Job Description
The Post
*X2 Positions Available*
Based across the range of University of Stirling sports facilities, the Sports Assistant will assist with the implementation of the University of Stirling Sport strategy relating to facilities management by maintaining and improving customer service. The role holder will be expected to show excellence in customer care when dealing with all enquires and provide a responsive sports assistant service, prepare activity and associated areas for use, ensure that activity areas are safe and monitor the use of all sports and associated areas.
Additional Information/Special Conditions
- A working pattern operates, and the nature of the duties will require the job holder to work bank holidays and a show willingness to work additional hours to cover holidays, sickness and large events
- The successful candidate will be expected to wear uniform
- Working patterns may be subject to change
Description of Duties
Daily Operations
- To assist in the preparation of all activity areas, meeting rooms and changing areas for use, and in accordance with the front of house system
- To monitor use of all facilities
- To ensure all equipment and facilities are safe, clean and tidy
- To promote safe and effective exercise, including supervision of activities in fitness centre and activity areas
- To undertake portering duties as required, which can include manual handling, in accordance with University policies and practices
Customer Care
- To act as a source of information to encourage repeat and new business
- To act as a point of contact for any customer enquiries
- To respond, resolve or refer issues raised by customers in accordance with agreed procedures and practices and in a polite and constructive manner
- To contribute to the development of customer care policies and practices
- To monitor the safe use of the facilities to ensure that only members and paying
- customers enjoy the facilities
- To assist with visits and tours of the facilities when required
- To participate in resolving and responding to customer queries and feedback until such times as the customer is satisfied
- To present a friendly, efficient and effective front-of-house service
Service Development
- To contribute to the process of continuous improvement
- To work as part of a team, contribute to and support the work of colleagues
Administration
- To assist with daily checks and administrative activities
Continuous Improvement
- To attend and participate in regular staff training and development activities relevant to the role
- To contribute to the continuous development of the service
Essential Criteria
- Positive attitude and experience of making decisions and using judgement and initiative to solve problems
- Evidence of excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Evidence of strong organisational and interpersonal skills
- The ability to prioritise workload
- A friendly and approachable manner
- Team working experience
- Ability to build effective relationships
- An ability to work under pressure
- Flexibility in terms of hours and days of work
- Willing to work unsocial hours, weekends or public holidays as required
- Willingness to work additional or alternative hours by arrangement to cover holidays, sickness, etc
- Evidence of being self-motivated with a “can do” style and approach
- Successful Disclosure Scotland clearance, or willingness to apply for Disclosure Scotland clearance
Desirable Criteria
- Hold a recognised Emergency First Aid at Work certificate
- Ability and confidence working in a busy customer facing role
- Experience of front-line service delivery
- Experience of cash reconciliation
- Sales experience
- A demonstrated commitment to customer service
- Experience of making decisions and using judgement and initiative to solve problems
- Computer literate, with experience of using Microsoft packages such as Outlook, Word and Excel
Additional Information
*X2 Positions Available*
Part time (42%FTE)
Open ended
Grade 3: £22,768 - £23,742 p.a. pro rata
The closing date for applications is midnight on Thursday 02 October 2025.
Interviews are expected to take place on Monday 13 October 2025.
There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.
The University will pay a supplement per annum pro rata with effect from 01 November 2024, to align with the Real Living Wage (RLW) which equates to £23,588 p.a. This RLW supplement will be reviewed annually to take account of future increases and RLW rates.
This role will require a Level 1 Disclosure check. An offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory outcome of this process.
This role is not eligible for sponsorship. Applicants require to have existing right to work in the UK.
The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.
For a full description of duties and essential/desirable criteria please click the apply button, which will take you directly to the University Website.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sports Assistant in Stirling
✨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 Stirling. 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 Stirling. Applying directly through our platform increases your chances of getting noticed by recruiters. Let's get you that dream job!
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 Stirling 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 Stirling
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with University of Stirling, 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.
