Competition Development Officer in Nottingham

Location: Hybrid – National Watersports Centre, Nottingham (Office-based 2–3 days per week)

Hours: Full-time (37 hours per week)

Salary: £30,000 - £32,000

Closing date: 5th July 2026

Develop high-standard competition pathways and systems to expand competitive opportunities and drive participation growth across the sport.

Paddle UK is seeking an organised, collaborative, and proactive Competition Development Officer to join our Sports and Recreation team. In this vital role, you will focus on developing, supporting, and refining high-standard competition pathways and systems across our diverse paddling disciplines. Your mission will be to enhance existing frameworks and expand high-quality competitive opportunities that invite new participants into the sport and foster long-term retention.

This role requires a balanced approach to project management and stakeholder engagement. Working directly with clubs, discipline committees, and volunteers, you will help bridge the gap between grassroots sport development and competition event delivery.

• Pathway & System Development: Support the refinement of competitive discipline pathways, adding measurable value to existing systems while maintaining strict compliance with safety protocols and data protection policies.
• Competitive Event Programmes: Partner with key stakeholders to develop and implement fresh event programmes and formats, directly increasing the availability of competitive paddling opportunities for new participants.
• Major Event Leverage: Collaborate closely with the wider Sports and Recreation team to leverage the profile of major international and national events, connecting with new audiences to create clear avenues for participation and retention.
• Digital System Integration: Support the ongoing development, alignment, and utilisation of the Paddle UK Event Entry System alongside the Event Recognition System to ensure smooth processes for disciplines and competitors.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Build and maintain excellent working relationships with clubs, discipline committees, volunteers, and external partners to unify and achieve shared interests.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a sports development professional looking to shape the operational infrastructure and future of competitive paddling. You will join a team that values:

• Meaningful Change: A culture that continuously aims to improve existing frameworks, applying practical solutions to deliver high-quality sports experiences.
• Collaborative Success: Deep integration across our sporting disciplines, working side-by-side with passionate volunteers, committees, and internal networks to hit shared milestones.
• Strategic Impact: The opportunity to take organisational objectives and transform them into organised, well-executed projects that directly widen access to the sport.

You will be a flexible, self-motivated team player who thrives under time pressure and excels at managing a varied workload with high attention to detail. Communication, organisation, and a positive attitude are core to your working style. We are looking for:

• Sports Development Expertise: Proven experience working within sports development or sports competition structures.
• Project & Time Management: Strong organisational skills with a demonstrated ability to successfully plan, deliver, and review projects on time and within budget boundaries.
• Skilled Communication: An excellent communicator who can comfortably adapt messaging to a wide range of audiences, influencing colleagues and external partners effectively.
• Problem Solving & Decision Making: A clear thinker who considers information from multiple sources and makes effective decisions under tight deadlines.

A degree in a relevant subject or equivalent experience is highly desirable, as is a background in budget management or working constructively with volunteers to resolve conflicts.

Paddle UK is the governing body for Paddlesports. We have had many advances in our sport and paddling now covers a wide range of interests and passions as a sport and a leisure activity for all. We want to support and provide opportunities for everyone to enjoy and realise their potential within all aspects of paddling regardless of their age, background or ability.

We recognise the contribution our employees make and think these benefits reflect our appreciation:

• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
• Dress for your day (jeans acceptable)
• Free onsite parking and bike storage
• Company pension scheme
• Employee benefits platform (including Bike to Work, Health and Wellbeing and discounts)

To find out more about Paddle UK, our benefits, culture and recruitment process please visit our Careers Centre.