Head of Elite Sport

LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY; Ashby-de-la-Zouch; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious sports university in the UK is seeking a Head of Performance Support to enhance athlete support through innovative practices. The successful candidate will lead teams, manage budgets, and develop performance pathways, all while fostering partnerships that drive excellence. Strong leadership, analytical skills, and a postgraduate qualification in a related field are essential. The role offers many benefits, including hybrid working options and access to sports facilities.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance

Hybrid working options

Discounted gym memberships

Electric vehicle and cycle-to-work schemes

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in high-performance support services.
• Proven leadership and management of multiple budgets.
• Ability to foster equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic development of performance support services.
• Oversee multi-disciplinary teams and quality assurance.
• Manage budgets and identify business opportunities.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Commercial acumen

Education

Postgraduate qualification in sport science or related field

Job description

Job Summary

Head of Performance Support – Lead the evolution of athlete support at Loughborough Sport, a world‑class sports university. Drive excellence in sport science, strength & conditioning, and sports medicine, creating pathways for emerging practitioners and fostering partnerships that elevate performance across our environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic development of performance support services, aligning with the Performance Sport Leadership Team's vision and values.
• Oversee multi‑disciplinary teams and implement robust quality assurance processes.
• Manage budgets, forecast financial plans, and identify new business opportunities.
• Collaborate with key partners, including the School of Sport & Exercise Science and the National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine.
• Drive innovation through technology integration and the use of AI in performance support.
• Develop practitioner pathways and contribute to the evolution of the Performance Centre as a hub for excellence.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in delivering and coordinating support services in a high‑performance, multi‑disciplinary setting.
• Proven leadership and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple budgets.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline (sport science, sport medicine, or strength and conditioning).
• Commercial acumen and ability to identify growth opportunities.
• Collaborative leader committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Benefits

• Generous holiday allowance, including 14 university closure days and bank holidays, with the option to buy extra.
• Access to a range of fantastic facilities with plenty of green space across a 523‑acre East Midlands campus, plus an exciting community at our London campus.
• Competitive pay, two pension schemes, and everyday savings opportunities.
• Support for you and those close to you through life event leave policies and an on‑site nursery.
• Hybrid working options.
• Discounted gym memberships and access to world‑class sporting facilities, including physiotherapy, and healthcare offers such as eyesight testing and wellbeing support.
• Electric vehicle and cycle‑to‑work schemes, and various travel offers to support sustainable commuting.

Contact & Application

For more information on the role please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification.

Informal enquiries to Olivia Murphy, Deputy Director of Sport: [e-mail]

Closing date: 11 January 2026.

Interviews to be held 3rd and 4th February 2026.