Head of Cricket

Dixons Academies Trust; Bradford; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational charity is seeking a strategic Head of Cricket to pioneer a world-class cricket program aimed at transforming the lives of high-potential cricketers from low-income families. The successful candidate will create the Dixons Cricket Academy, lead talent identification, and design a comprehensive 5-year strategy. This role involves coaching elite teams and establishing partnerships within the cricket community, making it central to the charity's mission for social mobility.

Qualifications

• Experience in developing sports programs within educational settings.
• Understanding of the cricket landscape and social mobility initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Create the Dixons Cricket Academy and secure facilities.
• Lead the talent identification programme.
• Design a 5-year cricket strategy.
• Coach elite trust teams and manage fixtures.
• Build partnerships with county boards and clubs.

Skills

Visionary leadership

Talent development

Strategic planning

Coaching elite teams

Education

Proven coaching experience

Experience in talent identification

Job description

The opportunity

pioneer a legacy in state education. Dixons Academies Trust is a charity which runs state-funded academies exclusively in areas of significant disadvantage across the North. Our mission is to challenge the educational and social disadvantage. We are pioneering an initiative we believe to be a first for the state sector: the creation of a strategic head of cricket role. This unique opportunity will allow you to build a world‑class cricket programme that provides life‑changing opportunities for high‑potential cricketers from low‑income families, offering them the same pathways as their peers in the private sector.

Your impact: As the founding head of cricket, you will be the architect of our cricketing future. Reporting directly to the chief executive, you will:

• build from scratch: Create the Dixons Cricket Academy, securing facilities, fundraising and building a team of coaches and partners.
• drive social mobility: Lead our groundbreaking talent identification programme. This is underpinned by a concrete commitment: protecting 10% of places at three of our secondary schools in Bradford and Leeds for high‑potential cricketers from low‑income families.
• design the strategy: Create and execute a 5‑year plan for cricket across all our academies. The role will work across all our cities but will initially focus on establishing the programme in Bradford and Leeds.
• elevate performance: Coach our elite trust teams to compete with the best independent schools and manage a high‑quality fixture list and tours.
• forge a future: Build powerful partnerships with county boards, clubs, and organisations like the ECB to open professional pathways for our students.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking a visionary leader and elite coach. You are an entrepreneur with a proven track record in talent development, strategy, and inspiring young people. You understand the landscape of school and club cricket and are driven by a moral purpose to create something transformative. This role is central to our trust's mission. We are incredibly ambitious for it and will offer a remuneration package to attract the right expert.

Apply now! Full details of this role can be found in the job description and person specification. For more information and to apply, please visit our careers site at joindixonsat.com or call us on 01274 085526 and speak to Angela Skinner, Business Support Administrator, HR, to discuss the role further.

Closing date will be 04 December 2025. Interview will take place on 12 December 2025.

Our trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check.