At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive growth in rowing by creating innovative participation pathways and strengthening club sustainability.
- Company: Join British Rowing, a dynamic organisation focused on making rowing accessible and inclusive.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunity to shape the future of rowing, and work with passionate teams.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be a key player in transforming how people engage with rowing and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in business development, strong communication skills, and a passion for sports.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
British Rowing are seeking a dynamic Head of Growth to drive new participation opportunities, strengthen club sustainability and shape innovative, insight‑led pathways that broaden access to the sport.
A bit about the role
British Rowing’s Development Directorate is focused on strengthening the foundations of the sport and supporting more people to take part in ways that suit their lives. We work with clubs, community partners and national programmes to broaden access, modernise participation offers and create clearer, more connected pathways into and through rowing. Our approach is evidence-led, collaborative and centred on enabling local environments to thrive. We aim to make rowing more relevant, more welcoming and more sustainable for the long term. This means testing new ideas, supporting clubs to develop, building strong local partnerships and ensuring that volunteers and staff have the tools and confidence to deliver high-quality experiences. The directorate works closely across British Rowing to link participation, workforce, events and talent development into a coherent, inclusive system.
As Head of Growth, you will lead the entrepreneurial engine of the directorate. Your focus will be to work with stakeholders to identify where rowing can grow, spot market opportunities, and shape offers that strengthen club sustainability and attract new audiences. You will use insight, business development thinking and an understanding of club economics to help create relevant, scalable participation pathways.
The role
This role is well suited to someone who brings commercial instinct alongside a strong grasp of participation trends. You will:
- Lead business development work that identifies growth opportunities and converts them into viable participation products and services.
- Use data, insight and market intelligence to shape compelling offers that support club sustainability and participant retention.
- Support clubs to evolve their business models, strengthen income streams and open up access in ways that meet local needs.
- Guide the development, testing and refinement of innovative participation products, formats and events.
- Build strategic partnerships with clubs, education settings, community organisations and leisure providers.
- Line manage a team focused on growth and development, contributing to directorate-wide planning and growth strategy.
If you enjoy combining analysis, innovation and relationship-building to unlock new opportunities, this role offers the chance to shape the rowing’s long-term growth direction.
A bit about you
The successful candidate will be:
- Entrepreneurial, creative and motivated by the challenge of turning insight into action.
- Skilled at spotting opportunities and building partnerships that enable them to grow.
- Comfortable working at both strategic and practical levels, able to design new approaches and oversee their successful delivery.
- A strong communicator who can inspire confidence and build consensus across diverse groups.
- Collaborative by nature, with the ability to work effectively across teams and with external partners.
- Committed to inclusion, with an instinct for making offers accessible and appealing to people from all backgrounds.
- Strong track record in business development with demonstrable impact.
- Proven experience of working in partnership with others to develop and deliver innovative programmes, products or events in sport, leisure, health or related sectors.
- Proven ability to analyse information, think critically and make sound judgements with experience of using data and insight to shape strategy and delivery.
- Demonstrable ability to work with and through clubs, community organisations or comparable membership bodies.
- Familiarity with Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) and its application in community and club settings.
- Skilled in negotiation and mediation, with the ability to resolve issues constructively and build consensus.
- Strong data competence, with the ability to create and present clearly using modern tools (e.g. Power BI, Excel dashboards) to inform decision-making and track impact.
- Excellent organisational and project management skills, with a record of delivering to time and budget.
- Strong interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.
- Knowledge of rowing, indoor fitness or wider sport participation trends.
- Experience of mobilising volunteers and coaches to deliver scalable programmes.
- Familiarity with digital tools and platforms that support participation growth.
- Background in events, product development or commercial activation.
Mandatory Requirements
It is expected that the individual will have the following in place, and valid for at least the period of the contract. It is your responsibility to arrange these in advance of the commencement of the contract and before any delivery takes place. Evidence must be shared with the Director of Development at British Rowing.
- Education to degree level or equivalent experience.
- Driving license.
- Right to work in the UK.
- Willingness to undertake full British Rowing safeguarding checks.
Application Dates: From Friday 13th February 2026 to Thursday 5th March 2026
British Rowing – Head of Growth employer: British Rowing
British Rowing is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, dedicated to broadening access to the sport of rowing. With a strong focus on employee growth, the Head of Growth role offers opportunities to lead innovative projects, build strategic partnerships, and make a meaningful impact in local communities. Located at the heart of the sport, employees benefit from a supportive environment that encourages creativity and entrepreneurial thinking, making it an ideal place for those passionate about driving participation and sustainability in rowing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land British Rowing – Head of Growth
✨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 British Rowing – Head of Growth
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.
