Sports Development Centre
WOMEN’S RUGBY HEAD COACH
Job Ref: REQ17405
As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to redeployment, please note that this vacancy may be
withdrawn at any stage of the recruitment process if a suitable redeployee is identified.
Job Description
Job Grade:
Management & Specialist, Grade 6
Job Purpose:
The Women’s Rugby Head Coach will be responsible for the leadership and
management of the women’s rugby pathway
Job Duties
The role of the Women’s Rugby Head Coach will encompass several key areas of operation.
Strategic Development

Create and implement a coherent structure for the women’s rugby programme.

Work with the Director of Rugby to create a development plan for women’s rugby

Lead on the implementation, management and monitoring of the development plan in conjunction with
Loughborough Sport staff, the Athletic Union, the RFU and LS Women’s Rugby Club Committee.
Performance Programme

Lead an effective coaching programme for the performance squad(s) so that they can compete
successfully within Women’s Super Rugby and BUCS. This includes development of appropriate annual
training programmes.

Lead the multi-disciplinary service support team

Where necessary recruit, direct and manage the additional coaching staff required for the effective
coaching and development of the women’s rugby pathway.

Lead on recruitment of players to the women’s rugby programme.

Provide pastoral support and care to performance squad members in conjunction with other coaching,
academic and performance sport staff.

Identify potential sports scholars (e.g. Loughborough Student Sport Foundation, Talented Athlete
Scholarship Scheme) and manage the funding for individual performers.

Work and share expertise across the men’s and women’s rugby programmes as requested by the Director
of Rugby
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Budgetary Responsibilities

Manage and monitor a budget for the women’s rugby pathway, supported by the Director of Rugby.

Work with SDC staff to develop and support income generating activities for Loughborough Sport.
Public Relations

Work with Loughborough Sport staff to promote the profile of Women’s Rugby. This may include, but isn’t
limited to, activities such as:

developing an appropriate technical infrastructure for promoting the club (eg website, facebook,
twitter etc)

providing regular information for use on websites, social media, newsletter and other promotional
material

engaging with regional and national press

working with Loughborough Sport PR to develop appropriate stories.
General Requirements

Contribute to the sharing of coaching ideas on campus.

Promote Loughborough University sport and the Loughborough Women’s Rugby Programme generally.

Undertake additional duties as requested by your line manager from time to time.

To promote adherence to ethical guidelines and regulations with regard to drugs and doping in sport, in line
with UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) guidelines and the Loughborough University ‘Clean Sport’ commitment
Points to Note
The purpose of this job description is to indicate the general level of duties and responsibility of the post. The
detailed duties may vary from time to time without changing the general character or level of responsibility entailed.
Special Conditions
It is recognised that coaches working at this level will often have links with representative sides. This is seen as
advantageous as long as it does not interfere with the work as defined.
It will be necessary to work outside normal office hours including work in the evenings and at weekends.
The post holder may be expected to work with young people in which case a satisfactory disclosure statement will
be required, (see http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/agencies-public-bodies/dbs/) for more details.
All staff have a statutory responsibility to take reasonable care of themselves, others and the environment and to
prevent harm by their acts or omissions. All staff are therefore required to adhere to the University’s Health, Safety
and Environmental Policy & Procedures.
All staff should hold a duty and commitment to observing the University’s Equality & Diversity policy and
procedures at all times. Duties must be carried out in accordance with relevant Equality & Diversity legislation and
University policies/procedures.
Successful completion of probation will be dependent on attendance at the University’s mandatory courses which
include Respecting Diversity and, where appropriate, Recruitment and Selection.
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Organisational Responsibility
Reports to Director of Rugby.
Person Specification
Your application will be reviewed with respect to meeting the essential and desirable criteria listed below.
Your application will be reviewed against the essential and desirable criteria listed below. Applicants are strongly
advised to explicitly state and evidence how they meet each of the essential (and desirable) criteria in their
application. Stages of assessment are as follows:
1 – Application
2 – Test/Assessment Centre/Presentation
3 – Interview
Essential Criteria
Area
Experience
Skills and
Abilities
Criteria
Stage
Significant successful experience of coaching in a performance
environment
1, 3
1, 2, 3
Proven rugby coaching ability
Detailed knowledge of current coaching and training processes.
1, 2, 3
Excellent organisational and time management skills.
3
IT skills necessary for analysis, report writing, presentations and
general communication.
1, 2, 3
Excellent communication (written and verbal) and motivation skills.
1, 3
Training
Willingness to update First Aid and Health and Safety requirements
for women’s rugby, and work towards more advanced coaching
awards and qualifications.
3
Qualifications
Minimum RFU Level 3 or equivalent experience
1, 3
Other
Willingness to work irregular hours as necessary.
1, 3
To observe the University’s Equal Opportunities Policy at all times.
3
A commitment to observe and uphold the SDC’s ‘Clean Sport Policy’
1, 3
To provide a satisfactory disclosure statement. (see
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/agencies-public-bodies/dbs/) for more
details.
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Desirable Criteria
Area
Experience
Skills and
Abilities
Qualifications
Criteria
Stage
Experience of coaching female rugby players
1, 3
Experience of coaching international and junior international players
1, 3
Experience of managing budgets.
1, 3
Experience of leading a multi-disciplinary service support team
1, 2, 3
An understanding of women’s rugby development pathway
1, 3
An understanding of basic physiology/Fitness training
1, 2, 3
Sport related degree or equivalent experience.
1, 3
Qualified RFU Coach Education Tutor
1, 3
Conditions of Service
The position is full-time and fixed-term for a period of 3 years. Salary will be on Management and Specialist Grade
6, £29,301 to £38,183 per annum, subject to an annual pay award, at a starting salary to be confirmed on offer of
appointment.
The appointment will be subject to the University’s normal Terms and Conditions of Employment for Academic and
Related staff, details of which can be found here.
The University is committed to enabling staff to maintain a healthy work-home balance and has a number of familyfriendly policies which are available at http://www.lboro.ac.uk/services/hr/a-z/family-leave-policy-and-procedure--page.html.
We also offer an on-campus nursery with subsidised places, subsidised places at local holiday clubs and a
childcare voucher scheme (further details are available at: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/services/hr/a-z/childcareinformation---page.html
In addition, the University is supportive, wherever possible, of flexible working arrangements.
We also strive to create a culture that supports equality and celebrates diversity throughout the campus. The
University holds a Bronze Athena SWAN award which recognises the importance of support for women at all
stages of their academic career. For further information on Athena SWAN see
http://www.lboro.ac.uk/services/hr/athena-swan/
Informal Enquiries
Informal enquiries should be made to Alan Buzza by email at [email protected] or by telephone on 01509
226752
Applications
The closing date for receipt of applications is Sunday 21 May 2017. Interviews will be held on Wednesday 31 May
2017.
Copyright © Loughborough University. All rights reserved.
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Copyright © Loughborough University. All rights reserved.
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