At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate logistics for Olympic sailing events and support athletes and coaches.
- Company: Join the Royal Yachting Association, the UK's leading boating authority.
- Benefits: Enjoy 36 days holiday, a birthday day off, and discounts on various services.
- Other info: Hybrid working available with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team supporting British Olympic sailing at the highest level.
- Qualifications: Organisational skills, attention to detail, and experience in administrative roles are essential.
The Royal Yachting Association, based in Hamble near Southampton, is the National Governing Body for all forms of recreational, competitive and professional boating. We're here to enable opportunities for people to thrive on the water, whether through dinghy and yacht racing, motor and sail cruising, RIBs and sportsboats, windsurfing, inland cruising or personal watercraft.
Help Deliver World-Class Olympic Sailing Performance
Are you an organised administrator with a talent for managing logistics, coordinating multiple priorities and delivering outstanding support in a fast-paced environment? Do you thrive on attention to detail and enjoy working with a diverse range of people? We're looking for an Olympic Operations Coordinator to play a vital role in supporting the British Sailing Team and British Sailing Squad. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of the RYA's Olympic Programme, helping to coordinate training camps, international competitions and the operational activities that enable athletes and coaches to perform at their best. Reporting to the Olympic Operations Manager, you'll work closely with athletes, coaches, support staff and colleagues across the organisation to deliver world-class operational support for training and competition programmes in the UK and overseas.
About the Role
- Coordinate travel, accommodation, event entries and logistics for UK and overseas training camps and regattas.
- Prepare venue information and logistics guides for athletes, coaches and support staff.
- Organise bookings for training venues and programme resources.
- Coordinate the use of vehicles, boats and trailers with colleagues across the organisation.
- Prepare export and import documentation, including carnets, for overseas travel.
- Maintain and monitor programme budgets and expenditure records.
- Process invoices and financial administration accurately and efficiently.
- Maintain athlete, coach and staff records and qualification information.
- Support the delivery of team events, annual camps and team functions.
- Provide administrative support to the Olympic Operations Manager and Performance Director.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage multiple operational projects simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
- Ensure travel, accommodation and logistical arrangements are delivered efficiently and within budget.
- Build and maintain effective working relationships with athletes, coaches, support staff and external suppliers.
- Maintain accurate records and programme documentation.
- Support the administration of corporate card transactions and financial processes.
- Assist in ensuring Olympic Programme resources are used effectively and efficiently.
- Provide occasional reception and wider administrative support when required.
- Contribute to maintaining the high professional standards expected within a world-class performance environment.
About You
We're looking for an organised and proactive individual who enjoys working in a busy environment, managing complex logistics and delivering exceptional support to a high-performing team.
Essential:
- Experience working in a busy administrative environment.
- Experience organising international travel and accommodation.
- Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Good written communication skills, including accurate spelling and grammar.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and work to tight deadlines.
- Ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications.
- Educated to A-Level standard or equivalent.
- Full UK driving licence.
Desirable:
- Experience supporting sporting events, travel programmes or operational logistics.
- Understanding of high-performance sport.
- Ability to anticipate challenges and proactively identify solutions.
- Experience using SharePoint, databases or Business Central.
- Degree or equivalent qualification.
Why Join the RYA?
This is a unique opportunity to work behind the scenes of British Olympic sailing, supporting athletes and coaches competing at the highest level of the sport. You'll join a dedicated and passionate team, playing a key role in ensuring the smooth delivery of training and competition programmes around the world. You’ll have the opportunity to contribute directly to the continued success of one of the world's leading Olympic sailing programmes.
The RYA offers a range of benefits which include:
- 36 days holiday including public holidays (pro rata for part-time employees).
- Birthday Day Off.
- 10% RYA contribution to a personal pension scheme.
- Free life insurance.
- Discounts platform for retail, entertainment, holidays & gym membership.
- Two paid volunteering days per year.
- Free on-site electric vehicle charging.
- Social events.
- RYA membership.
The RYA is committed to equality of opportunity. As an equal opportunity and disability confident employer, we celebrate and welcome diversity in all its forms and believe that a diverse workforce boosts innovation, productivity and creativity. We are dedicated to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion and strive to be an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone can be their authentic selves.
Interested? Please review the full job description and submit your application by clicking ‘Apply for this Job’.
Closing date for applications: 11:59pm, 6 September 2026 (please note that this vacancy may close earlier if a sufficient number of applications are received). Interviews will be held week commencing 14th September.
Olympic Operations Coordinator in Southampton employer: Royal Yachting Association
The Royal Yachting Association is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Hamble, where you can lead a dedicated team focused on compliance and safety in the maritime industry. With a strong emphasis on professional development, employees benefit from continuous growth opportunities and a collaborative culture that values innovation and high standards. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the unique advantages of working in a prestigious organisation committed to excellence.
Contact Details:
Royal Yachting Association Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Olympic Operations Coordinator in Southampton
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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.
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