Talent Lead – British Weight Lifting – Loughborough

Job purpose:
• Co-lead and deliver BWL’s “Progression Strategy 3 – Build a broader and more diverse base of talent” to achieve its strategic objectives in-line with UKS and Home nation funding organisations for 2026.
• Support the Head of Performance – Weightlifting and Coach Development Lead to implement BWL’s desired performance culture:
o Golden thread 1 – develop an environment and culture that is conducive to athlete development
o Golden thread 2 – develop an environment and culture that is open to learning
• Build positive and mutually beneficial relationships with key partners including UK Sport, EIS, BOA, and home nation organisations and committees.
• Work effectively with the Head of Performance – Weightlifting to ensure there is integration and wider organisational support in areas such as education, competitions, communications, IT and digital developments, governance and compliance and board reporting.

Key Responsibilities:
• Provide leadership, and administrate the BWL Talent transfer programme and support the development of athletes with future Olympic potential in-line with the BWL WITTW Model:
o Maintain positive relationships with key athletes, coaches, clubs and committees that contribute to talent pathways and the performance environment
o Co-ordinate key Athlete recruitment / Talent ID / Transfer activities and campaigns
o Co-ordinate High Quality Learning Experiences (eg Deliver Training Camps)
o Co-ordinate and support the creation of Athlete Education (eg Webinars, Workshops, Education resources)
• Work closely with Talent Transfer athletes, personal coaches, and performance staff to help athletes explore and raise their potential in the sport of Weightlifting over the course of the programme and hold them accountable to agreed goals which align to WITTW:
o Manage and oversee athlete Development Plans
o Co-ordinate Talent transfer coaches to deliver online coaching
o Manage the review and selection processes
• Build relationships with the UKS Progression team and other key stake holders to develop clear routes for Talent transfer from other Olympic sports (eg Gymnastics, Judo, Athletics) to explore their potential in the sport of Weightlifting.
• Establish partnerships with other organisations which govern / promote non-Olympic sports (eg CrossFit) to increase opportunities for athletes in these sports to explore their potential in the sport of Weightlifting.
• Work closely with BWL Pathway Lead to build relationships with other Home Nation NGBs and ensure smooth transitions for youth athletes from other sports wishing to explore the benefits of weightlifting to support the wider achievement of ‘BWL Progression strategy 3’ objectives.
• Support the wider BWL Performance and Pathway team to deliver Training Camps, International Competitions and Athlete Recruitment activities when required.
• Support the wider business with any projects requested.
• Demonstrate commitment and behaviours in line with the BWL values.

Person Specification
The person specification describes the experience, qualifications, knowledge, skills and abilities that BWL are looking for.

Essential skills/experience are:
• Strong planning and organisation skills.
• Experience of performance management
• A comprehensive understanding of coaching, sport science and talent pathways.
• A background and considerable experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team in elite sport.
• A strategic thinker – must be capable of developing a clear understanding of the BWL Progression strategy and committed to delivering this in a collaborative manner.
• Ability to prioritise essential tasks and deliver them to a high standard.
• Experience of leading teams.
• A team player who is willing to invest their time in the development of others.
• An individual who is open to learning and willing to invest time in their personal development.
• A commitment to operating in-line with BWL standards.
• Full driving licence.
• Strong IT skills.

Desirable skills/experience are:
• BWL Coaching License and minimum Level 2 in Coaching Weightlifting.
• A degree in management, coaching, sport science or similar science related qualification
• Outstanding communication skills – written, verbal and presentation.
• Ability to find innovative solutions to challenging problems.
• Patience and commitment to driving forwards key projects.
• The ability to make effective decisions under pressure.
• High levels of empathy, self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
• Ability to develop and maintain strategic partnerships.
• Experience of working with volunteers to achieve success.
• Commitment to equality and diversity.
• A DBS check at the enhanced level.

Salary and benefits
• The starting salary for the position will be circa £28,000 (FTE) depending on experience and qualifications. Salaries are reviewed each year.
• 26 days annual leave (pro-rata for part-time employees), plus statutory bank holidays.
• A company pension scheme.
• An Employee Assistance Programme – delivered by a third party organisation.
Commitment to Equality
BWL is a recognised equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion, belief and gender.

How to apply
Application and Selection Process Application: Please download and complete the application form from our website www.britishweightlifting.org and email it to sue.ward@britishweightlifting.org Selection: Shortlisting will take place as soon as possible once applications close. Please can you indicate clearly on your application form, a telephone number where you can be contacted during office hours (9.00am – 5.00pm). Successful applicants will be contacted via email with information relating to the interview time, location and format. If you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

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