At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and delivery of sport strategy at a top sports university.
- Company: Loughborough University, ranked #1 globally for sports-related subjects.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, competitive pay, and excellent health and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Shape the future of sport and make a lasting impact in the sporting world.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in strategy planning and strong data analysis skills.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with world-class facilities and career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 59966 - 67468 £ per year.
Are you ready to shape the future of sport strategy at the world’s leading sports university? Loughborough Sport is home to a globally unique ecosystem where elite performance meets an unrivalled student experience. From Olympic champions to inclusive participation, our story is one of ambition, innovation, and impact. We are seeking an exceptional Head of Sport Strategy to lead the design and delivery of our sport strategy, driving organisational excellence and innovation. This is your opportunity to influence performance, participation, commercial growth, and operational efficiency at a university ranked #1 globally for sports-related subjects.
What you’ll do:
- Develop and execute a bold sport strategy aligned with University objectives.
- Translate strategic priorities into actionable plans with measurable outcomes.
- Harness data analytics and digital tools to provide high-quality insights for decision-making.
- Drive process improvement, efficiency, and innovation across Loughborough Sport.
- Lead cross-functional projects and enable joined-up delivery across internal teams and external partners.
- Produce strategic reports for senior leadership and manage project teams as required.
What we’re looking for:
- A strategic thinker with extensive experience in strategy planning and organisational development.
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional projects and deliver cultural and organisational change.
- Strong skills in data analysis, digital tools, and evidence-based decision making.
- Exceptional stakeholder management and the ability to influence at a senior level.
- Commercial acumen and understanding of the UK sport landscape, including higher education sport.
- A collaborative leader committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Join us and be part of an environment where excellence is the norm, collaboration is key, and the impact of your work will be felt across the sporting world. With world-class facilities and a reputation for innovation, this is your chance to make a lasting difference.
For more information on the role please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification. Our candidate pack provides further information on the University, Loughborough Sport and this exciting new role. Informal enquiries to Paige Norris, PA to the Director of Sport.
Closing date: Sunday 22nd February 2026
Interviews: Monday 2nd March 2026
Our Benefits:
- Time off - generous holiday allowance, including 14 university closure days and bank holidays, with the option to buy extra through our holiday purchase scheme.
- Where you work – access to a range of fantastic facilities with plenty of green space across our 523-acre East Midlands campus, plus an exciting community at our London campus on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
- Financial wellbeing – competitive pay, two excellent pension schemes, and everyday savings opportunities.
- Support for you and those close to you - through our range of life event leave policies as well as access to an on-site nursery at our East Midlands campus, flexible and hybrid working options.
- Health and wellbeing – discounted gym memberships and access to world-class sporting facilities, including physiotherapy, plus healthcare offers such as eyesight testing and wellbeing support.
- Travel and sustainability - access to our electric vehicle and cycle-to-work schemes, as well as a variety of travel offers to support sustainable commuting.
Discover more about the full range of rewards and benefits at Loughborough University.
Head of Sport Strategy - Loughborough employer: Loughborough University
Contact Detail:
Loughborough University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Sport Strategy - Loughborough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Loughborough Sport on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the latest trends in sport strategy. We want to see you not just as a candidate but as someone who’s genuinely passionate about shaping the future of sport at Loughborough.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples where you've led cross-functional projects or driven change. We love to see how you can influence and inspire teams to achieve great results.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always looking for candidates who are proactive and engaged.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Sport Strategy - Loughborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Head of Sport Strategy role. Highlight your experience in strategy planning and organisational development, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Data Skills: Since data analytics is key for this position, don’t forget to mention any relevant experience you have with digital tools and evidence-based decision making. We want to see how you can harness data to drive performance and innovation.
Demonstrate Leadership Experience: We’re keen on seeing your ability to lead cross-functional projects. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams and influenced stakeholders at a senior level. This will help us gauge your collaborative leadership style.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets to us without a hitch, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details and can consider you for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Loughborough University
✨Know Your Sport Strategy
Before the interview, dive deep into Loughborough's current sport strategy and recent initiatives. Familiarise yourself with their goals and how they align with your vision. This will help you articulate how your experience can contribute to their objectives.
✨Showcase Your Data Skills
Since data analytics is key for this role, prepare examples of how you've used data to drive decision-making in previous positions. Be ready to discuss specific tools you've used and the outcomes of your analyses to demonstrate your expertise.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Scenarios
Think about past experiences where you've successfully managed stakeholders or led cross-functional projects. Prepare to share these stories, focusing on your approach to collaboration and how you navigated challenges to achieve results.
✨Emphasise Your Leadership Style
As a collaborative leader, be prepared to discuss your leadership philosophy and how it aligns with Loughborough's commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Share examples of how you've fostered an inclusive environment in your previous roles.