At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial strategy and develop partnerships to enhance student experience at Warwick Sport.
- Company: Join the dynamic team at Warwick Sport, a hub for student engagement and activity.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, competitive pension, training opportunities, and discounts.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant community engaging over 12,000 students in sport and wellness.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student life while driving commercial success in sports.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in complex organisations with strong commercial acumen and stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
About the role
The postholder will lead the commercial strategy of Warwick Sport and develop strategic partnerships that drive mutual value across the breadth of the university. By formulating and executing strategies to expand sponsorship, foster partnerships, and increase revenue to enhance the student experience, this position plays a crucial role in elevating the profile of sport at Warwick through a commercial lens. The role is fundamental to achieving ambitious commercial targets, maximising business growth through events and facility hires, and ensuring seamless collaboration with the Sport Delivery and Operations department. Through proactive engagement with stakeholders, market assessment, and strategic planning, the Assistant Director of Sport drives the success and sustainability of Warwick Sports commercial endeavours.
About you
We are seeking a commercial leader with extensive experience operating within large, complex organisations. The successful applicant will demonstrate a proven ability to lead, inspire, and influence high-performing teams, driving a culture of continuous improvement and delivering strong commercial outcomes. You will be highly skilled in managing competing priorities with resilience, tenacity, and a results‑driven approach. With strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, you will build effective partnerships, representing organisational interests with credibility and strong commercial acumen. Being both innovative and entrepreneurial, you will have a track record of identifying and developing revenue-generating opportunities and delivering value through effective commercial and contractual arrangements. You will be experienced in financial management, budget control, investment appraisal, and business planning within devolved structures. With excellent organisational, strategic, and communication skills, you will influence decision-making through evidence-based business cases.
About the department
Warwick Sport delivers a comprehensive programme of sport, physical activity, and community engagement across the University of Warwick’s indoor and outdoor facilities. In 2024/5, over 12,000 students engaged across our facilities in sport or active wellness. The Commercial & Partnerships team oversees key revenue activity across memberships and events – along with the management of strategic partnerships.
Benefits
- 30 days annual leave, plus 8 statutory days and 4 shut down days over Christmas
- A competitive pension scheme
- Staff training
- Free eye care vouchers
- Discounts at Warwick Arts Centre and Warwick Sport Membership
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role, please submit your application as early as possible.
Assistant Director of Sport – Commercial & Strategic Partnerships in Coventry employer: University of Warwick
Warwick Sport is an exceptional employer that prioritises the professional growth and well-being of its staff, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. With generous benefits such as 30 days of annual leave, a competitive pension scheme, and opportunities for staff training, employees are supported in achieving their career aspirations while contributing to a dynamic environment that enhances the student experience. Located at the University of Warwick, this role provides a unique chance to engage with a diverse community and make a significant impact on the future of sport and partnerships within the university.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director of Sport – Commercial & Strategic Partnerships in Coventry
✨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 Warwick. 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 Warwick. 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 Director of Sport – Commercial & Strategic Partnerships in Coventry
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 Warwick 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 Warwick
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with University of Warwick, 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.