Oxford Brookes Oxford Brookes University is distinctive in nature. We are a modern and forward-thinking institution rooted in, and connected to, a city with a rich history of culture and learning. We are a globally recognised university focused on providing high-quality teaching and delivering impactful research and an excellent student experience. Our vision is simple: “shape tomorrow through our unique blend of the modern and the traditional, by embracing diversity, seeking out the new, and excelling in education and research.”
Our people are at the heart of the University - our excellence in teaching, research and knowledge exchange depends on the engagement, capability and wellbeing of our people. We strive to create and encourage an environment where people have the opportunity to develop, progress and thrive.
In acknowledgement of our commitment to gender equality and progression, we proudly hold the Athena SWAN Bronze Award and a Race Equality Charter Bronze Award, a testament to our unwavering dedication to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for all. Join us at Oxford Brookes University, where every step forward is a leap toward a brighter tomorrow.
The Role
We’re looking for an experienced and passionate Assistant Rowing Coach & Fleet Manager to join our Sport & Active Wellness team and manage our extensive boat fleet at Oxford Brookes University’s Boat Club.
Reporting to the Head of Rowing and working closely with the Lead Men’s & Women’s Rowing Coaches, you’ll provide effective coaching to both men’s and women’s crews, primarily on the water, and act as the hands-on technical lead for the maintenance, repair and logistical management of OBU’s world-class rowing fleet and equipment.
You would be responsible for assisting in the execution of the Lead Coaches’ strategies, supporting with boat telemetry and rigging, and ensuring all fleet, trailers, safety launches and outboards are maintained to elite-level standards and are fully compliant with insurance and safety regulations. Working with the rowing staff team, you will also lead the complex transport logistics for domestic and international training and competitions, serving as the programme’s primary driver and safety officer.
This is an exciting opportunity to work at one of the world’s most successful boat clubs whilst supporting our vision to help every member of the Oxford Brookes Boat club community Move, Succeed and Belong.
- Contract: Permanent (37 hours per week)
- Grade: 7 (£32,722 - £35,302)
- Principal location of work: Cholsey Boathouse and Headington Campus
About the Team
Sport & Active Wellness (SAW) is a newly-formed Directorate responsible for delivering an outstanding and inclusive sporting experience for students, staff and the wider community.
We bring together performance, participation, wellbeing and facility services to support all levels of activity. You will join a creative, fast-paced and supportive team that thrives on enterprising creativity and a shared “Generosity of Spirit” to enhance the student experience.
What will I be doing?
- On-Water Coaching & Technical Support: Deliver coaching sessions, execute technical instruction, video analysis, and biomechanical feedback to optimize boat speed and athlete development.
- Training Integration & Telemetry: Assist with training plans, telemetry setup, data collection, and collaboration with sport science practitioners and Lead Coaches.
- Squad Culture & Event Contribution: Promote an inclusive high-performance culture and support key university events such as BUCS Indoor Rowing, Open Days, and Welcome Week.
- Fleet Operations & Asset Management: Manage the inspection, upkeep, repair, and digital inventory tracking of all boats, launches, trailers, and equipment.
- Transport & Logistics: Serve as the lead driver for boat trailers on domestic and international trips, ensuring safe transport and compliance with towing and rest-period laws.
- Safety Compliance & Risk Management: Act as the designated Safety Officer ensuring adherence to British Rowing 'Row Safe' guidelines, conducting safety audits, and maintaining insurance compliance.
- Procurement & Technical Advising: Coordinate with suppliers for parts and repair budgets, and advise the Head of Rowing on equipment acquisition and investment priorities.
What essential skills / qualifications do I need?
- Level 2 British Rowing Club Coach qualification OR equivalent experience / qualification
- Significant experience of coaching youth or adults in a high-performance environment
- Full driving license with relevant towing entitlement.
- Strong technical knowledge of rowing equipment and rigging.
- Experience of working within a multidisciplinary team of coaches and practitioners
- Experience of telemetry systems and equipment, including how to set up and fix
- Proven expertise managing fleet operations within a boat club.
- Significant experience in long-distance trailer driving (UK and Europe).
- Excellent teamwork ethos and communication skills.
Desirable:
- First Aid at Work certificate
- RYA II Powerboat Handling certificate
- Experience of using operational management software
- Experience/ability to repair carbon/composite rowing boats
- Experience in university club settings with a High Performance Academy.
- Knowledge of risk management and insurance protocols.
About the Location
Primarily based at our Cholsey Boathouse near Wallingford, you’ll be surrounded by stunning Oxfordshire countryside and woodland, with two boathouses and ample parking and storage, with access to 4x4 vehicles. You may at times be required at Brookes’ Centre for Sport at the Headington Campus, where you’ll experience a vibrant and welcoming working environment at the heart of Oxford Brookes University. The distance from the University to the Boathouse is approximately 30 minutes by car.
Benefits
As an Oxford Brookes employee, you will enjoy a total of a minimum of 25 days holiday, rising with your service, plus 8 bank holidays and additional university concessionary days (normally 5 per year).
Whilst the majority of this role requires being on-site, we do also support hybrid working where feasible, and will ensure that you have the necessary equipment to allow you to work flexibly.
We have an extremely competitive Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions, as well as providing all staff with access to an occupational health service, financial education and a comprehensive employee assistance helpline.
We prioritise the wellbeing of our employees - physically, mentally and financially - and we provide a diverse and comprehensive benefits package to support our team.
In addition, all employees have access to:
- Discounted rates for the university sports and gym facilities
- An on-site nursery (at Headington Campus; waiting lists for some ages).
- Discounted travel options
- TOTUM card discount scheme
- Relocation scheme (for moves over 30 miles, subject to terms of the scheme)
- Training and development opportunities
- A connected community - Brookes have a wide variety of staff networks, which instil a sense of community and offer employees a space for support, guidance and friendship, making Brookes a vibrant and inclusive place to work.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
At Oxford Brookes, inclusivity is one of our five guiding principles: we take positive steps to create an environment in which we celebrate, value and provide equal opportunity to all. We are committed to recruiting from the widest possible pool and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates who embrace our values, regardless of their background.
As a Disability Confident Employer we guarantee to interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential selection criteria.
We know that sometimes people can be put off applying for a job, but we realise the 'perfect candidate' doesn't exist. So, if you are excited about this role, go ahead and apply. You could be exactly what we need.
This post is a full-time, permanent contract. If you have any queries, please contact Ali Brown, Head of Rowing, (abrown@brookes.ac.uk).
Closing date: 11.45pm on Sunday 29th November.
Interviews will take place on Friday 11th December.
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