LA Kings - Director of Strength & Performance Science

About the role

The Los Angeles Kings are seeking a highly accomplished, analytically driven Director of Strength & Performance Science to lead and integrate the organization's sports science and strength & conditioning programs across all levels, from the NHL roster to the AHL affiliate.

Responsibilities

• Establish, oversee, and continuously evolve an integrated performance system encompassing strength and conditioning, sports science, athlete monitoring, and recovery across the organization
• Lead, mentor, and manage a multidisciplinary performance staff including strength and conditioning coaches, sports scientists, and performance analysts
• Define the program's philosophy, annual periodization structure, and performance standards in alignment with coaching and medical staff objectives
• Serve as the primary liaison between hockey operations, the coaching staff, medical staff, and analytics on all performance-related matters
• Oversee performance operations at both the NHL level and AHL affiliate (Ontario Reign), ensuring system-wide consistency and player development continuity
• Continue to analyze and enhance our current comprehensive athlete monitoring system using GPS/wearable technology, force plates, heart rate variability, and other validated tools to track workload, readiness, and fatigue
• Further develop and manage our data infrastructure for collecting, analyzing, and reporting performance metrics to coaching staff and front office in actionable formats
• Integrate internal performance data with external analytics and game data to generate insights that influence roster management and player development decisions
• Lead research initiatives and stay current with emerging technologies and evidence-based practices in elite sport performance, recovery, and injury risk reduction
• Oversee sleep education, and recovery modalities as part of a holistic performance program
• Design and oversee individualized on- and off-ice training programs for all NHL roster players during the preseason, regular season, and off-season, with attention to positional demands and player history
• Collaborate with the medical and athletic training staff to manage return-to-play progressions, injury risk reduction programming, and load management protocols
• Oversee performance evaluation protocols, interpreting results to inform player readiness assessments and development targets
• Develop and manage a summer performance program that ensures players report to training camp at peak readiness
• Work closely with the AHL performance staff to maintain developmental programming standards and ensure smooth transitions between organizational levels
• Build trusted, individualized relationships with NHL players to drive buy-in, engagement, and adherence to performance programming
• Communicate effectively with players, agents, and coaching staff regarding performance expectations, progress, and recommendations
• Educate players and staff on the rationale behind programming decisions, fostering a player-driven performance culture
• Manage the performance department budget, including equipment procurement, technology subscriptions, and staffing resources
• Oversee facility standards, equipment maintenance, and the safe operation of all performance spaces at the Toyota Sports Performance Center
• Represent the Kings in league-wide performance working groups, conferences, and collaborative industry initiatives
• Maintain thorough documentation of all programs, athlete data, and outcomes in compliance with league and organizational standards

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, Hawkin 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
• Strong decision-making under pressure in high-visibility, real-time game scenarios
• Advanced knowledge of hockey-specific injury mechanisms and NHL scheduling demands

Pay

$200,000 - $230,000

Schedule

Full-time

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Paid holidays, vacation and sick time
• Company paid basic life insurance
• Voluntary life insurance
• Parental leave
• 401k Plan (with a current employer match of 3%)
• Flexible spending and health savings account options
• Wellness offerings