Overview
Performance Sport Lead (0323-26) – Derby, DE22 1GB
About the University
We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.
The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.
We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes.
Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.
About the College/Department
Our Campus Life and Student Living department is responsible for essential services that significantly impact the student experience.?
Campus Life is all about the various services that enhance the overall student experience, including sports, recreational facilities and community engagement.?
Whereas our Student Living teams ensure the safety, comfort and compliance of the University's residential estates.
Whichever team you become a part of; student experience is our focus!
About the Role
Lead the strategic development and delivery of the University’s Performance Sport Programme, driving student-athlete success, enhancing BUCS performance, and raising the institution’s profile within the higher education and sporting sectors. Working with professional sports clubs, National Governing Bodies, and key partners, you will champion the University’s performance sport offer, attract talented student athletes, and create opportunities for growth and investment.
You will oversee all aspects of the performance sport function, including coaching staff, student internships and volunteer programmes, performance planning, and programme evaluation. Accountable for BUCS results and league table performance, you will implement innovative strategies that enhance athlete development, support club success, and deliver measurable outcomes.
The role also provides leadership in student-athlete welfare, governance, risk management, and UK Anti-Doping compliance, while building effective partnerships across the University and representing the institution at sector events, conferences, and recruitment activities to showcase excellence in sport.
Anticipated interview date – 15th December
About You
We are seeking a highly motivated individual with a degree in a relevant discipline and significant experience leading high-performance or elite sport programmes within a complex organisation, ideally within the UK Higher Education sector or a comparable environment.
You will have a proven track record of developing, implementing, and evaluating strategic performance plans that deliver measurable improvements in sporting success, athlete development, and student-athlete recruitment. With a strong understanding of performance sport environments, you will be able to demonstrate success in driving competitive outcomes, enhancing programme performance, and supporting athletes to achieve their full potential.
This position requires flexibility, excellent planning and organisation skills, excellent inter-personal skills and a passion for performance sport.
Benefits
- Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers
- Discounted onsite gym
- Cycle to Work scheme
- A flexible working environment
- A commitment to personal and professional development
Key Contact
For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Jonathan Pace, Head of Sport & Physical Activity j.pace@derby.ac.uk.
For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via recruitment@derby.ac.uk.
Important Information
The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.
Please visit our website for more information.
The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody's concern.
Please find our Safeguarding pages including our Safeguarding Policy here.
Closing Date: 29 Nov 2026
Area: Technical Support
Salary: £32,942 to £36,977 per annum
(For exceptional performers, there is scope for further progression up to £42,523.55 per annum)
IMPORTANT: Before applying for this role, please make sure you have the right to work in the country where the role is based. Unless it clearly stipulates within in the job advert above that the hiring company is looking to or able to sponsor applicants it is deemed that the hiring employer will only consider applications from those able to comply with and work in the country where the role is based.
