At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the athletic performance programme for Bristol Bears, optimising player conditioning and development.
- Company: Join the Bristol Bears, a top rugby club inspiring the community through sport.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, pension scheme, gym access, and matchday tickets.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team committed to equal opportunities and safeguarding.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on athletes' performance in a dynamic, elite sports environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Sports Science and 5+ years in elite sport leadership required.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
ABOUT BRISTOL BEARS
Bristol Bears Rugby is part of Stephen Lansdown’s sporting group of companies which includes Bristol Sport, Bristol City Football, Bristol Flyers Basketball and each of their respective community charities.
Our vision is ‘to inspire our community through rugby success’.
Our supporters regularly attend Ashton Gate Stadium to watch the team perform in Premiership and European Cup Competitions as well as our Women’s team who play at the highest level of domestic competition.
ROLE SUMMARY
We are looking for an evidence-driven performance leader to drive the physical preparation, conditioning, and long-term athletic development of our first team squad.
Reporting to the Director of Rugby, you will lead a multidisciplinary performance team and work in close collaboration with coaching, medical, and sports science staff.
- PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design, implement, and oversee the year-round athletic performance programme across the full playing squad to enable them to play the Bears way.
- Lead and develop the athletic performance team, including strength and conditioning coaches, sports scientists, and relevant performance staff.
- Manage player load, recovery, and readiness in partnership with the medical and sports science staff to minimise injury risk and optimise availability.
- Use GPS, heart rate. force-plate, and other performance data to inform training prescription and return-to-play protocols
- Oversee individualised development plans for players across all positions and career stages, including academy-to-first-team transition.
- Set and manage the performance department’s budget, equipment, and facility requirements.
- Collaborate with coaching staff to align physical preparation with tactical and technical game plans.
- Lead the constant refinement of the departments systems and processes, holding the department to an elite standard.
- Stay up to date with best practice and research in elite athletic performance.
- To contribute positively to the Bears vision and culture.
- KEY RELATIONSHIPS
- Director of Rugby
- Coaching staff
- Medical staff
- Players & coaches
ESSENTIAL
- Bachelor’s degree in Sports Science, Strength & Conditioning, Exercise Physiology, or a related discipline required.
- Minimum of five years’ experience in elite professional sport, with at least two years in a leadership role overseeing sports science or performance operations.
- Strong communication and leadership skills, able to influence and collaborate effectively with coaches, players and staff across departments.
- Analytical and detail-orientated with the ability to translate complex data into actionable training insights.
- Capable of thriving in a dynamic, high performance team environment.
- Knowledge and understanding of rugby union and the development pathways.
DESIRABLE
- Master’s or Ph D in Sports Science, Strength & Conditioning, Exercise Physiology, or a related discipline.
- 5+ years in a leadership role overseeing sports science or performance operations.
- Experience with data-analysis systems and statistical software.
- HEALTH AND SAFETY
- Responsible for ensuring all health and safety procedures are followed at all times, with relevant documentation to support
- To ensure all employees complete the training required to do their job
- Report all incidents and accidents as required
- To complete and review the risk assessments for the department.
- EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
We are committed to the principle of equal opportunity and its policies for recruitment, selection, training, development and promotion are designed to ensure that no employee or potential employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of race, colour, nationality, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, ethnic and national origin, disability or gender reassignment.
SAFEGUARDING
Bristol Rugby Club Limited is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees to share this commitment.
This role would be subject to an enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check.
BENEFITS
- As part of the Bears family, you’ll have access to a wide range of benefits, including:
- WORK LIFE BALANCE
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata)
- FINANCIAL SECURITY
- Hargreaves Lansdown pension scheme
- Life assurance policy
- FAMILY FRIENDLY BENEFITS
- Enhanced parental leave
- HEALTH & WELLBEING
- Employee Assistance Programme
- HPC gym access (subject to player schedules)
- Company Sick Pay
- Career development opportunities through CPD and Apprenticeship Levy funding
- TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE PERKS
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Discounted First Bus travel
- Electric vehicle scheme
- FOOD & ON-SITE BENEFITS
- Subsidised meals at the HPC on training days
- Onsite parking at the HPC
- SPORT, EVENTS & DISCOUNTS
- Matchday tickets for Bristol Bears Men and Women home fixtures
- Ad-hoc tickets for other Bristol Sport fixtures
- Discounts at Ashton Gate food and beverage outlets on matchdays
- Discounts with a variety of local businesses including attractions, hotels and cafes
- Discount at the Bristol Sport retail shop
- Bears Kit (where applicable for the role)
*Please note that some benefits are non-contractual and may be subject to change as well as subject to terms and conditions.
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Head of Athletic Performance in Bristol employer: Bristol Bears
Bristol Bears Rugby is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work within a dynamic sports medicine team dedicated to supporting elite athletes. With a strong commitment to professional development and a collaborative work culture, employees benefit from ongoing training and the chance to contribute to the success of the Women's team in a vibrant community setting. Located at Shaftesbury Park, the role provides not only a fulfilling career but also the chance to inspire and engage with a passionate fan base.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Athletic Performance in Bristol
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Communities
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Athletic Performance in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sports:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sports and recreation shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in the industry and how it's shaped your career choices. Sharing specific experiences, like managing a team or organising an event, can really make you stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, focus on any relevant internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs related to sports and recreation management. Make sure to quantify your achievements – did you increase team participation by a certain percentage or successfully lead a project? Numbers speak volumes!
Tailor Your CV for Sports Management:Use a CV format that emphasises your skills in leadership, teamwork, and event coordination. Don’t forget to include specific training or certifications that relate to sports management, as these can set you apart from other applicants. We love seeing candidates with relevant qualifications!
Express Your Long-Term Goals:In your application, we want to see your career aspirations in sports management. Don’t hesitate to include how you envision your future in this industry and how joining Bristol Bears aligns with those goals. We’re looking for candidates who are not just a perfect fit for the role but are also excited about growing with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bristol Bears
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Bristol Bears, make sure to express your genuine love for sports and recreation. Share experiences that showcase your passion, whether it's managing a local sports team, organising events, or simply being an active participant in various activities. This helps them see you're not just a fit on paper, but also someone who truly cares about the field.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
This role is all about managing resources and people, so be ready to discuss your leadership and organisational skills. Prepare some examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a project, particularly in a sports or recreation setting. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to make your answers concise and impactful.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect case studies or scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. You might be asked how you would handle a tricky situation, such as resolving a conflict between team members or managing a crisis during a major event. Think through these scenarios and practice how you’d articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Demonstrate Enthusiasm for Team Collaboration
In the sports and recreation management field, teamwork is essential. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you work within a team and foster a collaborative environment. Share success stories where teamwork led to a positive outcome, emphasising how you built relationships and encouraged participation among team members to achieve a common goal.
