outside standard hours and evenings and weekends as required (camps, events, weekends).
• Strong understanding of athlete development, testing protocols, and data management systems (e.g. Teamworks AMS, Catapult, Tableau).
• Excellent communication, collaboration, stakeholder management and organisational skills.
• Commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and athlete wellbeing.

OUR CULTURE

Please visit www.afl.com.au/careers/our-organisation

THE PERKS

• Play The Day Your Way – a flexible approach to your working life
• My Development – lean into the AFL’s My Development program consisting of on-the-job training, coaching and mentoring, and formal learning
• Play Well – access to our extensive Health and Wellbeing program centered around our belief in a healthy body, healthy mind, and healthy workplace
• My Benefits – with thanks to our AFL Corporate Partners, access great benefits and discounts
• AFL Silver Memberships – permanent team members can access AFL matches at Marvel Stadium and the MCG, enjoy and share the experience of our game with your family and friends!

Applications Close: 18 November 2025