The Performance Dietitian will lead and oversee all aspects of sports nutrition across the club, ensuring a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to optimizing player health, performance, and recovery. This is a traveling role in which the Performance Dietitian will be responsible for optimizing the nutrition and recovery of first-team players during training, match days, and travel. The role will require collaboration with key stakeholders, including the High-Performance Director, medical staff, strength & conditioning coaches, and team chefs, to integrate nutrition into the club’s overall high-performance framework.
Key Responsibilities:
- Club-Wide Nutrition Oversight: Develop and implement a holistic nutrition strategy for the entire club, including first-team, academy, and reserve teams.
- Traveling Role & First-Team Focus: Travel with the first team to ensure optimal nutrition, hydration, and recovery protocols are executed during away matches and training camps.
- Collaboration with High Performance Director: Report to the High Performance Director and align all nutrition initiatives with the club’s performance objectives.
- Individualized Nutrition Plans: Design, monitor, and adjust individualized nutrition programs tailored to the needs of first-team players and other squads as needed.
- Game Day and Travel Nutrition: Oversee and coordinate all nutritional aspects of match preparation, in-game fueling, and post-match recovery for home and away games.
- Body Composition Management: Conduct and oversee regular assessments of body composition, hydration status, and metabolic needs to optimize player health and performance.
- Supplementation Policies: Establish and enforce evidence-based supplementation protocols in compliance with MLS, WADA, and USADA regulations.
- Education and Guidance: Provide ongoing education for players, coaches, and staff on best practices in nutrition, hydration, and recovery strategies.
- Menu Development & Catering Coordination: Work with team chefs and catering providers to ensure high-performance meals are tailored to player needs both at home and while traveling.
- Academy and Youth Development Support: Implement educational programs and nutritional support for academy players to promote long-term athletic development.
- Data Collection & Analysis: Track and analyze player nutrition data to inform decision-making and continuously refine nutritional strategies.
- Orreco Integration: Utilize Orreco’s athlete monitoring and biomarker analytics to personalize nutrition strategies and optimize recovery protocols.
- Multidisciplinary Team Integration: Collaborate with medical staff, strength & conditioning coaches, and sports scientists to ensure a unified approach to performance and recovery.
- Policy and Compliance: Ensure adherence to all health, safety, and anti-doping regulations related to sports nutrition and supplementation.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
- Registered Dietitian (RD) credential or equivalent certification.
- Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in elite sports nutrition, preferably in a team sports environment.
- Expertise in performance nutrition, hydration, and supplementation strategies.
- Experience working within a multidisciplinary, high-performance environment.
- Working knowledge of Orreco and its applications in biomarker analysis and athlete monitoring.
- Proficiency in body composition assessment tools (e.g., DXA, skinfold calipers).
- Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to educate and motivate athletes.
- Willingness to travel extensively with the first team, including weekends and international trips.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Certification in sports nutrition (e.g., CSSD, CISSN, ISAK Level 1).
- Experience in professional soccer or other high-performance team sports.
- Familiarity with sports science software and data analysis tools.
- Bilingual capabilities are a plus.
Core Competencies:
- Leadership: Ability to oversee and manage all aspects of the club’s nutrition program.
- Collaboration: Skilled at working within a multidisciplinary team to align nutrition with broader performance goals.
- Analytical Thinking: Ability to assess data and implement evidence-based nutritional strategies.
- Adaptability: Capable of adjusting plans to meet the evolving demands of a professional soccer schedule.
- Commitment to Excellence: Passion for staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in sports nutrition.
