At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of a high-performance culture in Welsh Rugby for both men’s and women’s teams.
- Company: Welsh Rugby Union, aiming for world-class performance across all national teams.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, hybrid working, and additional perks like birthday leave.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to excellence and personal development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of Welsh Rugby and make a real impact on team success.
- Qualifications: Degree in psychology or related field, with extensive experience in elite sports.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Our ambition is to establish Welsh Rugby as a world-leading high performance system across both the men’s and women’s game.
This role is central to creating and embedding a unified Welsh DNA for high performance culture, leadership, team effectiveness and psychological development, ensuring alignment, clarity and competitive advantage across all national teams and pathways.
The role will lead a progressive, system-wide programme of learning, development and support that builds the psycho-social capability of players, coaches and staff to create and thrive in winning Welsh teams — both on and off the field.
We are utilising the support of Elite Performance Partners to manage this recruitment process. You can find out more about them here: https://eppglobal. com/
The role
To lead the strategic and operational delivery of high performance culture, leadership, team effectiveness and psychological development across the men’s and women’s game.
The role is accountable for defining, creating and embedding a clear Welsh DNA for behavioural performance — establishing the principles, standards, language and practices that underpin world-class performance environments across all national teams and pathways, ensuring that players, coaches and staff consistently develop and demonstrate the mindset, behaviours and capabilities required to win at the highest level.
Key Responsibilities, Tasks And Activities
- Define, own and embed a clear Welsh DNA for high performance culture, leadership, team effectiveness and psychological development across all teams and pathways
- Lead behavioural performance across WRU, establishing the frameworks, standards, language and practices that underpin consistent winning behaviours
- Lead the development of a world-class strategy for high performance culture, leadership, team effectiveness and psychological development across both the men’s and women’s game
- Establish system-wide principles, standards and ways of working aligned to “what it takes to win” in international rugby
- Design and implement an integrated, progressive behavioural performance system that develops players, coaches and staff to consistently perform at the highest level
- Develop and deploy practical toolkits, frameworks and resources for coaches, players and staff to enable consistent application of high performance culture, leadership, team effectiveness and psychological development across all environments
- Lead the operational delivery of behavioural performance and team effectiveness services across all national teams and pathways
- Develop and deliver a comprehensive coach and staff development programme focused on leadership, identity, behaviours, communication, facilitation, environment design and team effectiveness
- Provide direct support to the Men’s senior team and other selected national teams, as required, to optimise performance environments and behaviours
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with professional clubs to ensure alignment of cultural, leadership and behavioural development of Welsh-qualified players
- Recruit, lead, manage and develop a high-performing team of practitioners and external consultants
- Drive innovation and applied research in behavioural performance, leadership and team effectiveness to create competitive advantage.
- Establish and implement measurement frameworks to assess behavioural, cultural and leadership performance across teams and programmes
- Manage departmental resources and ensure effective deployment of expertise across the system
- Act as a senior leader and role model for high performance culture within WRU
- Provide visible engagement in coaching, selection and development activities across the international pathway to ensure alignment of behaviours and standards
- Provide support to WRU coach development activities on an agreed number of occasions per year
- Maintain excellent levels of personal development to ensure knowledge and practice remains at the highest level
- Act as an outstanding ambassador for the WRU and the game in Wales
- Participation in marketing and sponsorship activities according to the needs of the WRU and partners
- Knowledge, Skills And Experience Essential
- Degree in psychology, behavioural science, social science, sport science or related discipline
- Professional accreditation (e. g. HCPC, BPS or equivalent) as appropriate
- Extensive experience in elite sport or high performance learning and development environments
- Proven track record of leading high performance culture, leadership and team development programmes
- Deep expertise in leadership, culture, psychological performance and team dynamics
- Experience of designing and implementing system-wide development frameworks or programmes
- Experience of working within multidisciplinary high performance environments
- Strong understanding of performance under pressure and psychological preparation for competition
- Strong leadership, communication and influencing skills
- Exceptional relationship building capability across players, coaches and stakeholders
- Outstanding design and delivery capability in individual, group and team environments
- A growth mindset and strong evidence of continued professional development
- A commitment to live in Wales and be fully engaged in the role Desirable
- Experience in international sport
- Welsh language capability
- WRU Requirements
The WRU require that individuals are proficient in IT skills, specifically Microsoft packages.
Excellent written and verbal communications are essential, along with the ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to communicate through the medium of Welsh and a Valid UK Driver's License is desirable. This role is subject to a basic/enhanced DBS check.
The Perks
As a permanent member of the WRU Group, you will have access to our full range of employee benefits, including:
- Salary Sacrifice Pension (5% employee contribution, matched by WRU)
- Life assurance scheme
- WRU Group Ticket Allocation (in line with ticketing policy)
- One additional paid day off (birthday leave)
- Employee assistance programme
- Team Tactics – hybrid working arrangements
- Free stadium parking and gym
- WRU Group store and tour discounts
- WRU Group partnership offers
- Eye Care Voucher Scheme
- Cycle to Work Scheme
Our Values
The WRU Group are committed to developing a culture whereby all employees are equally valued and respected.
Our aims, together with our vision and mission, are underpinned by our core values and beliefs which embrace: Integrity, Excellence, Success, Courage, Family & Humour.
Inclusion At The WRU
The WRU Group are committed to building diverse, high-performing and engaged teams across Welsh Rugby.
We are ambitious about providing a people first culture where everyone can belong, be heard and respected.
We are happy to talk to you about our Crys I Bawb EDI Strategy (2024-2029) and you can also read more about our commitment in our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy.
Diversity monitoring
We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve.
To continue to do this we need your help in filling out a short monitoring form.
None of the information you provide will be visible as part of your application.
It will only be used anonymously to monitor the inclusivity of our selection processes.
You can select 'prefer not to say’ if you would rather not answer any question.
Pennaeth Perfformiad Ymddygiadol
Ein huchelgais yw sefydlu Rygbi Cymru fel system perfformiad uchel sy'n arwain y byd ar draws gemau'r dynion a'r menywod.
Mae'r rôl yn ganolog i greu ac ymgorffori DNA Cymreig unedig ar gyfer diwylliant, arweinyddiaeth, effeithlonrwydd timau a datblygiad seicolegol perfformiad uchel, gan sicrhau aliniad, eglurder a mantais gystadleuol ar draws yr holl dimau a llwybrau cenedlaethol.
Bydd y rôl yn arwain rhaglen ddysgu, datblygu a chefnogi flaengar ar draws y system sy'n meithrin gallu seicogymdeithasol chwaraewyr, hyfforddwyr a staff I greu a ffynnu mewn timau Cymru buddugol – ar y cae ac oddi arno.
- Cyflog : Cystadleuol
- Dyddiad Cau: 31 Gorfennaf 2026
Diben y Rôl Arwain cyflwyniad gweithredol a strategol diwylliant, arweinyddiaeth, effeithlonrwydd timau a datblygiad seicolegol perfformiad uchel ar draws gemau'r dynion a'r menywod.
Mae'r rôl yn atebol am ddiffinio, creu ac ymgorffori DNA Cymreig clir ar gyfer perfformiad ymddygiadol — gan sefydlu'r egwyddorion, y safonau, yr iaith a'r arferion sy'n tanseilio amgylcheddau perfformiad o'r radd flaenaf ar draws yr holl dimau a llwybrau cenedlaethol, gan sicrhau bod chwaraewyr, hyfforddwyr a staff yn datblygu'n gyson ac yn arddangos y meddylfryd, yr ymddygiadau a'r galluoedd sydd eu hangen i ennill ar y lefel uchaf.
- Cyfrifoldebau, Tasgau a Gweithgareddau Allweddol
- Diffinio, bod yn berchen ar ac ymgorffori DNA Cymreig clir ar gyfer diwylliant, arweinyddiaeth, effeithlonrwydd timau a datblygiad seicolegol perfformiad uchel ar draws pob tîm a llwybr
- Arwain perfformiad ymddygiadol ar draws URC, gan sefydlu'r fframweithiau, y safonau, yr iaith a'r arferion sy'n tanseilio ymddygiadau sy'n ennill yn gyson
- Arwain datblygiad strategaeth o'r radd flaenaf ar gyfer diwylliant, arweinyddiaeth, effeithiolrwydd timau a datblygiad seicolegol perfformiad uchel ar draws gemau'r dynion a'r menywod
- Sefydlu egwyddorion, safonau a ffyrdd o weithio ar draws y system sy'n cyd-fynd â "beth sydd ei angen i ennill" mewn rygbi rhyngwladol
- Dylunio a gweithredu system perfformiad ymddygiadol integredig, flaengar sy'n datblygu chwaraewyr, hyfforddwyr a staff i berfformio'n gyson ar y lefel uchaf
- Datblygu a defnyddio pecynnau cymorth, fframweithiau ac adnoddau ymarferol ar gyfer hyfforddwyr, chwaraewyr a staff i alluogi cymhwyso diwylliant, arweinyddiaeth, effeithiolrwydd tîm a datblygiad seicolegol perfformiad uchel yn gyson ar draws pob amgylchedd
- Arwain cyflwyniad gweithredol gwasanaethau perfformiad ymddygiadol ac effeithiolrwydd timau ar draws pob tîm a llwybr cenedlaethol
- Datblygu a chyflwyno rhaglen datblygu hyfforddwyr a staff gynhwysfawr sy'n canolbwyntio ar arweinyddiaeth, hunaniaeth, ymddygiadau, cyfathrebu, hwyluso, dylunio amgylchedd ac effeithiolrwydd timau
- Darparu cefnogaeth uniongyrchol i dîm uwch y Dynion a thimau cenedlaethol dethol eraill, yn ôl yr angen, i optimeiddio amgylcheddau ac ymddygiadau perfformiad
- Datblygu a chynnal perthnasau cryf â chlybiau proffesiynol i sicrhau aliniad datblygiad diwylliannol, arweinyddiaeth ac ymddygiadol chwaraewyr sy'n gymwys i chwarae dros Gymru
- Recriwtio, arwain, rheoli a datblygu tîm perfformiad uchel o ymarferwyr ac ymgynghorwyr allanol
- Ysgogi arloesedd ac ymchwil gymhwysol mewn perfformiad ymddygiadol, arweinyddiaeth ac effeithiolrwydd timau i greu mantais gystadleuol
- Sefydlu a gweithredu fframweithiau mesur i asesu perfformiad ymddygiadol, diwylliannol ac arweinyddiaeth ar draws timau a rhaglenni
- Rheoli adnoddau adrannol a sicrhau defnydd effeithiol o arbenigedd ar draws y system
- Gweithredu fel uwch arweinydd a model rôl ar gyfer diwylliant perfformiad uchel o fewn URC
- Darparu ymgysylltiad gweladwy mewn gweithgareddau hyfforddi, dethol a datblygu ar draws y llwybr rhyngwladol i sicrhau aliniad ymddygiadau a safonau
- Darparu cymorth i weithgareddau datblygu hyfforddwyr Undeb Rygbi Cymru ar nifer gytunedig o achlysuron y flwyddyn
- Cynnal lefelau rhagorol o ddatblygiad personol i sicrhau bod gwybodaeth ac ymarfer yn parhau i fod ar y lefel uchaf
- Gweithredu fel llysgennad rhagorol i URC a'r gêm yng Nghymru
- Cyfranogiad mewn gweithgareddau marchnata a nawdd yn unol ag anghenion Undeb Rygbi Cymru a phartneriaid
- Gwybodaeth, Sgiliau a Phrofiad Hanfodol
- Gradd mewn seicoleg, gwyddor ymddygiadol, gwyddor gymdeithasol, gwyddor chwaraeon neu ddisgyblaeth gysylltiedig
- Achrediad proffesiynol (e. g. HCPC, BPS neu gyfwerth) fel sy'n briodol
- Profiad helaeth mewn chwaraeon elît neu amgylcheddau dysgu a datblygu perfformiad uchel
- Hanes profedig o arwain rhaglenni diwylliant, arweinyddiaeth a datblygiad timau perfformiad uchel
- Arbenigedd dwfn mewn arweinyddiaeth, diwylliant, perfformiad seicolegol a deinameg timau
- Profiad o ddylunio a gweithredu fframweithiau neu raglenni datblygu system gyfan
- Profiad o weithio mewn amgylcheddau perfformiad uchel amlddisgyblaethol
- Dealltwriaeth gref o berfformio dan bwysau a pharatoi seicolegol ar gyfer cystadleuaeth
- Sgiliau arweinyddiaeth, cyfathrebu a dylanwadu cryf
- Gallu rhagorol i feithrin perthnasoedd ar draws chwaraewyr, hyfforddwyr a rhanddeiliaid
- Gallu dylunio a chy
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Behavioural Performance in Pontyclun employer: WRU - Welsh Rugby Union
The Welsh Rugby Union is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment that champions women's development in sports. With a strong emphasis on professional growth, employees benefit from tailored coaching opportunities and the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements, all while contributing to a mission that resonates deeply within the community. Join us in shaping the future of women's rugby in Wales, where your expertise will be valued and your impact felt across generations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Behavioural Performance in Pontyclun
✨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.
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✨Visit Sports Job Fairs
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Behavioural Performance in Pontyclun
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 WRU - Welsh Rugby Union 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 WRU - Welsh Rugby Union
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with WRU - Welsh Rugby Union, 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.