Senior Performance Sport Manager

Overview

In this role you will lead the Performance Sport Programme within Team Durham, shaping a high-impact university sport portfolio. You will collaborate with internal and external partners to strengthen performance pathways and develop strategic delivery across performance, participation and community engagement. You will line-manage coaches and delivery staff while driving partnerships with national bodies, clubs and the local community. This is a chance to influence a top-tier university sport programme and support ongoing leadership development in a dynamic HE environment.

Pay / Benefits

• 30 days annual leave + 8 public holidays + 4 discretionary days
• generous pension scheme with USS enrollment
• cycle to work scheme and car benefit options
• professional development opportunities and annual personal development time
• health and wellbeing support including EAP and gym discounts
• on-site nursery and family-friendly policies

Responsibilities

• serve as the strategic lead for the Performance Sport Programme and oversee its delivery
• develop and maintain external partnerships with NGBs, professional clubs and community organisations
• line manage Head coaches, Strength & Conditioning lead and Recruitment team
• drive performance sport services management and scholar recruitment at undergraduate and postgraduate levels
• contribute to planning at operational and strategic levels and monitor service performance
• lead on business process improvements, policy implementation and regulatory compliance
• support staff welfare, development and performance reviews
• represent Sport and the University at promotional events and foster cross-institutional collaboration

Key requirements

• degree-level education or equivalent experience
• track record in performance sport within higher education or similar environments
• expert practitioner with influence over service delivery in performance sport
• experience advising diverse stakeholders, including senior colleagues
• experience building networks to share best practice and influence university strategy
• experience implementing policies and procedures to improve services
• prior management and development experience across multiple teams
• excellent verbal and written communication with ability to build relationships

• excellent communication
• collaboration and teamwork
• problem solving
• digital competence across devices and apps
• knowledge of the UK university sport system
• baseline understanding of NCAA or other sporting environments (international awareness)

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