At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop senior boys' rowing crews, focusing on athlete growth and strategic planning.
- Company: Bedford School, a prestigious boarding school with a strong rowing programme.
- Benefits: Salary up to £40k, on-site accommodation, and access to top-notch facilities.
- Other info: Full-time role with weekend and evening commitments in a vibrant school environment.
- Why this job: Join a winning team aiming for the Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup by 2030.
- Qualifications: Experience in coaching or competing at a high level in rowing.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Bedford School is seeking a full-time rowing coach to lead our senior boys’ crews, including the 1st VIII. This is a new role, created to add capacity and strategic focus to a growing programme. We are committed to appointing the right person to support our ambitions at the top end of schoolboy rowing. The successful candidate will work closely with the Director of Rowing to lead the senior squad, support athlete development, and contribute to long-term planning.
In 2025, our 1st VIII progressed to Day 4 of Henley Royal Regatta and reached the A Final at National Schools’ Regatta, marking our most competitive season since 2018. With a dedicated Rowing Performance Centre, upgraded fleet and a clear ambition to win the Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup by 2030, we are well-positioned for further progress.
This is a full-time role with weekend, evening and holiday commitments, based within a busy and well-resourced boarding school.
We are looking for someone with:
- Experience running or significantly contributing to a school or club rowing programme, or high-level experience as an athlete now moving into coaching
- Strong technical knowledge and a track record of coaching or competing at a high level
- A collaborative and adaptable approach, with a willingness to contribute more broadly to school life
Desirable: experience or interest in strength & conditioning and its role in junior athlete development.
We offer a salary of up to £40,000, along with on-site accommodation and access to excellent facilities including our boathouse, indoor rowing centre, and S&C provision.
Bedford School – Senior Boys Rowing Coach – Bedford School employer: British Rowing
British Rowing is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the stunning Dorney Lake, where employees can engage in meaningful operations that directly contribute to the safety and enjoyment of rowing activities. With a strong emphasis on employee development through comprehensive training in health and safety practices, staff are encouraged to grow their skills while enjoying a supportive culture that values teamwork and community engagement. The role provides unique opportunities to work in a premier sporting venue, making it an attractive choice for those passionate about water safety and operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bedford School – Senior Boys Rowing Coach – Bedford School
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Communities
Dive into your local sports scene! Attend community games, coaching sessions, and meet-ups. Building relationships with coaches and team managers can help you uncover job opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Leverage Internships and Volunteering
Even though you’re after a full-time role, don’t underestimate internships or volunteering in sports organisations. These positions not only give you hands-on experience but can also lead to permanent openings. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to make your face known in the industry!
✨Visit Sports Job Fairs
Keep an eye out for sports job fairs and career expos specific to the recreation management field. These events are goldmines for meeting hiring managers from organisations like British Rowing. Bring your A-game and be ready to chat about how you can contribute to their team!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out openings on our site! Our listings will often include positions at excellent organisations in sports recreation management, including British Rowing. Applying directly through our platform increases your chances of getting noticed by recruiters. Let's get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Bedford School – Senior Boys Rowing Coach – Bedford School
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 British Rowing 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 British Rowing
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with British Rowing, 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.