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.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with world-class facilities and career growth opportunities.
- 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.
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
Loughborough University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises collaboration, innovation, and excellence in the realm of sport strategy. With access to world-class facilities on a stunning 523-acre campus, generous benefits including a competitive salary, extensive holiday allowance, and support for health and wellbeing, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the sporting world while enjoying a supportive community that values equity, diversity, and inclusion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Sport Strategy - Loughborough
✨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 Loughborough University. 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 Loughborough University. 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 Sport Strategy - Loughborough
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 Loughborough University 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 Loughborough University
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Loughborough University, 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.
