At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead initiatives to boost physical activity among children and young people in local communities.
- Company: Northamptonshire Sport, a charity dedicated to improving health and wellbeing through sport.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to work with diverse communities.
- Why this job: Join us to tackle health inequalities and inspire the next generation through sport.
- Qualifications: Experience in sport development, education, and strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
As part of Sport England’s £250m Place Expansion funding to tackle inactivity and health inequalities, Northamptonshire Sport is recruiting two Strategic Leads – Children & Young People (Place), with one post in North Northamptonshire and one in West Northamptonshire. These full‑time, fixed‑term roles (to March 2028) are based at Delapré Abbey, Northampton, with hybrid working and travel across local communities, schools, and partner settings.
About us
Northamptonshire Sport is a leading physical activity, health and wellbeing charity based in Northamptonshire, delivering national initiatives locally. We collaborate with local and national partners to change the system, influencing strategy, policy and approaches, tackling inequalities and supporting communities to change lives through widening participation in physical activity. We also deliver sport participation events, physical activity programmes and wellbeing projects.
About the role
You will lead children and young people’s workstreams across place partnerships, helping reduce inactivity and health inequalities in priority communities through schools, community settings, and multi‑agency collaboration. The role focuses on embedding a physical literacy‑led approach, strengthening pathways into local activity, and building sustainable partnerships that improve outcomes for children, young people, and families.
About you
You will be an experienced relationship‑builder with a strong background in sport development, education, PE and school sport, and a track record of working strategically with schools, community organisations, and multi‑agency partners. You will bring excellent communication, safeguarding knowledge, and a strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, alongside the ability to turn insight into practical action that creates lasting local impact.
The closing date for applications is Sunday 7th June 2026. Interviews will be held Wednesday 17th June 2026. For an informal discussion about this post contact Natalie Lawrence 07912 892081.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
Northamptonshire Sport recognises the positive value of diversity, promotes equality and challenges discrimination. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. We are a Disability Confident Committed Employer. Applicants who apply under the Disability Confident scheme are guaranteed an interview if the minimum criteria score is met.
Strategic Lead - Children & Young People (Place) in Northampton employer: Northamptonshire Sport
Northamptonshire Sport is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a culture of inclusivity and community impact. With a focus on employee growth, we offer opportunities for professional development in a supportive environment, all while working from our inspiring base at Delapré Abbey and engaging with local communities. Join us in making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young people through sport and physical activity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Lead - Children & Young People (Place) in Northampton
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend local events, workshops, or community meetings related to sport and health. Building relationships can open doors and give you insider info on job opportunities.
✨Show Your Passion
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for promoting physical activity shine through. Share your ideas on how to tackle inactivity and health inequalities – it’ll show you’re not just looking for a job, but you genuinely care about making a difference.
✨Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn to showcase your expertise and connect with organisations like Northamptonshire Sport. Share relevant content, engage with posts, and don’t hesitate to reach out to people in your network for advice or insights about the role.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and really interested in joining our mission to improve lives through physical activity.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Lead - Children & Young People (Place) in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience:Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who you're addressing. Tailor your application to resonate with Northamptonshire Sport's mission and values. Show us that you get what we're about!
Be Specific:When detailing your experience, be as specific as possible. Use examples that highlight your skills in sport development and community engagement. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Strategic Lead.
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for improving health and wellbeing in children and young people shine through. Share why this role excites you and how you envision making a difference in our communities.
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We might close the vacancy early if we get enough applications, so get yours in through our website as soon as you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at Northamptonshire Sport
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand Northamptonshire Sport's mission and the specifics of the role. Familiarise yourself with their initiatives, especially around tackling inactivity and health inequalities. This will show your genuine interest and help you connect your experience to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
As a Strategic Lead, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to build partnerships. Prepare examples from your past where you've successfully collaborated with schools or community organisations. Highlight how these experiences can translate into the role you're applying for.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Inclusion
Northamptonshire Sport values equality, diversity, and inclusion. Be ready to discuss how you've promoted these values in your previous roles. Share specific actions you've taken to ensure that all children and young people have access to physical activity.
✨Prepare Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Think of thoughtful questions about the role, the team, and the impact of their work. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if this is the right fit for you.
