Head of Sport and Physical Activity

Overview

The University is expecting a high volume of applications for this role, and we may choose to close the advert earlier than advertised. If this is the case, we will email all pending applicants to inform them. We therefore recommend submitting your application at the earliest opportunity.

This role will be based on the university campus with scope for it to be undertaken in a hybrid manner. We are also open to discussing flexible working arrangements.

• Provide strategic leadership for the university’s Sport and Physical Activity provision, driving excellence in student participation, performance programmes and community engagement.
• Develop and deliver sport, facility operations and participation initiatives, including academic, leadership and volunteering programmes.
• Collaborate across academic and professional services and with external partners such as Leeds University Union, UK Sport, Sport England, BUCS and National Governing Bodies to enhance the student experience and foster athletic achievement.
• Communicate with credibility and influence across senior internal and external stakeholders.
• Act as part of the culture change programme, supporting meaningful change and driving impact.

• Extensive senior leadership experience within a large, complex organisation, including demonstrable experience leading senior professional teams and holding teams accountable for results.
• Experience leading change initiatives, working through ambiguity and fostering an environment that embraces innovation, inclusivity and continuous improvement.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to build effective relationships, combined with a commercial mindset and proven ability to drive business planning, prioritisation, and financial sustainability.
• Demonstrated organisational, analytical and problem‑solving skills, with a proactive and high initiative approach.
• Experience in a sport and/or physical activity environment is advantageous; however, exceptional leadership skills and a strong interest in sport and physical activity are considered.

• 26 days holiday plus approx. 16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!
• Generous pension scheme options plus life assurance
• Health and Wellbeing:
  Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state‑of‑the‑art campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
• Personal Development:
  Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.
• Access to on‑site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

Callum Williamson, email:

Please see details of the University’s Pre‑employment Health Assessment within the Candidate Brief.