Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in sport and physical activity at the university, enhancing student engagement.
- Company: Dynamic university with a focus on community and student success.
- Benefits: 42 days off, generous pension, gym discounts, and personal development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student lives and drive change in sports culture.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and a passion for sport and physical activity.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and a collaborative environment await you.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview: The University is expecting a high volume of applications for this role, and we may choose to close the advert earlier than advertised. If this is the case, we will email all pending applicants to inform them. We therefore recommend submitting your application at the earliest opportunity. 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.
Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic leadership for the university’s Sport and Physical Activity provision, driving excellence in student participation, performance programmes and community engagement.
- Develop and deliver sport, facility operations and participation initiatives, including academic, leadership and volunteering programmes.
- Collaborate across academic and professional services and with external partners such as Leeds University Union, UK Sport, Sport England, BUCS and National Governing Bodies to enhance the student experience and foster athletic achievement.
- Communicate with credibility and influence across senior internal and external stakeholders.
- Act as part of the culture change programme, supporting meaningful change and driving impact.
Qualifications:
- Extensive senior leadership experience within a large, complex organisation, including demonstrable experience leading senior professional teams and holding teams accountable for results.
- Experience leading change initiatives, working through ambiguity and fostering an environment that embraces innovation, inclusivity and continuous improvement.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to build effective relationships, combined with a commercial mindset and proven ability to drive business planning, prioritisation, and financial sustainability.
- Demonstrated organisational, analytical and problem‑solving skills, with a proactive and high initiative approach.
- Experience in a sport and/or physical activity environment is advantageous; however, exceptional leadership skills and a strong interest in sport and physical activity are considered.
Benefits:
- 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.
Contact: Callum Williamson, email: C.J.Williamson@leeds.ac.uk. Please see details of the University’s Pre‑employment Health Assessment within the Candidate Brief.
Head of Sport and Physical Activity in Leeds employer: University of Leeds
Contact Detail:
University of Leeds Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Sport and Physical Activity in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Get your application in early! With a high volume of applicants expected, the sooner you apply, the better your chances. We recommend checking our website regularly for updates and submitting your application as soon as you can.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the university or related organisations. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just help you stand out when it comes to interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your leadership skills! In your interviews, be ready to share specific examples of how you've led teams and driven change in previous roles. We want to see your passion for sport and physical activity shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about potential challenges in the role and how you'd tackle them. Being able to discuss your problem-solving approach will impress the interviewers and show you're ready for the challenge.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Sport and Physical Activity in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Your Timing Right: We know this role is popular, so don’t wait around! Submit your application as soon as you can to avoid missing out. Early birds catch the worm, right?
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your leadership experience and passion for sport and physical activity. We want to see how you can drive excellence in our programmes!
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since you'll be working with various stakeholders, it’s crucial to demonstrate your strong communication skills. Use clear, confident language to show us you can influence and engage effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: For a smooth application process, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Leeds
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the role of Head of Sport and Physical Activity. Familiarise yourself with the university's current sports initiatives, partnerships, and community engagement strategies. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your extensive senior leadership experience. Think about times when you've led change initiatives or fostered innovation in a complex organisation. Be ready to discuss how you held teams accountable and drove results.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since this role involves communicating with senior stakeholders, practice articulating your ideas clearly and persuasively. Use specific examples to demonstrate your strong communication and interpersonal skills, especially in collaborative settings.
✨Embrace the Culture Change
The university is looking for someone who can support meaningful change. Be prepared to discuss your approach to culture change and how you can drive impact within the organisation. Show your enthusiasm for fostering an inclusive environment that embraces continuous improvement.
