At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and refine competition pathways to boost participation in paddling.
- Company: Join Paddle UK, the governing body for Paddlesports, fostering inclusivity and growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible dress code, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in competitive paddling while collaborating with passionate teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in sports development and strong project management skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid – National Watersports Centre, Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham (Office-based 2–3 days per week)
Hours: Full-time (37 hours per week)
Closing date: 5th July 2026
Develop high-standard competition pathways and systems to expand competitive opportunities and drive participation growth across the sport. Paddle UK is seeking an organised, collaborative, and proactive Competition Development Officer to join our Sports and Recreation team. In this vital role, you will focus on developing, supporting, and refining high-standard competition pathways and systems across our diverse paddling disciplines. Your mission will be to enhance existing frameworks and expand high-quality competitive opportunities that invite new participants into the sport and foster long-term retention. This role requires a balanced approach to project management and stakeholder engagement. Working directly with clubs, discipline committees, and volunteers, you will help bridge the gap between grassroots sport development and competition event delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Pathway & System Development: Support the refinement of competitive discipline pathways, adding measurable value to existing systems while maintaining strict compliance with safety protocols and data protection policies.
- Competitive Event Programmes: Partner with key stakeholders to develop and implement fresh event programmes and formats, directly increasing the availability of competitive paddling opportunities for new participants.
- Major Event Leverage: Collaborate closely with the wider Sports and Recreation team to leverage the profile of major international and national events, connecting with new audiences to create clear avenues for participation and retention.
- Digital System Integration: Support the ongoing development, alignment, and utilisation of the Paddle UK Event Entry System alongside the Event Recognition System to ensure smooth processes for disciplines and competitors.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Build and maintain excellent working relationships with clubs, discipline committees, volunteers, and external partners to unify and achieve shared interests.
Why Join Us?
This is a fantastic opportunity for a sports development professional looking to shape the operational infrastructure and future of competitive paddling. You will join a team that values:
- Meaningful Change: A culture that continuously aims to improve existing frameworks, applying practical solutions to deliver high-quality sports experiences.
- Collaborative Success: Deep integration across our sporting disciplines, working side‑by‑side with passionate volunteers, committees, and internal networks to hit shared milestones.
- Strategic Impact: The opportunity to take organisational objectives and transform them into organised, well‑executed projects that directly widen access to the sport.
About You
You will be a flexible, self‑motivated team player who thrives under time pressure and excels at managing a varied workload with high attention to detail. Communication, organisation, and a positive attitude are core to your working style. We are looking for:
- Sports Development Expertise: Proven experience working within sports development or sports competition structures.
- Project & Time Management: Strong organisational skills with a demonstrated ability to successfully plan, deliver, and review projects on time and within budget boundaries.
- Skilled Communication: An excellent communicator who can comfortably adapt messaging to a wide range of audiences, influencing colleagues and external partners effectively.
- Problem Solving & Decision Making: A clear thinker who considers information from multiple sources and makes effective decisions under tight deadlines.
Qualifications & Background: A degree in a relevant subject or equivalent experience is highly desirable, as is a background in budget management or working constructively with volunteers to resolve conflicts.
Paddle UK is the governing body for Paddlesports. We have had many advances in our sport and paddling now covers a wide range of interests and passions as a sport and a leisure activity for all. We want to support and provide opportunities for everyone to enjoy and realise their potential within all aspects of paddling regardless of their age, background or ability.
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
- Dress for your day (jeans acceptable)
- Free onsite parking and bike storage
- Company pension scheme
- Employee benefits platform (including Bike to Work, Health and Wellbeing and discounts)
To find out more about Paddle UK, our benefits, culture and recruitment process please visit our Careers Centre.
Competition Development Officer employer: Paddle UK
Paddle UK is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of meaningful change and collaborative success, making it an ideal workplace for those passionate about sports development. Located at the National Watersports Centre in Nottingham, employees enjoy a hybrid work model, generous annual leave, and a supportive environment that encourages professional growth and engagement with diverse paddling communities. With a focus on strategic impact and innovative competition pathways, joining Paddle UK means being part of a team dedicated to expanding opportunities and enhancing the paddling experience for all.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Competition Development Officer
✨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 Paddle UK. 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 Paddle UK. 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 Competition Development Officer
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 Paddle UK 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 Paddle UK
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Paddle UK, 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.
