Head of Centre of Excellence for Sports

Job Purpose

The Head of Centre of Excellence provides strategic and operational leadership for the Club’s integrated high-performance and athlete-development ecosystem. The role sets standards across talent identification, coaching, sports science, performance support, competition preparation and pathway progression, translating the Club’s priorities into measurable and sustainable sporting outcomes.

Working closely with the General Manager, GCB/Sports Sub-Committee, Convenors, coaches, athletes,members and external partners, the Head ensures that programmes are safe,evidence-based, financially responsible and member-centred. The role develops people, partnerships and systems that position the Centre as a recognised benchmark for sporting excellence.

Job Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Governance

1. Set and communicate the Centre’s vision, strategyand operating model in alignment with the Club’s objectives.

2. Develop and execute annual plans, priorities,performance targets and key performance indicators for approval by the General Manager.

3. Advise the General Manager and GCB/ Sports Sub-Committee on high-performance strategy, emerging risks and investment priorities.

4. Establish policies, standards and decision rights for programme delivery, athlete services, selection, safeguarding and data management.

5. Use performance data, benchmarking and structured reviews to evaluate outcomes and drive continuous improvement.

6. Prepare timely management reports, dashboards,budget updates and recommendations for the Club’s leadership and relevant committees.

Athlete Development and Performance Pathways

7. Design an integrated pathway from participation and talent identification through development, high performance and transition.

8. Implement transparent talent identification,selection, review and progression processes in partnership with Convenors and coaches.

9. Ensure each identified athlete has an appropriate development plan, performance goals, review cycle and access to relevant support services.

10. Set performance benchmarks and monitor athlete progression, competition readiness, retention and wellbeing.

11. Coordinate seasonal and competition plans to balance training load, recovery, education, work and family commitments.

12. Promote a safe, inclusive and athlete-centred culture that supports holistic development, integrity and long-term participation.

Coaching, Sports Science and Programme Quality

13. Define the Club’s coaching philosophy, technical standards and programme quality framework across relevant sports.

14. Recruit, deploy and evaluate suitably qualified coaches and specialists, with clear scopes, objectives and professional standards.

15. Build a continuing professional development programme for coaches, support staff and volunteers.

16. Integrate appropriate expertise in strength and conditioning, sports medicine, physiotherapy, nutrition, psychology and performance analysis.

17. Lead regular interdisciplinary performance reviews and ensure recommendations are documented, prioritised and followed through.

Operational Excellence, Facilities and Safety

18. Translate the Centre’s strategy into coordinated programmes, schedules, service standards and resource plans.

19. Ensure training venues, performance spaces, systems and equipment are safe, fit for purpose and used efficiently.

20. Establish and monitor standard operating procedures, risk controls, emergency response protocols and incident reporting.

21. Coordinate preventive maintenance, corrective works, facility access and service continuity with relevant Club departments.

22. Manage vendors and service providers against agreed scope, quality, safety, cost and contractual requirements.

23. Respond promptly to athlete, member and stakeholder feedback, complaints and service issues, addressing root causes where appropriate.

Partnerships, Events and Stakeholder Engagement

24. Build productive relationships with national sports associations, institutes, schools, clubs, universities and other strategic partners.

25. Engage Convenors, Sub-Committees, coaches,athletes, parents and members to align expectations and strengthen programme ownership.

26. Plan and oversee camps, competitions, clinics,showcases and other performance-development activities.

27. Work with the Club’s communications and marketing teams to present accurate, timely and appropriate information about the Centre and its programmes.

28. Represent the Club at relevant meetings, forums and events, and identify partnership, sponsorship or grant opportunities that advance the Centre’s objectives.

Financial and Commercial Management

29. Develop, manage and forecast the Centre’s annual operating and capital budgets, with clear allocation to agreed priorities.

30. Monitor expenditure, revenue, commitments and variances, taking timely corrective action and maintaining proper controls and records.

31. Evaluate programme sustainability and appropriate revenue opportunities without compromising athlete welfare or the Club’s values.

32. Lead procurement, contract evaluation and resource planning in accordance with Club policies and delegated authority.

People Leadership and Capability Building

33. Design an effective team structure with clear roles, accountabilities, workloads and communication channels.

34. Set objectives, conduct performance reviews and hold staff and service partners accountable for agreed standards and outcomes.

35. Coach, mentor and develop staff, supporting professional growth, succession planning and retention of critical capability.

36. Plan staffing and duty coverage, and participate in recruitment, onboarding, training and disciplinary processes in accordance with Club policies.

37. Create a collaborative, respectful and high-accountability culture across coaches, specialists, administrators and volunteers.

Workplace Safety and Health

38. Comply with and actively promote the Club’s workplace safety and health system, safe work procedures and emergency requirements or safety rules implemented at the workplace.

39. Take reasonable care for personal safety and the safety of athletes, members, colleagues, contractors and visitors. Not engage in any unsafe or negligent act that may endanger yourself or others working around you.

40. Use personal or required protective equipment, report hazards and incidents promptly and ensure your safety while working. You must ensure corrective actions are completed and verified. You must not tamper with or misuse the equipment.

41. Any other duties as assigned by the General Manager/ Management.

Requirements: -

• Bachelor’s degree in Sports Science, Sports Management, Exercise Physiology, Business Administration or a related field; a relevant postgraduate qualification is advantageous.
• At least 8–10 years of progressively responsible experience in high-performance sport, athlete development, a sports academy or a comparable multi-sport environment.
• Demonstrated leadership of multidisciplinary teams, including responsibility for people, programmes and budgets.
• Strong knowledge of athlete pathways, coaching systems, sports science, competition planning, safeguarding and workplace safety requirements.
• Proven ability to translate strategy into measurable plans, performance indicators, operating standards and continuous-improvement actions.
• Sound financial, procurement, vendor-management and contract-management capability.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the credibility to work effectively with committees, Convenors, coaches, athletes, parents, members and external partners.
• Excellent judgement, communication, presentation, negotiation and conflict-resolution skills.
• High integrity, discretion and commitment to athlete welfare, inclusion, service excellence and the Club’s values.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, and to travel when required for camps, meetings or competitions.

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.