Head of Student Sport in Birmingham

Closing date: 7 December 2025

Location: Birmingham

Region: West Midlands

Employment type: Full Time

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £58,225 to £67,468 with potential progression once in post to £87,974

Description: UK travel may be required for this role.

Role Summary: As Head of Student Sport, you will lead on the strategic development and direction of all aspects of our student competitive sport offer, specifically Performance, Athletic Union and our coaching provision and to input into the overall strategy of UoBSport. You will lead the student sport aspects of the strategy and be accountable for delivery and successful implementation. You will be expected to exercise a substantial degree of independent professional responsibility and discretion, requiring innovation and creativity to succeed. You will ensure that the Department’s objectives link with the wider University and overall objectives of UB Sport e.g. increasing performance, participation and meeting income targets.

Main Duties:

• Work with senior members of Colleges and Professional Services to lead and shape the strategic direction of student sport aligned to the University and UoBSport’s overarching goals.
• Develop networks and good working relationships with key internal departments for mutual strategic benefit.
• Horizon scan to identify key external bodies to work with that would be relevant in the contribution and achievement of UoBSport objectives.
• Actively manage and lead the operational and tactical aspects of the Performance, Athletic Union and Coaching functions.
• Be the strategic lead in developing educational opportunities for students to learn through practical experience across UoBSport.
• Lead on providing reports and presentations relating to Student Sport for use with wider University stakeholders.
• Chair meetings, providing expertise and facilitating different opinions to reach consensus.
• Proactively seek appropriate income generation/funding opportunities to support in Sport delivery.
• Actively engage and lead on wider Campus Services initiatives.
• Develop and implement a culture that promotes Equality and values diversity and inclusion.
• Support the University’s sustainability agenda through resource efficient working.
• Any other duties commensurate with the grade.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience:

• Educated to Degree level (or equivalent level qualifications), or extensive experience of working in a complex organisation plus substantial relevant managerial experience.
• Ability to exercise a substantial degree of independent professional responsibility and discretion.
• Substantial experience of Performance sport and coaching.
• Excellent literacy and numeracy, with the ability to write for different audiences and for different purposes.
• Substantial experience and in-depth knowledge of Student Sport within a Higher Education environment.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills.
• Proven experience of solving complex problems.
• Operational planning, management and business process skills.
• Experience of using substantial expertise to influence a range of stakeholders and senior management.
• Proven record of developing innovative and practical solutions to deliver a strategy.
• Experience of resource and financial management.
• Excellent general IT skills, with a strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Actively promotes equality and diversity to internal and external stakeholders.
• DBS required.

The University is committed to safeguarding and we promote safe recruitment practice, therefore all associated pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.

Informal enquiries to Andy Allford, email: a.allford@bham.ac.uk

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life.