Uni of Birmingham: Head of Hockey

The Head Coach role will be responsible for delivering and developing the University’s flagship hockey programme, working with the next generation of emerging talent to succeed across our BUCS and National Hockey League teams.

The successful candidate will have overall responsibility for the hockey programme, including coaching philosophy, style, development and performance of the club, including the appointment and development of coaching staff. They will have direct responsibility for the performance of the 1st teams in BUCS and of our National Hockey League teams, including direct coaching our national league teams.

From the point of recruitment to maintaining the fantastic performance environment for our athletes, the post-holder will ensure a high-quality student experience is maintained throughout the club, steering a culture consistent with our values. They will do this working with a team of experienced coaches and multi-disciplinary team comprising specialist support practitioners within a sector-leading dual-career environment.

Main Duties

• Run training sessions for first and second teams, directly coaching the first team, with the support of an assistant coach
• Attend BUCS & National League matches of the first team and other teams where appropriate
• Lead regular multi-disciplinary team meetings with the Performance Support team to optimize development of the players’ and teams’ performance
• Lead hockey’s recruitment strategy to attract the best players to the university, including identification of players, managing communications and attending key recruitment events
• Responsible for the recruitment, development and management of hockey coaches including mentoring, individual CPD plans, reviews and job chats
• Identify and propose appropriate hockey events which the University might bid to host, with the aim of helping recruitment, raising profile and/or generating income
• To develop effective links and relationships with England Hockey and home nations NGB to ensure player pathways are successfully maintained 

Club Management

• Work with the Club Development team to ensure University of Birmingham meets all relevant rules and regulations including but not limited to: officials; safety; facilities; and coordination of disciplinary cases
• In conjunction with the BUCS administrator, ensure the efficient coordination of club fixtures including liaison with the Operations team to support match day set-up
• Lead and advise the club committee in the management of the club (including the budget), ensuring all values of Sport are upheld
  Other duties
• You will actively participate in job chats and personal development reviews on your own performance, and agree objectives and targets and work to achieve these within agreed timescales
• Undertake any other duties that may reasonably be required, and which can be accommodated within the post holder's grading

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

You will need to evidence:

• Educated to A Level standard, or equivalent level 3 qualification such as a Level 3 NVQ, or level 3 national diploma or relevant facilities work experience evidencing the skills and ability to undertake the role.
• Minimum of GCSE grade C or 4 in Mathematics and English at GCSE or equivalent level 2 qualification or relevant work experience evidencing numeracy and literacy.
• UKCC Level 3 coaching award (or equivalent).
• Due to the nature of the work undertaken in this role all successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory DBS clearance before appointment.
• An in-depth understanding of coaching styles and practical delivery.
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day-to-day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly.
• Knowledge of the sport's organisation at national & regional levels in the UK.
• Two years’ experience of working in a sports development or similar environment either in voluntary or paid basis.
• Understanding of BUCS rules and regulations.
• Experience of financial / budgetary responsibilities.
• Effective problem solving and decision-making skills.
• IT skills including competence in the use Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Positive attitude towards CPD.
• Experience of successfully leading others, preferably in both direct supervision of other paid employees and of volunteers.