Performance Sport Lead

Colleges Sport Limited; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Derby is seeking a Senior Lead for the Performance Sport Programme to drive strategic development, enhance BUCS performance, and raise the university’s profile in higher education and sport.

You will oversee coaching staff, student internships, and volunteer programmes; lead performance planning, programme evaluation, welfare, governance, risk management, and UK Anti-Doping compliance, and represent the university at sector events.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic development and delivery of the University’s Performance Sport Programme.
• Coordinate coaching staff, student internships, and volunteer programmes.
• Drive BUCS performance and raise the institution’s profile in higher education and sporting sectors.
• Oversee governance, risk management, and UK Anti-Doping compliance.

Job description

Closing date: 29 November 2026
Location: University of Derby
Region: East Midlands
Employment type: Full Time
Salary: £32,942 to £36,977 per annum

Description

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.