At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in sport and physical activity, driving participation and enhancing experiences.
- Company: Dynamic university with a commitment to inclusivity and excellence in sport.
- Benefits: 42 days holiday, generous pension, gym discounts, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and opportunities for growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of sport while making a real impact on student and staff wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership skills and experience in sport and physical activity management.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
This role will be based on the university campus with scope for it to be undertaken in a hybrid manner. We are also open to discussing flexible working arrangements.
Are you an inspiring leader with the vision and influence to shape the future of sport and physical activity? Can you drive strategic change, foster a high-performing and inclusive culture, and bring people together to deliver exceptional outcomes across a diverse and complex service?
As Assistant Head of Sport and Physical Activity (Development & Delivery), you will support the Head of Sport and Physical Activity in delivering the University's strategic vision for sport and physical activity, ensuring an inclusive, impactful and connected offer across participation, performance and engagement.
You will lead the translation of strategy into action, driving participation growth, enhancing the student and staff experience, and developing innovative programmes and partnerships that maximise the impact of sport and physical activity across the University community. Working closely with Leeds University Union, National Governing Bodies and colleagues across the institution, you will build strong relationships that strengthen engagement, wellbeing and institutional reputation.
As a senior leader within the service, you will play a key role in leading cultural change, fostering a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing environment where teams are empowered to innovate, deliver excellence and continuously improve. Through the effective use of insight, evidence and partnership working, you will help shape a sector-leading service that delivers meaningful impact for students, staff and wider stakeholders.
You will contribute fully as a member of the Sport and Physical Activity Senior Leadership Team, working closely with the Assistant Head of Sport and Physical Activity (Operations & Facilities) to ensure strategic ambitions are supported by effective operational delivery. You will help shape future service provision through innovation, insight and continuous improvement, while identifying opportunities for growth, investment and external engagement.
As a trusted senior leader, you will also act as a deputy to the Head of Sport and Physical Activity as required, providing visible leadership and strategic direction across the service. You may be required to be on a senior management critical incident rota for sport emergencies during evenings and weekends. In this role, you may be required to resolve and manage issues that can only be effectively dealt with by a senior leader.
Please note that this post may be suitable for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route but first-time applicants might need to qualify for salary concessions.
What We Offer In Return:
- 26 days holiday plus approx. 16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!
- Generous pension scheme options plus life assurance.
- Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
- Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.
- Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.
- And much more!
To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact: Andrew Lockwood, Head of Sport and Physical Activity Email: a.lockwood@leeds.ac.uk
Please see details of the University’s Pre-employment Health Assessment within the Candidate Brief.
Assistant Head of Sport and Physical Activity (Development and Delivery) in Leeds employer: University of Leeds
The University of Leeds is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration between academia and industry. With opportunities for hybrid working, generous holiday allowances, and a robust pension scheme, employees are supported in their professional growth while contributing to meaningful research and innovation initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Head of Sport and Physical Activity (Development and Delivery) in Leeds
✨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 University of Leeds. 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 University of Leeds. 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 Assistant Head of Sport and Physical Activity (Development and Delivery) in Leeds
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 University of Leeds 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 University of Leeds
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with University of Leeds, 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.
