At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a vibrant coaching programme at a brand-new padel club.
- Company: Join Padel Quarter, the exciting new padel club in Portsmouth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus opportunities, and professional growth in a dynamic environment.
- Other info: Flexible hours and a chance to shape the future of padel in your area.
- Why this job: Be part of a start-up and make a real impact in the community through sport.
- Qualifications: Experience in coaching and strong leadership skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 35000 £ per year.
- Business Development Manager — Padel Quarter
- Portsmouth, Hampshire
- Full-time | Permanent
- £35,000 base + opportunity to earn more with overtime + discretionary performance bonus
- Padel | Sport | Hospitality | Start-Up
Are you the kind of operator who thrives on building something from scratch?
Do you get a buzz from turning a blank canvas into a slick, well-run venue?
If you're looking for your next challenge — one that gives you genuine ownership, commercial responsibility, and the chance to be part of something brand new — this could be the role for you.
About Padel Quarter
Padel Quarter is an exciting new padel club launching in Portsmouth — part of the fastest-growing sport in the world.
We're building a premium venue that combines high-quality padel courts with a great café, pro shop, events programme, and a genuinely welcoming club community.
The Role
The Business Development Manager plays a key leadership role in the development, delivery and continuous improvement of Padel Quarter's coaching programme, community engagement and increasing the overall utilisation of the club.
Through strategic partnerships and community engagement the Business Development Manager will identify new business opportunities whilst developing relationships with local schools, colleges, universities, businesses and community organisations to increase participation and support local sponsorship opportunities.
Ensuring customers of all ages and abilities receive exceptional coaching experience.
This role is responsible for leading all aspects of the coaching operation, driving participation and player retention, maximising court utilisation, developing player and coaches’ pathways, and supporting the commercial growth of the club.
This includes overseeing coaching, social play, events such as leagues and tournaments, corporate experiences and community engagement initiatives.
- What You’ll Be Doing
- Coaching Programme Delivery
- Lead and deliver a high-quality coaching programme for adults, juniors, beginners, intermediate, and advanced players.
- Plan, organise, and deliver individual and group coaching sessions to a consistently high standard.
- Develop structured coaching pathways that encourage participation, progression, and long-term player retention.
- Ensure coaching sessions are safe, engaging, enjoyable, and aligned with recognised coaching best practice.
- Monitor player development and provide regular feedback to support improvement and achievement of individual goals.
- Maintain professional coaching standards and act as a positive role model for participants.
- Coaching Team Leadership
- Support the recruitment, development and ongoing performance of both employed and self-employed coaches, acting as the primary point of contact to ensure consistent coaching standards and professional development.
- Manage coaching schedules and resources to ensure effective programme delivery.
- Provide guidance, feedback, and ongoing development opportunities for the coaching team.
- Promote a consistent coaching philosophy and customer experience across all coaching activities.
- Support succession planning and identify opportunities to expand the coaching team as participation grows.
- Player Development & Participation
- Create opportunities for customers to engage with coaching programmes, social play, competitions, and club activities.
- Develop junior and adult coaching pathways that encourage long-term participation and progression within the sport.
- Support talented players through advanced coaching programmes and competition preparation.
- Introduce new initiatives to increase participation amongst underrepresented groups and the wider local community.
- Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion by ensuring coaching programmes are accessible, welcoming, and representative of the needs of the local community.
- Customer Experience & Engagement
- Build strong relationships with customers, participants, parents, guests, and visitors.
- Act as a key point of contact for coaching enquiries and programme information.
- Deliver an exceptional customer experience by creating a welcoming, inclusive, and community-focused coaching environment.
- Manage participant feedback professionally and use insights to improve coaching programmes and customer satisfaction.
- Encourage customer retention through proactive engagement and relationship building.
- Events, Competitions & Club Activity
- Organise and deliver coaching clinics, workshops, camps, tournaments, leagues, and social events.
- Support the planning and execution of promotional and community engagement activities.
- Assist with event preparation, court allocation, scheduling, and participant communication.
- Create an engaging and enjoyable experience for all players, regardless of ability level.
- Promote memberships, coaching programmes, events, and club initiatives to maximise participation.
- Lead the planning, promotion and delivery of the club's annual events calendar, ensuring a diverse programme of leagues, tournaments, social competitions, open days and corporate events.
- Develop new event concepts that attract new participants and enhance customer retention.
- Manage event budgets, sponsorship opportunities and supplier relationships to maximise commercial return.
- Business Development & Commercial Performance
- Support the commercial success of the club by driving coaching revenue and participation growth.
- Develop new programmes and services that meet customer needs and generate additional income.
- Monitor coaching programme performance and identify opportunities to improve utilisation and profitability.
- Assist with membership growth initiatives through coaching-led engagement and retention activities.
- Act as a brand ambassador by embedding the organisation's values into everyday operations.
- Community Engagement
- Build strong relationships with local businesses to generate corporate partnerships, employee wellbeing programmes and venue hire opportunities.
- Develop partnerships with schools, colleges and universities to introduce padel to new audiences.
- Develop relationships with local councils, sports organisations and governing bodies.
- Identify sponsorship opportunities that support the growth of the business.
- Develop new revenue streams including junior programmes, holiday camps, corporate events, birthday parties and bespoke coaching packages.
- Develop new event concepts that attract new participants and enhance customer retention.
- Health, Safety & Compliance
- Comply with and promote adherence to company policies, procedures, governing body requirements, and legislative obligations.
- Maintain high standards of health, safety, safeguarding, and welfare across all coaching activities.
- Ensure appropriate risk assessments, participant records, and coaching documentation are maintained.
- Report and record incidents, accidents, concerns, and near misses in accordance with company procedures.
- Ensure safeguarding procedures are understood and followed by all coaching staff.
- Complete all mandatory training, qualifications, licenses, and continuous professional development requirements relevant to the role.
- Promote environmentally sustainable working practices wherever possible.
- Ensure all coaches maintain valid coaching qualifications, DBS checks, safeguarding certifications, first aid qualifications (where applicable) and appropriate insurance, with renewals proactively monitored and completed before expiry.
- Club Operations Support
- Work collaboratively with the Club Manager and wider team to support the successful operation of the club.
- Contribute to strategic planning and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Assist with operational duties during busy periods where required.
- Liaise with customers, suppliers, partners, schools, community organisations, and governing bodies to support club objectives.
- Undertake additional responsibilities and projects as required to support the growth and success of Padel Quarter.
What We're Looking For
We need someone who has done this before — or something very close to it — and who is ready to take on the full scope of the role.
Essential
- Recognised level 2 (or currently working towards) padel coaching qualification.
- Proven experience delivering coaching programmes to a range of ages and ability levels.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong leadership and team development capabilities.
- Ability to build positive relationships with customers, participants, and stakeholders.
- Commercial awareness and an understanding of participation and revenue growth.
- Strong organisational and planning skills.
- Ability to work independently and take ownership of programme delivery.
- Flexible approach to working hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- Positive, enthusiastic, and professional attitude.
- Commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Desirable
- Experience leading a coaching programme within a sports club or racquet sports environment.
- Experience managing or mentoring coaching staff.
- First Aid qualification.
- Safeguarding qualification.
- Experience organising tournaments, leagues, camps, or events.
- Knowledge of club management, membership growth, and sports participation programmes.
- Experience working within a start-up or growing sports business environment.
- What’s on Offer
- Competitive salary of £35,000 per annum, depending on qualifications and coaching experience
- Discretionary, non-contractual bonus
- The opportunity to be part of a brand-new club from launch
- Ongoing development within a growing business
- A varied and active role with coaching and operational responsibilities
- The chance to help grow padel in the local community
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER - PADEL QUARTER in Portsmouth employer: The Padel Directory
Social Sports Society is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises inclusivity and community engagement. As a rapidly growing padel operator in Bristol, employees benefit from real autonomy to shape the brand, alongside clear opportunities for personal and professional growth within a supportive environment. Join us to be part of a dynamic team dedicated to expanding the sport of padel and creating memorable experiences for players of all levels.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER - PADEL QUARTER in Portsmouth
✨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 The Padel Directory. 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 The Padel Directory. 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 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER - PADEL QUARTER in Portsmouth
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 The Padel Directory 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 The Padel Directory
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with The Padel Directory, 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.
