The University is expecting a high volume of applications for this role, and we may choose to close the advert earlier than advertised. If this is the case, we will email all pending applicants to inform them. We therefore recommend submitting your application at the earliest opportunity.
This role will be based on the university campus with scope for it to be undertaken in a hybrid manner. We are also open to discussing flexible working arrangements.
Are you an accomplished leader who can lead and motivate staff to deliver an excellent experience and achieve organisational goals? Do you have extensive senior leadership experience working in a large complex organisation gained in a professional environment and can apply this to a sport and physical activity environment? Would you like to lead a team to deliver even higher standards of operational and commercial efficiency?
Over the past decade, the University of Leeds has demonstrated a strong commitment to sport and physical activity, investing more than £15 million to develop premier outdoor sports facilities across two dedicated sports parks—Weetwood and Bodington—which support student sport, elite performance, and community engagement. In addition to these outdoor facilities, the university has recently invested £1.2 million to expand The Edge sports facility, providing state-of-the-art fitness equipment, a variety of classes, aquatics activities, and a 25-metre, eight-lane swimming pool, further enhancing opportunities for students, staff, and the local community.
The Head of Sport and Physical Activity at the University of Leeds provides strategic leadership for the university’s Sport and Physical Activity provision, driving excellence in student participation in sport and physical activity, performance programmes, and community engagement. The role has responsibility for the development and delivery of sport, facility operations, and participation initiatives which also include academic, leadership and volunteering programmes; ensuring they support student and staff wellbeing and the university’s broader strategic goals.
This post works collaboratively across academic and professional services, and in partnership with Leeds University Union (LUU) and external organisations such as UK Sport, Sport England, BUCS and National Governing Bodies to enhance the student experience, increase participation and inclusivity in sport and physical activity, foster athletic achievement, and strengthen the university’s reputation for sport locally, nationally and internationally. Therefore, having the ability to communicate with credibility and influence across senior internal and external stakeholders is essential.
The university is entering a pivotal period, with a new sport strategy and delivery model review underway in collaboration with Leeds University Union. These initiatives present a unique opportunity to shape the future of sport and physical activity, set long-term priorities, and drive impactful change. A values led leadership approach will be essential to drive forward our culture change programme, which will provide a platform for meaningful change supported by feedback from the Sport and Physical Activity team.
A successful candidate will have extensive senior leadership experience within a large, complex organisation including demonstrable experience leading teams at a senior professional level, holding teams accountable for results whilst remaining approachable and visible, fostering an environment that embraces innovation, inclusivity, personal development and continuous improvement.
Having experience in a sport and/or physical activity environment would be advantageous; however, we are happy to consider candidates who demonstrate exceptional leadership skills and a strong interest in sport and physical activity. Successful applicants must also show a commitment to developing their knowledge of key sport and physical activity principles.
They will have strong communication and interpersonal skills to build effective relationships, combined with a commercial mindset and proven ability to drive business planning, prioritisation, and financial sustainability.
A successful candidate will also possess extensive experience of leading change initiatives and be comfortable working through ambiguity. Demonstrating a genuine commitment towards continual service improvement, they will possess strong organisational, analytical and problem-solving skills and can work pro-actively, using a high level of initiative.
What we offer in return
- 26 days holiday plus approx.16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!
- Generous pension scheme options plus life assurance
- Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
- Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.
- Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.
And much more!
To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:
Callum Williamson, email: C.J.Williamson@leeds.ac.uk
Please see details of the University’s Pre-employment Health Assessment within the Candidate Brief.