Sports Assistant

University of Reading; Reading; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution located in Reading is seeking a Sports Assistant to join its Facilities & Operations team. The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication skills and a passion for sport and fitness. The role involves understanding customer needs, following regulations, and utilizing technology to enhance service delivery. Candidates need to be flexible with a shift pattern that includes early mornings, evenings, and weekends. Essential training will be provided. This position offers a chance to contribute to a vibrant and inclusive sports environment.

Benefits

Essential training and development

Support for gender equality and diversity

Flexible working arrangements considered

Qualifications

• Candidates must have strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• A keen interest in sport and fitness is necessary.
• An ability to use initiative and contribute to sports development.

Responsibilities

• Understand customer needs and effectively communicate with them.
• Follow relevant rules, regulations, and legislation.
• Use technology and systems to enhance service delivery.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Interest in sport and fitness

Initiative

Job description

Full Time / Permanent Contract

Closing date for applications: 23:59 on 8 February 2026.

The role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Successful candidates must ensure they have the right to work in the UK or secure this through other means without the University's sponsorship. Further information about sponsorship is available on the .

The University of Reading is a world‑renowned institution, ranked 35 in the UK for 2025 and 172 in the QS World University Rankings in 2025. It is 1 in the UK in the People & Planet University League and contributes £1 billion to the UK economy. It has also just been awarded Sustainable University of the Year in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.

In addition, the University is well into delivering its three‑year Sport & Active Wellbeing Vision, aimed at inspiring, growing and embedding sport and active wellbeing into the University and wider community.

Working as part of the SportsPark department, the Sports Assistant will form part of the Facilities & Operations team.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Understand the customer
• Understand the organisation
• Follow rules, regulations and legislation
• Use systems and technology
• Communicate effectively with colleagues and customers

As a Key Team Player

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• An interest in sport and fitness
• An ability to use your initiative and the desire to contribute to the development of sport and active wellbeing to a range of customers

Candidates must be willing to work a 3‑week shift pattern that covers early mornings weekdays 6:30 am–3 pm, weekends 7 am–2:30 pm and weekday evenings 2 pm–10:30 pm, weekends 2 pm–9:30 pm, as well as two weekends in three, to ensure the SportsPark facilities are operated to full efficiency throughout business hours.

Essential training and development will be provided as part of the role. You will learn key skills and complete training courses in customer service, health and safety, personal development and information technology.

If you want to contribute to delivering an improved, impactful and inclusive sport and active wellbeing offer on an award‑winning UK Green Flag campus, then we want to hear from you.

Please see the job description and personal specification for further details.

Interview date: 24 February 2026.

For more information, please contact

Contact name: Kris Morgan‑Jones
Contact job title: Facility Manager
Contact email: [e-mail]

Alternative contact name: Mike Dyer
Alternative contact job title: Facility Manager
Alternative contact email: [e-mail]

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job‑share, part‑time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.