At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and oversee all aspects of Henley Rowing Club’s rowing programme, from coaching to athlete development.
- Company: Join the vibrant Henley Rowing Club, a hub for passionate rowers and coaches.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a supportive club culture.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and engagement in the local community.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the rowing community while nurturing talent and fostering teamwork.
- Qualifications: Must have British Rowing Level 2 Coaching Qualification and strong coaching experience.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Henley Rowing Club is seeking a Head of Rowing to lead and oversee all aspects of the club’s rowing programme. The role covers coaching strategy, athlete development, crew selection, programme delivery, equipment planning (with the Captain), school and learn-to-row pathways, and ensuring full compliance with safety and governance standards. The Head of Rowing will guide and support the coaching team, setting technical standards and performance goals across Junior, Senior and Masters squads, while also nurturing recreational and developmental rowing. This is a central leadership position for someone passionate, collaborative and energetic, able to foster a positive club culture and work closely with the Chair, Captain, coaches and wider membership to deliver the club’s strategic vision.
Main Responsibilities
- Programme Support & Coaching
- Involved in all aspects of Henley Rowing Club’s rowing programme across Junior, Senior, and Masters squads.
- Act as Squad Coach for one of the Club’s principal squads.
- Provide support for all rowing activities across the club.
- Support Head Coaches to develop and implement comprehensive land and water training programmes to maximise athlete and crew performance.
- Establish consistent coaching standards, methodology, and technical frameworks across all squads.
- Work with other Head Coaches to set clear performance objectives and long-term athlete development pathways.
- Manage crew selection processes in a fair, transparent, and performance-focused manner.
- Support Masters and recreational rowing participation and development.
- Coaching Team Leadership
- Lead, mentor, and develop the club’s coaching team, including paid and volunteer coaches.
- Foster a collaborative coaching environment built on shared standards and best practice.
- Conduct regular performance reviews and provide professional development support.
- Encourage ongoing coach education, including attendance at British Rowing coaching seminars and CPD opportunities.
- Recruit and support athletes across all levels, from beginners through to high-performance rowers.
- Promote athlete development both on and off the water.
- Provide guidance and mentorship to juniors, seniors, masters, and beginner rowers.
- Act as a key point of contact for athletes and parents/guardians where appropriate.
- Ensure athlete welfare and safeguarding remain a priority at all times.
- Foster an inclusive, positive, and supportive club culture.
- Programme Delivery & Event Coordination
- Lead the planning and delivery of Learn to Row programmes – Masters & Juniors.
- Junior Summer Camps.
- Training camps and development programmes.
- Regatta and head race attendance.
- Crew logistics and coordination.
- Transport and equipment planning for events.
- Athlete recruitment.
- Manage competing demands on resources to ensure equitable access and effective programme delivery across all squads.
- Equipment, Operations & Budget Management
- Oversee allocation and appropriate use of boats, launches, gym equipment, and training resources.
- Lead equipment maintenance scheduling and day-to-day operational planning.
- Ensure launch fuel, gym scheduling, and equipment access are effectively managed.
- Maintain safe and efficient use of all club assets.
- Operate within agreed budgets and support effective resource planning.
- Governance, Safety & Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with Henley Rowing Club policies and procedures.
- British Rowing Rules and Row Safe Guidance.
- Code of Conduct.
- Welfare and Safeguarding Policies.
- Water Safety Plans.
- Health & Safety Policy.
- GDPR Privacy Notice.
- Expenses Policy.
- Reporting & Communication
- Serve as a member of the CIO Operational Committee.
- Submit a written report at least three days prior to each Committee meeting.
- Present an annual programme update at the AGM.
- Maintain clear, timely communication with committee members, coaches, athletes, members, and stakeholders.
- Actively contribute to the Club’s social media channels.
- Club Engagement & Development
- Promote Henley Rowing Club, its programmes, and membership opportunities.
- Contribute actively to club social media and communications.
- Represent the club through engagement with schools, community groups, rowing clubs, and British Rowing networks.
Person Specification
- Essential Qualifications & Certifications
- British Rowing Coach / Level 2 Coaching Qualification.
- Current First Aid Certification.
- British Rowing Coach Membership.
- Safeguarding and Child Welfare Certification (or ability to obtain before commencement).
- Current DBS certification (or willingness to obtain).
- Skills & Experience
- Demonstrable success coaching multi-squad rowing programmes, including juniors, seniors, masters, and/or young adults.
- Experience coaching athletes across a broad spectrum, from beginner and recreational participants to competitive and aspiring elite rowers.
- Strong technical rowing knowledge and coaching expertise.
- Excellent planning, organisational, and administrative skills.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to collaborate effectively while also working independently.
- Flexible, proactive, and solutions-focused approach.
- Commitment to continuous professional development and coaching excellence.
- Good written and spoken English.
- Additional Requirements
- Full UK driving licence.
- Experience towing and driving boat trailers.
- Willingness to undertake a practical coaching assessment as part of the interview process.
Salary: Dependent on experience
Application Dates: From Monday 22nd June 2026 to Friday 31st July 2026
Head of Rowing – Henley Rowing Club employer: British Rowing
Henley Rowing Club is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises athlete development and community engagement. As the Head of Rowing, you will have the opportunity to lead a passionate coaching team, foster a positive club environment, and contribute to the growth of rowing at all levels, from beginners to high-performance athletes. With a commitment to professional development and a supportive atmosphere, Henley Rowing Club is dedicated to nurturing talent and ensuring a rewarding experience for both staff and members alike.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Rowing – Henley Rowing Club
✨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.
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✨Visit Sports Job Fairs
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Rowing – Henley Rowing Club
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.
