At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop the University’s hockey programme, coaching teams and enhancing player performance.
- Company: Join the University of Birmingham, a leading global institution with a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40 days holiday, flexible working, and a supportive environment for personal growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusivity and excellence in sports.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student athletes and shape the future of hockey at the university.
- Qualifications: A Level or equivalent, UKCC Level 3 coaching award, and experience in sports development.
The predicted salary is between 36636 - 46049 £ per year.
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822
Grade: 7
Full Time, Permanent
Closing date: 11th June 2026
UK travel may be required for this role.
Our offer to you
People are at the heart of what we are and do. The University of Birmingham is proud to have been a part of the City of Birmingham and the wider region for over 100 years, and we are equally proud to be recognised as a leading global university. We want to attract talented people from across the city and beyond, support them to succeed, and celebrate their success.
We are committed to helping the people who work here to develop through our sector-leading Birmingham Professional programme which provides all professional services staff with development opportunities and the encouragement to reach their full potential. With almost 5,000 professional services jobs in a wide range of functions in Edgbaston and in our campus in Dubai, there are plenty of opportunities for you to be able to develop your career at the University.
We believe there is no such thing as a typical member of staff and that diversity is a source of strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation, and debate. We warmly welcome people from all backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is at the heart of who and what we are, and how we work.
Supporting our people to achieve a healthy work/life balance is important both to our employees and to the success of the University and, depending on the role, we offer a variety of flexible working arrangements. We therefore welcome discussions on all forms of flexible working. In addition, you will receive a generous package of benefits including 40 days paid holiday a year, one paid day a year for volunteering, occupational sick pay, and a pension scheme. We also have three high quality subsidised day nurseries.
The University is situated in leafy Edgbaston and there are excellent transport links to our beautiful campus, including main bus routes and a train station on site. On campus we have a state-of-the-art sports centre with pool, shops, places to eat and drink, our own art gallery, museum and botanical gardens.
Background
The University of Birmingham is a global institution working within a diverse and vibrant City, offering an inspiring education to our students, and undertaking critically important research. We are a place of open, critical thinking, and the creation, sharing and dissemination of knowledge. Professional Services put students at the heart of all they do and enable an exceptional educational experience. They provide outstanding support to our researchers and help the University to grow its influence regionally, nationally, and globally. They ensure the University’s resources are used wisely, manage and improve the infrastructure which sits at the heart of the institution, and support decisions to be made quickly and based on sound evidence.
Role summary
The role will be responsible for delivering and developing the University’s flagship hockey programme, working with the next generation of emerging talent to succeed across our BUCS and National Hockey League teams. The successful candidate will have overall responsibility for the hockey programme, including coaching philosophy, style, development and performance of the club, including the appointment and development of coaching staff. They will have direct responsibility for the performance of the Women’s 1st team in BUCS and of our National Hockey League team, including direct coaching our national league team.
Main duties include:
- Run training sessions for women’s first and second teams, directly coaching the first team, with the support of an assistant coach.
- Attend BUCS & National League matches of the first team and other teams where appropriate.
- Lead regular multi-disciplinary team meetings with the Performance Support team to optimise development of the women’s players’ and teams’ performance.
- Lead hockey’s overall recruitment strategy to attract the best players to the university, including identification of players, managing communications and attending key recruitment events.
- Responsible for the recruitment, development and management of hockey coaches including mentoring, individual CPD plans, reviews and job chats.
- Identify and propose appropriate hockey events which the University might bid to host, with the aim of helping recruitment, raising profile and/or generating income.
- To develop effective links and relationships with England Hockey and home nations NGB to ensure player pathways are successfully maintained.
Club Management
Work with the Club Development team to ensure University of Birmingham meets all relevant rules and regulations including but not limited to: officials; safety; facilities; and coordination of disciplinary cases. In conjunction with the BUCS administrator, ensure the efficient coordination of club fixtures including liaison with the Operations team to support match day set-up. Lead and advise the club committee in the management of the club (including the budget), ensuring all values of Sport are upheld.
Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience
You will need to evidence:
- Educated to A Level standard, or equivalent level 3 qualification such as a Level 3 NVQ, or level 3 national diploma or relevant facilities work experience evidencing the skills and ability to undertake the role. Minimum of GCSE grade C or 4 in Mathematics and English at GCSE or equivalent level 2 qualification or relevant work experience evidencing numeracy and literacy.
- UKCC Level 3 coaching award (or equivalent).
- In-depth understanding of coaching styles and practical delivery.
- Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day-to-day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly.
- Knowledge of the sport's organisation at national & regional levels in the UK.
- Two years’ experience of working in a sports development or similar environment either in voluntary or paid basis.
- Understanding of BUCS rules and regulations.
- Experience of financial / budgetary responsibilities.
- Effective problem solving and decision-making skills.
- IT skills including competence in the use Microsoft Word and Excel.
- Positive attitude towards CPD.
- Experience of successfully leading others, preferably in both direct supervision of other paid employees and of volunteers.
The University is committed to safeguarding and we promote safe recruitment practice, therefore all associated pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. Due to the nature of the work undertaken in this role all successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory DBS clearance prior to appointment.
Head of Hockey - Campus Services - 42883 - Grade 7 in Birmingham employer: The University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises diversity and inclusion while fostering professional growth through its Birmingham Professional programme. Located in the picturesque Edgbaston area, employees benefit from a generous holiday package, flexible working arrangements, and access to state-of-the-art facilities, all within a supportive environment that values work-life balance and community engagement.
Contact Details:
The University of Birmingham Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Hockey - Campus Services - 42883 - Grade 7 in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at the University of Birmingham, especially those in Campus Services. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for hockey! When you get the chance to meet with interviewers, share your vision for the programme and how you plan to develop talent. We want to see your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions! Think about how you'd handle various scenarios related to coaching and team management. We love candidates who can think on their feet and demonstrate problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at the University of Birmingham!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Hockey - Campus Services - 42883 - Grade 7 in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to express your passion for hockey and how it aligns with our values at the University of Birmingham.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. Show us how your background in sports development and coaching makes you the perfect fit for leading our hockey programme.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t hold back on sharing your successes! Whether it’s coaching accolades or successful recruitment strategies, we want to know what you’ve accomplished and how it can benefit our teams.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we can’t wait to read what you have to say!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Birmingham
✨Know Your Hockey Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and strategies in hockey coaching. Familiarise yourself with the University of Birmingham's hockey programme, its history, and its achievements. This will show your genuine interest and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading teams and developing talent. Discuss how you've successfully managed coaching staff and athletes in the past, and be ready to share your coaching philosophy and how it aligns with the university's values.
✨Engage with the Community
Demonstrate your understanding of the importance of community engagement in sports. Talk about how you plan to build relationships with local clubs and organisations, and how this can enhance recruitment and player pathways for the university.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to team management, conflict resolution, or event planning. Think through your responses ahead of time, focusing on problem-solving and decision-making skills that reflect the university's commitment to excellence.