Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead athlete support services and ensure high-quality, athlete-centred delivery.
- Company: Join the UK Sports Institute, a leader in high-performance sport.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in athletes' lives and performance at the highest level.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and experience in athlete support or performance management.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on diversity, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The UK Sports Institute is seeking to appoint an outstanding leader to the role of Head of Athlete Support, a full-time senior position central to the delivery of athlete support across the high-performance system. This role carries system-wide accountability for the operational delivery of athlete support, ensuring athletes receive high-quality, evidence-informed and athlete-centred services that positively impact wellbeing, development and Games-time performance.
Operating at the intersection of athlete welfare, investment and performance delivery, the Head of Athlete Support plays a critical role in translating strategy into practice and ensuring consistency, quality and trust across sports, sites and partners.
Reporting to the Director of Athlete Services, the Head of Athlete Support will:
- Lead the operational delivery of the cross-system Athlete Support Strategy, in partnership with UK Sport and system stakeholders
- Provide senior leadership to Athlete Support, Performance Lifestyle and Athlete Investment services
- Ensure athlete investment processes are robust, fair, transparent and athlete-centred
- Drive consistency, quality and impact of athlete support delivery across the system
- Use data, insight and feedback to continuously improve athlete experience and readiness
- Lead the implementation and evolution of the Performance Lifestyle delivery model
- Ensure athlete support services meet safeguarding, duty of care and governance requirements
- Build trusted relationships with Performance Directors, coaches and system partners
- Inspire, develop and sustain a high-performing, values-led workforce
This is a hands-on leadership role, requiring strong operational grip, sound judgement and the ability to act decisively in complex, high-pressure environments.
If you feel you can bring the expertise we require to help us shape our future, we very much look forward to hearing from you.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION At the UKSI we aspire to have a workforce that is diverse and representative of all sections of society, not only by characteristic but by thought and perspective. We believe a diverse workforce enables growth and creates a sustainably inclusive workspace for all employees. If there is something we can do to help make the recruitment process or the job more accessible, let us know!
Head of Athlete Support in Manchester employer: UK Sports Institute
Contact Detail:
UK Sports Institute Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Athlete Support in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the sports industry and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Understand their approach to athlete support and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets it.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams or projects in high-pressure situations. Highlighting your ability to inspire and develop others will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Athlete Support in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for athlete support shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in athletes' lives and how your values align with ours.
Be Specific: Use concrete examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your leadership skills and operational expertise. We love seeing how you've tackled challenges and driven positive outcomes in high-pressure environments.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Head of Athlete Support role. Highlight your understanding of athlete welfare and performance delivery, and how you can contribute to our mission.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While we appreciate professionalism, don’t be afraid to let your personality come through. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and connect with others, so a touch of authenticity can go a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Sports Institute
✨Know Your Athlete Support Strategy
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Athlete Support Strategy. Familiarise yourself with how it aligns with the UK high-performance sport system and be ready to discuss how you can lead its operational delivery effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership, so prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in high-pressure environments. Highlight your ability to inspire and develop a values-led workforce, as well as how you've built trusted relationships with stakeholders.
✨Emphasise Data-Driven Decision Making
Be prepared to discuss how you use data and feedback to improve athlete experiences. Share specific instances where your insights have led to positive changes in athlete support services, demonstrating your commitment to evidence-informed practices.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Inclusion
The UK Sports Institute values diversity and inclusion, so come ready to talk about how you've fostered an inclusive environment in your previous roles. Discuss any initiatives you've led or been part of that promote equality and representation within teams.