Head of Physical Activity & Health

Cardiff Metropolitan University; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Cardiff Metropolitan University invites applications for a senior leadership role overseeing physical activity, health and wellbeing across the university and communities in Wales and beyond. The post emphasizes strategic systems leadership, partnership development and driving measurable health outcomes.

We seek an experienced leader who can translate strategy into action, collaborate across health, education and local government sectors, and promote equity and inclusion in all programmes and

Qualifications

• Experienced and strategic leader with a strong understanding of systems leadership and the wider physical activity, sport, health and wellbeing landscape.
• Proven track record of building and influencing partnerships and leading high-performing teams.
• Skilled collaborator and communicator engaging stakeholders across health, education, local government and third sector.
• Committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and translating strategy into measurable outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Providing inspirational leadership to multidisciplinary teams, ensuring delivery of agreed outcomes, KPIs, income targets and safeguarding standards.
• Delivering the Move More Physical Activity and Sport Strategy for Cardiff through effective collaboration and whole-system leadership.
• Building and strengthening strategic partnerships with health, education, local authority and third-sector organisations to maximise impact.
• Leading the strategic development and delivery of Cardiff Met’s Physical Activity and Health agenda, driving innovation and sector-leading practice.
• Implementing and embedding a modern, integrated physical activity pathway across University and community settings.
• Developing and overseeing sector-leading wellbeing programmes that enhance the physical, mental and social wellbeing of students, staff and communities.

Job description

Cardiff Met Sport is at the heart of sport, physical activity, health & wellbeing in Wales’ Capital City. Our mission is clear – ‘to profoundly enhance the lives of our communities, making them healthier and stronger as an outcome of engaging with us’.

To continue to achieve all of this, we need people who bring fresh ideas, creativity and commitment to making a difference, who want to make a positive and lasting impact on people’s lives, in Wales and beyond.

You’ll lead the way by:

• Providing inspirational leadership to multidisciplinary teams, ensuring delivery of agreed outcomes, KPIs, income targets and safeguarding standards.
• Delivering the Move More Physical Activity and Sport Strategy for Cardiff through effective collaboration and whole-system leadership.
• Building and strengthening strategic partnerships with health, education, local authority and third-sector organisations to maximise impact.
• Leading the strategic development and delivery of Cardiff Met’s Physical Activity and Health agenda, driving innovation and sector-leading practice.
• Implementing and embedding a modern, integrated physical activity pathway across University and community settings.
• Developing and overseeing sector-leading wellbeing programmes that enhance the physical, mental and social wellbeing of students, staff and communities.

What you’ll bring

You will be an experienced and strategic leader with a strong understanding of systems leadership and the wider physical activity, sport, health and wellbeing landscape. Able to operate effectively across complex environments, you will have a proven track record of building and influencing partnerships, leading high-performing teams and delivering impactful programmes that improve participation, wellbeing and community outcomes. You will be a skilled collaborator and communicator, capable of engaging stakeholders across health, education, local government and the third sector, while championing equity, diversity and inclusion. Most importantly, you will bring the vision, credibility and determination to drive a whole-system approach to physical activity and health, translating strategy into measurable outcomes that benefit students, staff and communities.

We are a values-based University. We are proud of our culture, and we are there for our people. Our community spirit is the golden thread that underpins our values and behaviours. We support and embrace inclusion that enables everyone to feel respected and able to perform at their best. By joining our University, you'll find yourself in a unique environment where a wealth of knowledge and resources are readily available, supporting you with your career development.

We offer excellent benefits such as:

• Annual leave of 35 days, plus 12 bank holiday / concessionary days (pro rata if part time).
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme with generous contributions.
• Excellent family friendly policies – take a look on our Policy Hub page.
• Opportunities to learn and develop your skills with access to library and digital services facilities.
• Excellent sports and fitness facilities with subsidised membership.
• Free family access to our independent specialist wellbeing support provider, Health Assured.

The person specification will be used as a tool for shortlisting; so please make sure you use this information when writing your application.

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

Should a high volume of applications be received, we may need to close this vacancy early.

Cardiff Metropolitan University is proud to be a Disability Confident employer and a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant.

All applicants with disabilities, or those who are part of the Armed Forces community who during the shortlisting process meet the essential criteria for the role will be progressed to the next stage.

The University is committed to creating a highly inclusive culture. We offer family friendly and flexible working arrangements and a range of staff networks, forums and events to support and develop our people. We warmly welcome applications from those traditionally underrepresented in the higher education sector.

Why Work Here?

We invite you to join our collaborative community!

Dating back to 1865, we remain rooted in Wales with a global reach, offering you a world of opportunity. Our education, research and innovation deliver positive impact for equality, social inclusion and environmental sustainability, locally, nationally and internationally.

Are you ready to contribute to something remarkable?

Join us in helping us to progress and deliver real change.