At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead student sport initiatives and enhance wellness across the university community.
- Company: Warwick Sport, a vibrant part of the University of Warwick.
- Benefits: 30 days holiday, flexible working, onsite childcare, and excellent development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to inclusion and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student wellbeing and sports participation.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership skills and experience in sports development.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
About the Role
The Head of Student Sport is a senior leadership role within the Students Delivery function at Warwick Sport. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Sport – Sports Delivery & Operations, the post holder is a key member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) responsible for driving the student sport and active wellness agenda across the university. The role implements the student‑specific strands of the University's Active Wellness & Sports Strategy, bridging strategic intent and day‑to‑day delivery to embed sport and physical activity as meaningful components of the wider student experience. The post holder oversees an operation that engages over 13,000 students annually – including 5,000 participating in 61 competitive sports clubs and an additional 4,000 in recreational programmes.
Qualifications
- Leadership & Management – Proven people leader who can inspire high performance, set clear expectations, hold teams accountable through objectives and KPIs, delegate effectively, manage competing demands and create a culture of continuous improvement.
- Sports Development Expertise – Authoritative knowledge of physical activity and sports development, strong understanding of statutory requirements and safeguarding obligations in sport, and hands‑on experience leading sports development programmes in a complex, multi‑strand environment.
- Strategic and Commercial Acumen – Ability to translate strategy into delivery plans, experience building evidence‑based business cases and funding bids, understanding of financial governance, budgetary control and resource management within a devolved operating context.
- Stakeholder and Relationship Skills – Strong interpersonal and influencing skills, confident representing Warwick Sport externally (e.g. BUCS, NGBs, commercial partners) while navigating complex internal university relationships with procurement, finance, legal and the Students’ Union.
- Higher Education Experience – Experience working within a higher education setting is desirable but not essential; must understand and operate within a complex institutional environment where sport serves broader student wellbeing and experience missions.
- Personal Attributes – Tenacity, drive, self‑imposed ownership, independent decision‑making, focus on outcomes, and flexibility for occasional evening and weekend work.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership as part of the Senior Leadership Team, delivering business plans, budgets and major projects.
- Lead the growth of participation across sport, physical activity and wellbeing programmes for students, staff and the community.
- Oversee delivery of Active Wellbeing, club sport and performance sport programmes, enhancing the overall student experience.
- Develop and manage budgets, driving income generation and commercial opportunities.
- Build and manage strategic partnerships, including with the Students’ Union and key university stakeholders.
- Lead, develop and manage high‑performing teams, ensuring clear targets, performance monitoring and staff development.
- Continuously review and innovate programmes to meet strategic objectives and sector trends.
Benefits
- An attractive pension scheme.
- 30 days holiday plus University Christmas closure.
- Generous parental/adoption leave policy.
- Onsite childcare facilities.
- Excellent learning and development opportunities.
- We recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer access to flexible working arrangements.
- We are proud to be a Living Wage employer.
Commitment to Inclusion
Warwick is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. Please see our commitments at Our Commitments | University of Warwick.
For informal queries about this role, please contact Olivia Brook, Recruitment Manager, at Olivia.Brook.1@warwick.ac.uk.
Right to Work in the UK: If you do not yet have the right to work in the UK or are seeking sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa, please follow the link provided for further information.
Head of Student Sport (111687-0626) in Coventry employer: University of Warwick
Warwick Sport is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With a commitment to inclusion and a range of benefits including generous holiday allowances, flexible working arrangements, and excellent learning opportunities, the role of Head of Student Sport provides a unique chance to lead impactful programmes that enhance the student experience at one of the UK's leading universities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Student Sport (111687-0626) 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
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Student Sport (111687-0626) 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.
