Sport Development Manager
Department: Paddlesport
Reports to: Head of Sport and Recreation
Location: Paddle UK Offices, National Watersports Centre, Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham
Contract: Full time, 37 hours per week (Monday–Friday, with occasional evenings and weekends)
Salary range: £38,000 to £46,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
Closing date: 9 March 2026
Interview dates: 19 March 2026
The Role
We are seeking an experienced and driven Sport Development Manager to lead national initiatives that grow junior participation in competitive paddlesport.
This role is central to expanding the sport's reach and creating clear, accessible entry points for young people. You will design campaigns, systems, partnerships and support services that enable clubs, schools, coaches and communities to inspire, engage and retain new audiences in paddlesport.
Working across the organisation and through a wide network of partners, you will turn strategy into practical, scalable programmes that strengthen the pathway from first experience to sustained, ongoing lifelong participation.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the development of comprehensive start-up activity packages, including training opportunities, templates, guidance, resources and assets that support delivery through clubs, coaches, disciplines and venues
* Create and embed frameworks for programme accreditation, training and support to ensure consistent standards in governance, safeguarding and EDI
* Develop, launch and evolve a national paddlesport promotion campaign and strategy, using appropriate platforms and networks to reach and retain new audiences
* Build and manage strong relationships with external partners including community sport providers, Active Partnerships, youth groups, clubs, charities, local authorities and venue owners
* Work with the Youth Sport Trust and School Games Organisers to co-create activities, training and activation resources for primary and secondary schools
* Collaborate with the Competitions & Events team to align major events with participation growth opportunities and audience engagement
* Identify funding opportunities and develop sustainable financial models in partnership with charities, agencies, stakeholders and commercial partners
* Develop systems and insight tools to track local project impact and membership attribution
* Lead cross-departmental project teams, managing plans, timelines, budgets, risks and reporting on progress and impact
About You
You are a strategic and practical sport development professional who understands how to grow participation from the grassroots up at scale. You are confident working across sectors, building partnerships and turning ideas into well-managed, impactful projects.
Essential skills and experience
* Proven experience developing and managing participation programmes in sport, education or community development
* Excellent project management skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders and delivery sites
* Experience working with volunteers and achieving positive outcomes in community settings
* Strong strategic planning and organisational skills
* Experience managing budgets
* Ability to manage a varied workload while maintaining attention to detail
* Ability to prioritise, make decisions under pressure and meet deadlines
* Experience delivering projects on time and within budget
* Good IT skills, including MS Office and Google applications
Desirable
* Experience within the School Games network, Youth Sport Trust or school sport settings
* Experience developing grassroots hub networks or community sport partnerships
* Understanding of paddlesport disciplines and the outdoor market
* Experience developing promotion and marketing campaigns, ideally in sport or education
* Degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject
* Qualification in coaching, sport development or youth work
What We're Looking For
We value people who:
* Take initiative and bring a proactive, "can do" approach
* Build strong relationships with a wide range of partners and volunteers
* Communicate confidently with diverse audiences, including young people, teachers and coaches
* Work well both independently and as part of a team
* Stay adaptable and resilient when priorities change
* Address challenges constructively and professionally
Full details of the role can be found in the Job Description.
We recognise the contribution our employees make and think these benefits reflect our appreciation:
* Hybrid working - 2 days a week in the office
* 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
* Dress for your day (jeans acceptable)
* Free onsite parking and bike storage
* Company pension scheme
* Employee benefits platform (including Bike to Work, Health and Wellbeing and discounts)
To find out more about Paddle UK, our benefits, culture and recruitment process please visit our Careers Centre.