At a Glance
- Tasks: Coach the Men’s Squad to excel in rowing and compete at the highest level.
- Company: Join the prestigious Oxford University Rowing Club with a high-performance team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, gain experience in elite sports coaching, and work with top athletes.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on aspiring rowers and help them achieve greatness.
- Qualifications: Experience in rowing coaching and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
The OUBC seeks a Squad Coach to join its high performance team in delivering a rowing programme to win The Boat Race and compete at the highest level year-round.
About the Role
The role is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic coach who has either been an assistant club coach or lead junior coach. The ideal candidate will also have experience of crews racing on the Tideway. The successful candidate will have strong communication skills and be able to build rapport quickly with athletes and fellow professionals, contributing to a positive team environment.
The role will provide an opportunity for the post holder to coach alongside and support the OUBC team with responsibilities including data collection and its management, equipment and boathouse maintenance. Working within the OUBC’s high performance team and through reporting to the head coach, the post holder will gain a breadth of experience across all areas of a high-performance programme, preparing world class athletes for one of the most iconic rowing races.
The post holder will be given a leading role in all aspects of the programme but with focus on talent identification within Oxford University, liaising with the college boat clubs, as well as coaching OUBC development boats at fixtures and regattas throughout the year.
Candidate Profile
The candidate must have the highest levels of integrity, ethical behaviour and adherence to principles of safe sport and fair play. In addition, the ideal candidate will satisfy most, but not necessarily all, of the following skills and experiences:
- Previous experience as a rowing coach at junior or senior level.
- Able to demonstrate experience in organising sessions, planning training camps and fixtures, maintaining equipment, race administration and arranging transport/accommodation.
- Proficient in a number of aspects of high-performance sport, such as rigging, training physiology, nutrition, biomechanics, and psychology.
- 3+ years of experience as a high-performance rower and/or student athlete within a successful programme – male or female.
- A level 2 coaching qualification is desirable but not essential.
- Together with the communication skills referred to above, the ideal candidate will have broader professional work experience that demonstrates a high level of administrative capability, diligence, initiative and relationship management.
Locations
OUBC crews primarily train from the Fleming Boathouse in Wallingford and at the Iffley Road Sports Centre in Oxford. The crews also spend considerable time training on the Thames in London and at the Redgrave Pinsent Rowing Lake in Caversham.
Notes on Application
Salary: Competitive and based on experience
Type: Full time
Application Dates: From Thursday 28th August 2025 to Monday 29th September 2025
There will be a two stage interview process in Oxford followed by an offer. We are aware current school coaches require a term’s notice and, for the right candidate, we are willing to delay the starting date by mutual agreement – please enquire to discuss further. We will also be holding interviews and potentially making our initial recruitment decisions before 29th September so early application is encouraged.
Oxford University Rowing Club – Men’s Squad Coach 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 Oxford University Rowing Club – Men’s Squad Coach
✨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
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We think you need these skills to ace Oxford University Rowing Club – Men’s Squad Coach
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.
