At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire the England Lions programme, developing future international cricket stars.
- Company: Join the England and Wales Cricket Board, a force for good in cricket.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape the future of cricket and work with top talent.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on ODI cricket and strategic player development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on players' careers and the sport's future.
- Qualifications: Proven coaching experience with high-potential players and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
The England Lions Head Coach will provide inspirational leadership and coaching to the programme. The Head Coach will play a pivotal role in supporting the development of the most high-potential male players in England and Wales, securing a vibrant pipeline of players for England teams. The role requires exceptional leadership to players and Lions staff team, ensuring all staff contributions are optimised. In conjunction with the Performance Director, the Head Coach will create a genuinely world-leading performance environment which inspires, challenges and allows players to achieve and exceed their expectations. The Head Coach will work with the Performance Director to direct and deliver a fully individualised and optimal programme for Lions and any other targeted cricketers. The Head Coach will develop and maintain positive working relationships with the Managing Director – England Men’s Cricket, England Selector and Player ID and Talent Pathway Lead.
The England and Wales Cricket Board is the national governing body for all cricket in England and Wales, supporting the game at every level – from grassroots to professional. We believe cricket is a force for good that can have an enduring impact on everyone’s lives and we have an ambitious strategy to inspire a generation to say ‘cricket is a game for me’. It provides great entertainment. It teaches important skills, both physical and social. It can help inclusion and social cohesion, bringing communities together. The ECB welcomes applications from all backgrounds to ensure we deliver our Inspiring Generations strategy and fulfil our purpose to connect communities and improve lives through cricket.
Our Values
- Run on respect. We ensure our game is based on fairness, respect and decency.
- Embrace enjoyment. We make sure everyone finds fun in the game.
- Build belonging. We actively include so everyone can find a place in the game.
- Progress with purpose. We stay open to change to keep the game moving forward.
The Head Coach will lead the Lions programme (in conjunction with the Performance Director) ensuring that the highest potential players successfully bridge the gap between county/franchise cricket and the international game. The preferred appointment structure is a consultant England Lions Head Coach who will lead the programme consistently over the coming 12 months and future years (~130 days per year). However, tour-by-tour appointments may be made if this becomes optimal solution. We welcome applicants from those who could fulfil either model. The next 12 months will have a strategic emphasis on ODI cricket alongside supporting succession planning for key England roles.
Upcoming Lions Programme
- Sri Lanka (h) 08 – 13 Sept 2026
- Prewinter camps w/c 12 Oct and w/c 19 Oct 2026
- West Indies (a) 28 Oct – 20 Nov 2026
- South Africa (a) 25 Nov – 23 Dec 2026
- Winter camps (pace bowling emphasis) (h) Jan / Feb 2027
- Sri Lanka (a) 18 Feb – 14 Mar 2027
- Australia (h) mid Jun – mid Jul 2027
You Must Have
- Coaching: Experience of coaching the highest potential (future international) players with a proven track record of inspiring and adding significant value to player development. Experience of leading coaches and multidisciplinary teams at the highest level (international and/or top tier franchise, State or County cricket). Proven experience in optimising programme delivery and practice design through the adoption of sound pedagogical principles. Significant experience of articulating and embedding an authentic coaching philosophy which inspires players and generates aligned staff delivery. Excellent communication, interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to operate optimally when under pressure.
- Knowledge: Significant experience and understanding of the technical, tactical and psychological skills required to excel in senior international cricket. A coherent understanding of England men’s playing style and identity, with the ability to underpin this authentically in the Lions environment.
- Interpersonal skills: Excellent communication skills with proven ability to act with clarity and conviction. A disposition of seeking the upside and embracing opportunity (with players, staff and media). An ability to actively and effectively engage with Directors of Cricket (optimising individual athlete planning and handovers).
- Personal attributes: Clear, personal coaching philosophy and beliefs. Impressive ‘understanding of self’ with ability to play to strengths and maximise others. High levels of enthusiasm and positivity. High standards of personal and professional integrity. An appetite and ability to skillfully embed continuous improvement.
Interviews will take place on the 4th of September 2026.
England Lions Head Coach in City of Westminster employer: England and Wales Cricket Board (The ECB)
As the Managing Director of England Women, you will join a forward-thinking organisation that champions women's sport and prioritises inclusivity and excellence. With a strong commitment to employee growth and development, the ECB fosters a collaborative work culture where innovative ideas are encouraged, and high-performing teams thrive. Located in England, this role offers a unique opportunity to influence the future of women's cricket on a global scale while being part of a passionate community dedicated to making a meaningful impact.
Contact Details:
England and Wales Cricket Board (The ECB) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land England Lions Head Coach in City of Westminster
✨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 England and Wales Cricket Board (The ECB). 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 England and Wales Cricket Board (The ECB). 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 England Lions Head Coach in City of Westminster
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 England and Wales Cricket Board (The ECB) 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 England and Wales Cricket Board (The ECB)
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with England and Wales Cricket Board (The ECB), 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.
