High Performance
Branch Lead
Main Purpose of Role:
There will be four Branch High Performance Programme Leads appointed with the
successful candidates to be based primarily in their respective regions (Connacht, Leinster,
Munster or Ulster) The four Branch High Performance Programme Leads will be members
of the GUI’s new HP Strategic Leadership Team with the primary role of setting and
overseeing the Provincial Coaching Programme.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership – National
• Working alongside the National Coach and Programme Manager as part of the Strategic
Leadership Team, implement and deliver the GUI’s plan for the reorganisation of the
Union’s National and Provincial Coaching structures and ensure that there is alignment of all
GUI supported High Performance activity and investment, to the principles and strategic
focus of this plan
• Attend Strategic Leadership Committee meetings (National Coach, Programme Manager +
4 Branch HP Leads) on a regular basis throughout each year (monthly/bi-monthly)
• Work within the Strategic Leadership Committee in setting, monitoring and reviewing on
a regular basis the following:
o Talent profiles for each age and stage of the performance pathway
o Markers of progression and screening protocols within the performance
pathway, from one stage to the next
o Coaching curriculum and culture/philosophy/behaviours and values to support
the development of talent within the pathway
o KPIs/process and outcome measures for the pathway programme, on a
longitudinal and annual basis
o Facility and equipment specification for provincial coaching centres
•
Liaise with the CGI to ensure effective alignment and delivery of activities and initiatives
which support the performance pathway (i.e., player recruitment, Provincial Player
Development Centres)
Leadership – Provincial
• Provide a conduit to/from Branch committees with regard to the strategy, policies,
initiatives and activity emanating from the Strategic Leadership Committee
• Provide effective team leadership to Branch Coaches within the Branch HP Lead’s
province and, in conjunction with Branch senior management, provide line management for
these Branch Coaches, including in the form of setting programme goals, monitoring
progress against these, yearly programme reviews and performance appraisals
• Provide line management for specialist coaches and service providers working at Provincial
level, including setting performance targets, monitoring and reviewing
Communication
• Communicate regularly and effectively with the Strategic Leadership Committee, with
senior Branch officers, and relevant Branch committees
• Drive the establishment of internal and external communication and reporting systems to
ensure that High Performance Programme information and regular updates are disseminated
at Provincial level both internally (e.g., office-holders, colleagues, committees, etc.) and to
key external stakeholders (e.g., players, parents, clubs, coaches, etc.) on a regular and timely
basis
• Communicate effectively with relevant organisations and individuals external to the Branch
(e.g., facility providers, etc.)
• Liaise with the National Coach and Programme Manager regarding the development of
players progressing from the Branch talent development programme to National Panels
Finance
• Assist the National Coach and Programme Manager in the preparation of the annual
operating and capital budgets, as required.
• Ensure effective and efficient delivery of the structures and systems of the Coaching
Programme within the approved budget
Performance Management
• Assist in the development of selection standards, and oversee and implement selection
strategies and processes that adhere to GUI Selection policy and criteria, including clear
direction on qualification and performance standards required for selection to GUI
teams/squads/panels
• Establish and deliver a talent screening programme which identifies young players with the
core competencies to progress within the Branch talent development programme
• Co-ordinate development planning for players within the Branch talent development
programme in line with national guidelines, and incorporating all aspects of individual
coaching, training, sports science and medicine services, preparation and competition
performance as appropriate
• Plan and co-ordinate the Branch coaching calendar in line with national guidelines, to
provide players within the talent development programme at provincial level with the
optimum chances for development
• Where appropriate, assist in the identification, recruitment, and development of specialist
coaches and support service providers to enhance the coaching programme at Branch levels
• Implement tools for monitoring and reviewing annual and multi-year performance against
objectives, and the effectiveness of training and competition plans
Coach Management
• Work with the National Coach to identify and recruit where appropriate Branch Coaches
with the requisite capabilities to deliver the coaching curriculum at Branch level, and in
sufficient number to ensure an optimal coach:player ratio at all sessions
• Work with the Strategic Leadership Team to standardise the engagement of Branch
Coaches, and to ensure that there are processes of performance management in place
• As part of the Strategic Leadership Team, work with the PGA and other agencies to
implement a programme of continuous professional development which can respond to the
identified needs of the Branch Coaches
• Identify and develop a system for Branch Coaches to be integrated into National
Programme Activity including training camps and competition events
Reporting Line
• There will be direct line of reporting for each Branch High Performance Programme Lead
to the GUI Programme Manager and National Coach, with an indirect line of reporting to
the relevant Branch Executive Officer and through him/her to the Branch
Officers/Committees.
Requirements
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Minimum PGA qualification of Level 3 or to be willing to attain Level 3 after hiring
Current Safeguarding 1 certificate
Current and clean driving licence
IT skills to a moderate level of competency
Strong communication and organisational skills
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The successful applicant must complete Garda Vetting/Access NI successfully through
CGI before being offered the position
Remuneration for the roles will be in the form of a daily rate, dependent on work
throughout the year. It is expected that the role will require a commitment of 20-30 days
each year. The role will primarily be based in the respective Branches although each
appointee will be expected to attend monthly/bi-monthly meetings in GUI Headquarters.
To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter specifying the Branch you wish to be
considered for. Candidates may apply by email to: [email protected] or by post to: James
Corcoran, GUI Headquarters, Carton Demesne, Maynooth, Co Kildare, W23 R8C6
Applications close at 5pm on Friday 31 March with interviews to be held between 11 and 12
April with an anticipated start date of 2 May 2017.