LA Kings - Director of Strength & Performance Science

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.

This individual will serve as a senior leader within an integrated, multidisciplinary performance staff dedicated to evidence-based practice, collaborative decision-making, and the long-term health and development of every player in the organization. This is a leadership role responsible for building and sustaining a performance culture that maximizes player health, longevity, and competitive output throughout the full calendar year.

This individual serves as the primary point of contact for player performance, integrated sports science, and return-to-play processes. The position reports directly to the Director of Player Health and Performance. Working in close collaboration with team physicians, athletic trainers, physical therapists, performance staff, and coaching personnel, they ensure all decisions affecting player preparation, recovery, and readiness are evidence-based, individualized, and aligned with the Kings' competitive goals.

Leadership & Program Architecture

• 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

Sports Science & Athlete Monitoring

• 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

Strength & Conditioning

• 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

Player Relations & Communication

• 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

Operations & Administration

• 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

Required

• 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

Preferred

• Prior experience working in the NHL or another major professional hockey league
• Familiarity with the specific physiological and biomechanical demands of ice hockey, including skating mechanics, energy system requirements, and in-season load management
• Experience working collaboratively with hockey operations, analytics, and medical departments in an integrated high-performance model

Payscale: $200,000 - $230,000

Bonus: This position is eligible for a bonus under the current bonus plan requirements.

Benefits (Full-time): We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes: 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, and wellness offerings.

AEG reserves the right to change or modify the employee’s job description whether orally or in writing, at any time during the employment relationship. AEG may require an employee to perform duties outside their normal description.

AEG's policy is to hire the most qualified applicants, and we comply with all applicable federal, state and local employment laws in making hiring and employee decisions.