At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and enhance the Xcite Coaching Programme, creating exciting opportunities for all.
- Company: Join a vibrant leisure organisation dedicated to community sports development.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, dynamic work environment, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Opportunity for creativity and professional growth in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Shape a coaching programme that transforms lives and builds confidence in others.
- Qualifications: UKCC Level 2 or equivalent, with three years of coaching experience.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 41000 £ per year.
Love sport, great coaching and seeing people grow in confidence? Ready to turn an already great coaching programme into a brilliant one?
We’re looking for an energetic Sports Development Officer to lead the Xcite Coaching Programme and help us create more opportunities for people to get involved, improve their skills and keep coming back for more. This is a hands‑on role for someone who knows what excellent coaching looks like and enjoys helping others deliver it. You’ll work closely with our Gymnastics Development Officer and Sports Development Manager to grow participation, develop our coaching team and make sure every session is safe, welcoming, high quality and great value.
Your mission
You’ll be the driving force behind the performance, quality and growth of our coaching programme. One day you could be reviewing membership trends and planning new activity; the next, mentoring a coach, delivering training or helping bring a busy holiday programme to life.
You will:
- Grow participation, progression, retention and income across the Xcite Coaching Programme.
- Use customer feedback, research and performance data to spot what is working and what could work even better.
- Plan an exciting annual programme of coaching, events, festivals, holiday activities and education opportunities.
- Help create coaching sessions that customers look forward to every week.
- Lead quality assurance reviews, coaching observations, feedback and action planning.
- Induct, mentor and support new coaches, helping them hit the ground running.
- Develop the coaching team through regular one‑to‑ones, training and practical support.
- Keep qualifications, safeguarding, CPD and compliance records in great shape.
- Plan and deliver qualifications, CPD workshops and education courses.
- Build positive relationships with clubs, schools, governing bodies and local partners.
- Support marketing activity and champion the programme at events, meetings and forums.
- Deliver coaching sessions when needed and set the standard through your own practice.
What you’ll bring
You’ll be a confident coach, educator or sports development professional who enjoys bringing out the best in people. You’ll be organised, positive and comfortable balancing planning with the practical details that keep programmes running smoothly.
You’ll need:
- UKCC Level 2, or equivalent, in any sport.
- At least three years’ experience in coaching, education or programme delivery.
- Experience improving coaching standards and service quality.
- Strong leadership, mentoring and communication skills.
- Excellent organisation, planning and customer‑service skills.
- A creative, practical approach to improving programmes and solving problems.
- A genuine commitment to learning and professional development.
- A UKCC Level 3 qualification, First Aid, tutor or assessor qualifications, experience delivering CPD, or experience working to KPIs and financial targets would be a bonus.
You’ll have the chance to shape a coaching programme that makes a real difference to customers, coaches and communities across West Lothian. No two weeks will look the same, and you’ll have plenty of scope to bring ideas, energy and expertise to the role.
You’ll work across our venues, with a flexible pattern that may include some evenings, weekends and occasional unsocial hours.
If you’re ready to lead a great team of people, build brilliant programmes and help more customers find their sport, we’d love to hear from you.
Sports Development Officer – Xcite West Lothian Leisure employer: Triathlonscotland
At sportscotland, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional development. With generous benefits such as hybrid working, 32 days of annual leave, and a commitment to equality and diversity, we empower our Performance Psychologists to thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact on Scotland's high-performance sport system.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sports Development Officer – Xcite West Lothian Leisure
✨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 Triathlonscotland. 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 Triathlonscotland. 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 Sports Development Officer – Xcite West Lothian Leisure
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 Triathlonscotland 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 Triathlonscotland
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Triathlonscotland, 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.
