Performance Support Lead and Senior Sport & Exercise Psychologist
Location: National Water Sports Centre, Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham (with domestic and international travel to camps and competitions)
Hours: Full-time (37 hours per week; requires working outside normal hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays as required by the competition calendar)
Salary/Band: £58,000 - £62,000
Closing date: Friday 16th October 2026
Shape world-class performance support, deliver expert psychological interventions, and power British athletes toward podium success at LA 2028 and beyond.
Paddle UK is seeking an exceptional practitioner and leader to join our Paracanoe and Canoe Sprint programme. In this pivotal role, you will sit on the Flatwater Leadership Team (FLT), balancing strategic leadership of the Performance Support Team (0.6 FTE) with applied psychology service delivery (0.4 FTE) across both World Class and pathway programmes. You will serve as the driving force behind multi-disciplinary alignment, medical governance, and athlete wellbeing.
Operating out of the National Water Sports Centre and national hubs, you will support over 20 elite athletes. You will champion a culture that safely challenges boundaries, balances physical and psychological preparation, and protects athlete health to deliver sustainable, world-leading performances.
Key Responsibilities
- PST Leadership & Alignment: Lead, line-manage, and develop a multi-disciplinary Performance Support Team (including analysis, S&C, physio, medical, and psychology) whilst aligning workflows across multi-year Olympic/Paralympic cycles.
- Psychology Service Delivery: Provide specialist psychological assessments, formulations, and 'return-to-performance' interventions to enhance athlete mental resilience and wellbeing.
- Medical Governance: Assure medical governance standards alongside the Chief Medical Officer and UKSI partners to safeguard athlete physical and mental health.
- Performance Planning: Oversee integrated performance planning across programmes, ensuring data-driven monitoring tools inform decision-making.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with coaches, support staff, and external UKSI networks to maintain a holistic, athlete-centred support system.
- Safeguarding & Welfare: Act as a senior guardian for athlete welfare, ensuring compliance with HCPC/BPS ethical standards, safeguarding policies, and mental health crisis protocols.
Why Join Us?
- Strategic Impact: The opportunity to shape the performance culture, support systems, and pathway structure heading into LA 2028.
- Collaborative Leadership: A seat on the Flatwater Leadership Team, working directly with the Performance Director, UKSI consultants, and elite coaches.
- Holistic Excellence: A supportive environment where athlete health, psychological safety, and world-class ambition go hand-in-hand.
About You
- Psychology Qualifications: Degree in Psychology, HCPC registration as a Practitioner Psychologist, and a Master's or Doctorate in Sport/Clinical Psychology (or equivalent BPS Chartered / BASES Accredited status).
- Applied Expertise: Substantial clinical/applied experience delivering sports psychology services to elite athletes, including return-to-performance and crisis management protocols.
- Leadership Track Record: Proven experience line-managing multi-disciplinary practitioner teams, setting clear objectives, and aligning sports science services.
- Governance & Data Knowledge: Strong background in medical governance standards and using evidence/data monitoring tools to guide clinical decisions.
- Flexibility & Travel: Readiness to travel nationally and internationally and work flexible hours across training camps and major championships.
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
- Dress for your day
- Free onsite parking and bike storage
- Company pension scheme
- Employee benefits platform (including Bike to Work, Health and Wellbeing)
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Performance Support Lead (Psychologist)
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
✨Leverage Your Medical School's Resources
Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites
When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like Paddle UK often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.
Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!
Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.
How to prepare for a job interview at Paddle UK
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Paddle UK. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at Paddle UK.
✨Show You're a Team Player
In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at Paddle UK.
✨Stay Current with Medical Trends
Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at Paddle UK.
