Job Description
Key Accountabilities
• Development of a holistic performance programme for player’s that will assist their on-field development as performers and leaders in their sport.
• Develop a programme which enhances the culture of the playing group in line with the expectations of the DOR. Create a culture of purposeful activities.
• Assist players in creating a career pathway and the skills associated with a transition away from rugby on retirement.
• Liaise closely with the RPA Player Development Manager.
• Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team delivering services to athletes and coaches.
• Deliver CPD, team development and leadership performance improvement programmes to the business department of Harlequins.
• Deliver individual and when appropriate, group sessions to identified players which support both current performance demands and their future personal and professional development
• Assume the lead Performance coaching role in the delivery of CPD to players, coaches and the business section of Harlequin FC.
• Work with the coaches to form a strategy for delivering CPD, leadership development and 1:1 coaching to identified players, ensuring key areas of performance on field are targeted and balanced with the sporting commitment required to reach 2016/17 season goals
• Ensure players receive appropriate and timely support and information to adopt a performance focused approach to planning and managing their non-playing commitments and leading a performance focused lifestyle.
• Develop progressive solution focused relationships with education establishments, employers and other athlete stakeholders to ensure that players have the flexibility and support they need to accommodate their training and performance requirements.
• Work with Coaches to improve performance through developing, implementing and evaluating Performance Lifestyle programmes that reflect core discipline principles.
• Contribute to the development of the high performance culture within Harlequins, by ensuring, where possible, that Performance Coaching operates through a multi-disciplinary team to deliver support to elite players and coaches.
• Work with other Performance advisors, elite sports and other organisations to ensure a consistent approach to the delivery of CPD at Harlequin FC.
• Communicate with and provide appropriate feedback to the Harlequins coaching team, via attendance at meetings and/or direct discussion with coaching colleagues and DOR.
• Within the rules of professional confidentiality liaise with players, primary care managers, parents, coaches and other support staff as appropriate.
• Develop working relationships, and liaise with business departments and build stronger links between playing and business departments.
• Participate in ad hoc projects and or applied research across the organisation as appropriate.
• Attend national and regional meetings and workshops, training courses and visiting national and regional sites on occasion and as appropriate.

Experience and Knowledge
• Considerable experience of working in a high performance environment to improve performance.
• Experience of dealing with Elite performance programmes and professional sporting bodies.
• Experience of delivering corporate leadership and performance improvement programmes to a wide range of businesses.
• A verifiable record of working within a multi-disciplinary team in the delivery of support services in a high performance environment.
• A verifiable record of excellent communication skills, providing and receiving information effectively in both one to one and group contexts.
• Experience of developing and implementing innovative ideas and putting them into practice, including working in an applied and integrated manner.
• Experience in providing lifestyle management, education, leadership development and career management development advice & guidance.
• Experience of planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of service delivery in a high performance environment.
• Experience of coaching & mentoring with the ability to demonstrate competence and success in supporting personal development of clients.
• Have travelled with elite athletes or organisations and having experienced it challenging environments, personalities and demands; to have the ability to understand the team dynamics of an elite rugby squad. An understanding of the needs and pressures of elite athletes and coaches in a high performance environment
• An understanding of what the businesses need in their HR and people development space. The ability to deliver effective leadership and CPD programmes.
• An understanding of the multi-disciplinary practice of various sports science and medicine disciplines surrounding elite athletes.
• Knowledge of communication styles and associated ‘soft’ skills.
• Knowledge of effective communication skills including counseling, coaching & mentoring skills.
• Knowledge of personal development and personal effectiveness.
• An understanding of the principles of effective planning and time management.
• An understanding of career development theory and practice.
• Working knowledge of career development or psychometric profiling tools.

Skills and Abilities
• Ability to implement innovative ideas and influence athlete and coach support programmes.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and to prioritise own workload.
• Ability to balance conflicting demands and tight deadlines.
• Evidence able problem solving and decision making skills.
• Excellent listening skills.
• The ability to network effectively and develop appropriate contacts.
• Ability to engage with others (internally and across organisations) through a range of communications methods.
• Ability to communicate technical data in terms that are easily understood by a wide range of audiences.
• Skill in promoting productive relationships with high performance staff within national governing bodies of sport.

Personal Disposition
• Highly motivated with a passion for high performance sport.
• Personal integrity and the ability to invoke trust and respect from others.
• Innovative and open minded with a view to adopting new practices.
• Personal commitment to continuous personal professional development.
• Organised and able to adapt to and function well in different environments.

How to apply
Harlequins is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.

Applications should be sent to Liz Mulkerrin, People Director, via jobs@quins.co.uk. Closing date for applications is Thursday 21st April 2016. No CVs from agencies please. Only applicants to be invited for interview will be contacted.