At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Sports Delivery team to enhance student engagement and performance in sports.
- Company: Join Warwick, a vibrant university with a commitment to student wellness and sports.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and collaboration across departments.
- Why this job: Shape the future of student sport and inspire thousands of students every year.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and strong business acumen required.
The predicted salary is between 47389 - 56535 £ per year.
Closing date: 26 July 2026
Location: Coventry
Region: West Midlands
Employment type: Full Time
Salary: £47,389 - £56,535
Sport at Warwick reaches over 12,000 students every year — and we're looking for someone to lead the team that makes it happen. As Head of Student Sport, you'll sit within our Senior Leadership Team and take ownership of the student‑facing strands of our Active Wellness & Sports Strategy. From first‑time participation through to high‑performance athlete support, you'll drive the delivery plans that grow engagement, raise standards, and help students fulfil their potential through sport — both on and off the pitch. This is a role for someone who leads with ambition and accountability.
You'll manage the Sports Delivery function, set clear KPIs, develop your team, and own budgets and resourcing decisions. You'll build persuasive, evidence‑based funding bids and business cases, secure external investment, and develop partnerships that strengthen the student experience and make Warwick an outstanding destination for prospective students.
What you'll do:
- Lead and develop the Sports Delivery team to hit ambitious participation and performance targets
- Implement the student strands of Warwick's Active Wellness & Sports Strategy
- Build business cases and funding bids, including accessing external investment
- Own the technologies and systems behind sports delivery, improving efficiency and the customer journey
- Develop trusted relationships with internal departments and external partners
- Support fundraising, sponsorship and crowdfunding initiatives for student sports clubs
- Champion the Team Warwick brand across all delivery
What we're looking for:
- Proven leadership experience, with a track record of inspiring high‑performing teams
- Strong commercial and business acumen, with experience building evidence‑based business cases and funding bids
- Authoritative knowledge of sports development practices, regulations and statutory requirements
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills across complex environments
- Experience managing budgets, resources and operations in a devolved context
- Outstanding organisational, report‑writing and presentation skills
- Experience in higher education and evidence of continued professional development are desirable
Head of Student Sport in Coventry employer: British Universities & Colleges Sport (Bucs)
At Warwick, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions the growth and development of our staff. As the Head of Student Sport, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to enhancing student engagement through sport, all within a supportive and collaborative work culture. With access to professional development opportunities, competitive salaries, and the chance to make a significant impact on the student experience in the vibrant city of Coventry, Warwick is the ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
Contact Details:
British Universities & Colleges Sport (Bucs) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Student Sport in Coventry
✨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 Universities & Colleges Sport (Bucs). Bring your A-game and be ready to chat about how you can contribute to their team!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out openings on our site! Our listings will often include positions at excellent organisations in sports recreation management, including British Universities & Colleges Sport (Bucs). Applying directly through our platform increases your chances of getting noticed by recruiters. Let's get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Student Sport in Coventry
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 Universities & Colleges Sport (Bucs) 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 Universities & Colleges Sport (Bucs)
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with British Universities & Colleges Sport (Bucs), 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.
