At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development and coaching of rowing in Scotland, inspiring growth at all levels.
- Company: Scottish Rowing is the governing body for rowing in Scotland, promoting inclusivity and participation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and the chance to shape the future of rowing.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact on the sport's accessibility and community engagement.
- Qualifications: Experience in sports development and leadership is essential; passion for rowing is a plus.
- Other info: This role offers a unique opportunity to influence one of Scotland’s leading Olympic sports.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 36000 £ per year.
Scottish Rowing – Head of Development & Coaching
About Scottish Rowing
Scottish Rowing is the Governing Body for rowing in Scotland. We are on a journey to get more people of all ages and ability enjoying the many physical, mental and social benefits of rowing.
Since 2022, Scottish Rowing has gone through an exciting period of significant change with the introduction of a new Olympic discipline, the expansion of the performance programme and a specific focus on extending the reach of the sport into non-traditional rowing communities.
With a new look Board and CEO in place we are currently going through a strategic review which aims to set the direction for Scottish Rowing for 2026 and beyond. We are seeking an experienced sports development professional to join the Senior Leadership Team and lead the growth and development of the sport at all levels.
Scottish Rowing currently employs a team of 12 staff with the organisation based at the Scottish Rowing Centre – its own dedicated training facility and office space at Strathclyde Country Park.
The Head of Development and Coaching will be responsible to the Chief Executive Officer and will be responsible for ensuring the delivery of Scottish Rowing’s development objectives with a focus on strong clubs, inspired people (including coaches, umpires and volunteers) and quality events.
We are seeking an outstanding leader who can identify growth opportunities, develop new and innovative strategies and motivate and engage with others across our rowing community. This will be a unique and exciting opportunity to help shape the future of one of Scotland’s leading Olympic sports.
Job Purpose
To provide visionary leadership, strategic direction and effective delivery of Scottish Rowing’s development and coaching objectives to enable more people to participate in and enjoy rowing at all levels.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the overall strategic direction of the development and coaching function in alignment with Scottish Rowing’s new strategic plan.
* Contribute to the ongoing development and subsequent implementation of the new strategic plan and maintain oversight of the annual operational plan as the recognised development and coaching expert within the staff team.
* Lead, manage, develop and empower the development and coaching team.
* Utilise all available resources to grow the sport and enhance services that support the continued modernisation of rowing clubs in a safe, inclusive and sustainable manner.
* Champion equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) across all coaching and development activity- ensuring that programmes are welcoming, safe, and accessible to help reshape perceptions and showcase rowing as a sport for everyone.
* Identify, cultivate and manage strategic partnerships with organisations including British Rowing, sportscotland, Local Authorities, Leisure Trusts, educational institutions and community groups.
* Identify, devise and implement sport development strategies as appropriate (e.g. Coaching Strategy) to enhance participation opportunities across all levels of the sport, utilising technology and innovation to maximise engagement and impact.
* Propose, monitor and review the annual budget for development and coaching whilst working to identify and secure funding opportunities to support new initiatives.
* Collaborate with the performance team to ensure seamless transitions as people progress through the sport, specifically looking at opportunities to retain rowers in the sport as they drop out of the performance pathway.
* Collaborate with the business operations team to ensure that the offer to club and individual members remains attractive and meets their needs.
* Lead on the monitoring, reporting and evaluation of all development and coaching team initiatives in order to evidence impact and ensure that agreed outcomes are delivered.
* Contribute to the wider objectives of Scottish Rowing, including the operation of the Scottish Rowing Centre at Strathclyde Park, as a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT).
* Prepare regular reports and provide support to the CEO, Board and funding partners.
* Attend Scottish Rowing Board meetings, contribute to strategic working groups including the Development and Coaching Committee, and participate in other relevant stakeholder meetings as appropriate.
* Ensure compliance with all Scottish Rowing policies and procedures and recognised governance frameworks to protect and support participants at every level.
This outlines the core responsibilities of the role but is not an exhaustive list. It is intended as a flexible guide and may be updated as the organisation’s needs evolve.
Scottish Rowing is committed to selecting staff solely based on their ability to do the job for which they are being recruited and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
Applicants should return a completed application form which outlines their relevant skills, experience and qualifications, as well as their motivation for applying for the role.
Please return by email to jobs@scottish-rowing.org.uk or by post to Scottish Rowing (Head of Development and Coaching Application), Scottish Rowing Centre, 366 Hamilton Road, Motherwell, ML1 3ED.
Our Equality monitoring form should be completed using the link on the application pack.
Salary: £38,000 – £40,000 (subject to experience) + excellent benefits pack
Type: Full Time, Permanent (35 hours per week)
Application Dates: From Friday 11th July 2025 to Wednesday 23rd July 2025
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Scottish Rowing – Head of Development & Coaching employer: British Rowing
Contact Detail:
British Rowing Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Scottish Rowing – Head of Development & Coaching
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Scottish Rowing's current strategic plan and their recent changes. Understanding their vision will help you align your ideas and demonstrate how you can contribute to their goals during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current and former staff or stakeholders within Scottish Rowing. Engaging in conversations can provide insights into the organisational culture and specific challenges they face, allowing you to tailor your approach.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership experience by preparing examples of how you've successfully led teams or initiatives in sports development. Be ready to discuss how you can inspire and empower others in the rowing community.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the latest trends in sports development and coaching, particularly in rowing. Being knowledgeable about innovative strategies and technologies will position you as a forward-thinking candidate who can drive growth.
We think you need these skills to ace Scottish Rowing – Head of Development & Coaching
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Head of Development & Coaching position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with their needs.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should not only express your enthusiasm for the role but also demonstrate your understanding of Scottish Rowing's mission. Discuss specific strategies you would implement to enhance participation and inclusivity in the sport.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, focus on your previous roles in sports development or coaching. Use quantifiable achievements to showcase your impact, such as increasing participation rates or successfully managing teams.
Showcase Leadership Skills: As this role requires strong leadership, provide examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past. Emphasise your ability to motivate others and drive strategic initiatives within a sports context.
How to prepare for a job interview at British Rowing
✨Understand the Strategic Vision
Familiarise yourself with Scottish Rowing's strategic plan and its objectives. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their vision for growth and development in the sport.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Highlight your leadership experience, particularly in sports development. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams and empowered individuals to achieve their goals.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity and Diversity
Demonstrate your commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in sports. Share specific initiatives or strategies you've implemented to make sports more accessible and welcoming for all.
✨Prepare for Collaboration
Be ready to discuss how you would work with various stakeholders, including local authorities and educational institutions. Think of examples where you've built successful partnerships to enhance participation in sports.