At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a team of coaches to enhance student sporting experiences.
- Company: Join the University of Nottingham Sport department, fostering inclusivity in sports.
- Benefits: Generous holiday entitlement, health benefits, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a commitment to diversity and equality.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student sport and promote inclusivity for all.
- Qualifications: Experience in coach development and staff management required.
The predicted salary is between 46049 - 58225 £ per year.
Closing date: 26 July 2026
Location: Nottingham
Region: East Midlands
Employment type: Full Time
Salary: £46,049 to £58,225 per annum pro‑rata depending on skills and experience.
About the Role: We are looking for a passionate and motivated Head of Coach Development to lead the strategic management and development of the coaching workforce, with the aim of providing a sector leading student sporting experience. In this role, you will lead and line‑manage a team of specialist coaches to create a performance environment that delivers sustainable success and inclusivity.
A typical day may include:
- Designing and delivering a coach education and development program that engages the cohort of head and assistant coaches
- Providing line management and support for the team of employed head coaches
- Working with the wider performance staff team to lead and support the delivery of coach and club related projects
- Developing partnerships with local and national organisations to drive coach recruitment and development
- Leading the integration of applied coach and student learning into the coach and club environment
This is a full‑time (36.25 weekly hours), permanent role, and some evening and weekend work may be required to meet the needs of student sports clubs.
About the Team: You will join a dynamic, collaborative and supportive performance team within the University of Nottingham Sport department, committed to creating an inclusive and accessible sporting environment where all students, regardless of background, identity, or ability, feel welcome and valued. We strongly value diversity and are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and students. We actively encourage applications from individuals who are passionate about student experience and ensuring sport is a space for everyone.
About You: We are looking for an individual who is committed to making student sport inclusive and enjoyable for all. You would be well‑suited to this role if:
- You have experience and proven track record of developing coaches at performance level
- You have staff recruitment and management experience including target setting, performance management, appraisals
- You have experience in building partnerships with governing bodies, or other sporting organisations
- You have a collaborative and solution‑focused mindset, with the ability to engage effectively with staff and colleagues across a range of sports and disciplines
- Knowledge and understanding of the higher education sporting environment, including the BUCS and other university competition structures
What We Offer:
- A welcoming and supportive workplace where diversity is valued
- A generous holiday entitlement of 27 days, plus bank holidays and university closure days, including time off between Christmas and New Year
- Access to a wide range of staff benefits, including health and wellbeing facilities, staff discounts and travel schemes
We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and employment.
What’s Next: If you would like to discuss this role informally, please contact Alex Perry on alexander.perry@nottingham.ac.uk. Please note that applications sent directly to this email will not be considered. If you require any adjustments to enable you to apply for this role or to participate in the selection process, please let us know as part of the application process. For further details, please see the role profile.
Head of Coach Development in Nottingham employer: British Universities & Colleges Sport (Bucs)
British Dressage is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Meriden, West Midlands. With a strong commitment to employee development and a culture that values diversity, the Training & Education Coordinator will have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful educational initiatives while enjoying the flexibility of hybrid working. The organisation fosters a supportive atmosphere where employees can thrive, making it an ideal place for those passionate about advancing their careers in sports education.
Contact Details:
British Universities & Colleges Sport (Bucs) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Coach Development in Nottingham
✨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.
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✨Visit Sports Job Fairs
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Coach Development in Nottingham
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.
