At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the culture of our World-Leading Performance Programme and inspire athletes and staff.
- Company: British Rowing, the national governing body for rowing in England.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape elite sport environments and make a real impact.
- Other info: Dynamic role with significant influence on athlete development and performance outcomes.
- Why this job: Join a proud heritage and drive success for Olympic and Paralympic athletes.
- Qualifications: Experience in elite sport, strong leadership skills, and a passion for rowing.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
A bit about the role
British Rowing is seeking an inspirational, values‑led leader to shape the culture of our World‑Leading Performance Programme. Building on the proud heritage of British Rowing, from Sir Steve Redgrave’s five Olympic golds to the standout successes of London 2012 and Paris 2024. The Director of Performance will work closely with the CEO to evolve an environment where athletes and staff thrive. As steward of culture within the GB Rowing Team (GBRT), the Director of Performance will design, measure and evolve the cultural environment as a critical component of the performance system, recognising its influence on athlete development, coach effectiveness, innovation and medal outcomes.
What you will be doing
A bit about you
- Proven ability to build and lead a modern high-performance culture prioritising people, wellbeing and long-term success as an individual.
- Experience leading elite sport environments at the highest level, with strong rowing or Olympic/Paralympic expertise.
- Deep understanding of coaching, sport science, medicine, technology, international competition and talent pathways.
- Demonstrable experience managing significant budgets.
- Strategic thinker with exceptional planning, leadership and organisational skills.
- Motivated and results oriented, with the courage to make tough decisions and raise standards.
- Proven ability to work with multiple partners, stakeholders and volunteers.
- Strong understanding of broader business drivers and senior level governance.
- Resilience, stamina and flexibility in high pressure environments.
- Outstanding communication skills across written, verbal and presentation formats.
- Deep commitment to rowing and Olympic/Paralympic ideals.
Additional Information
Selection Process & Interview Timelines
- Application close at midnight on the 13th September 2026
- First round interviews will take place on week of 21st September 2026
- Second Round interviews will take place on week of 28th September 2026
About us
British Rowing is the national governing body for rowing in England. Our core purpose is to harness the power of rowing to change lives.
Our Values: Teamwork | Respect | Integrity | Ambition | Inclusion
Director of Performance in London 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 Director of Performance in London
✨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
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We think you need these skills to ace Director of Performance in London
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.
