Head of Hockey

This Head of Hockey role is suitable for an experienced coach or developing coach with experience of coaching or playing hockey at performance level.  Player/Coach opportunities are also available.

For further information or an informal discussion contact Calum.Hill@Glasgow.ac.uk

The role is 17.5 hours per week (0.5FTE) Grade 6 (£32,332-36,034) pro rata.  

Head of Hockey (GUWHC & GUMHC) 
University of Glasgow Sport (UofG Sport) 
Student and Academic Services 
Performance Sport Manager 
Grade 6 0.5 FTE Fixed-Term to 15 May 2026 
  
Job Purpose 
Working as part of the Sport Development Team you will lead the development of Hockey at the University of Glasgow.  You will lead training for our Performance and Development squads for Men and Women and lead the Women’s 1st team on match days typically on Wednesdays in BUCS British Universities and Colleges (BUCS) fixtures and at weekends for national league fixtures.  In addition, you will provide support to recruit and develop self-employed and volunteer coaches responsible for the other teams representing both men’s and women’s clubs.  You will work with the Performance Sport Manager, Club Committees, and other members of the Sport Development Team to recruit international standard student athletes and drive the performance level of UofG’s Hockey programmes to the highest level in national and student competitions. 
 
Main Duties and Responsibilities 
Inspire and lead the Hockey programmes, articulating the strategic vision, and ensuring staff and volunteers are contributing to wider UofG Sport and University objectives. 
To plan programmes for all squads across Glasgow University Hockey Clubs to facilitate the high performance and player development in conjunction with full-time study. 
Lead the Performance and Development Squad training sessions throughout the playing season with high performance and player development at the forefront of every session. 
Responsible for overseeing the coaching infrastructure throughout the clubs, including the recruitment of additional coaches to supplement the programme, and ensuring that appropriate coaching is available to all squads. This includes the long-term planning for coach provision, including a coach education programme to attract, train and retain self-employed and volunteer coaches.  
Consider and deliver where feasible hockey camps for the local community, to provide employment opportunities for student hockey coaches and to raise funds for reinvestment in the hockey programme.   
Deliver against annual Key Performance Indicators agreed with the University of Glasgow Sport Leadership Team in line with the strategic ambitions of UofG Sport and Glasgow University Sports Association (GUSA) 
Responsible for the monitoring and evaluation of the programme, identifying new initiatives and programme elements to maintain a professional and driven programme.  
To work effectively with other colleagues, particularly with others that provide administration to the programme and to utilise expertise available in areas such as strength and conditioning. 
To represent the University Hockey Programme, providing advocacy and active recruitment, attracting the best prospective student athletes to the University.  
Contribute to the development and delivery of innovative service and wider UofG Sport development projects, identifying initiatives that add value to the student experience and/or service effectiveness.  
Responsible for mentoring support to all coaches involved with the programme, providing appropriate support mechanisms to allow coaches to achieve their potential. 
To maintain and develop appropriate professional knowledge of current local, national and international issues related to hockey and to represent the University’s interests at national, regional and local meetings and conferences.  
Establish, maintain, and develop links with key internal and external departments and organisations that will allow added value and quality to service provision and the programme e.g. Development and Alumni, Recruitment, MVLS Exercise Science Departments External – Winning Students, Scottish Student Sport, sportscotland, Scottish Hockey, GB Hockey and BUCS  
Foster partnerships with local communities to build mutually beneficial links that fulfil the University’s strategic aims around local engagement to aid the development of the programme.   
Ensure the welfare of all club members and coaches is always prioritised and provide direction for improving welfare practices throughout the clubs.  
  
Knowledge/Qualifications  
Essential: 
SCQF Level 8 (HND, SVQ4) or equivalent, and experience of personal development in a similar role. 
UKCC Level 2 Hockey Coach (or equivalent). 
Full clean driving licence  
Current First Aid Qualification (minimum Emergency First Aid) or ability to gain accredited status prior to post commencing.  
Experience in playing or coaching high-performance Hockey.  
Extensive knowledge and understanding of the organisation & structure of British / Scottish Student Sport, including competition programming, opportunities, and structural organisation. 
In-depth knowledge and understanding of the organisation and structure of Hockey in Scotland and Great Britain 
In-depth understanding of university Hockey 
  
Desirable: 
Educated to a degree level. 
UKCC Level 3 Hockey Coach  
UKCC Level 2 Strength and Conditioning (or equivalent). 
Knowledge of current trends in sport/ performance sport sector. 
Knowledge and experience of utilising video analysis software to improve performance.  
  
Skills 
Essential: 
Excellent coaching skills. 
First class organisation and administrative skills. 
Excellent leadership skills. 
Good communication skills, both verbal and written. 
Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.  
High quality presentation and interpersonal skills. 
Empathy with athletes, especially juniors / students and with a mixed level of ages, experience and abilities. 
Experience of partnership development and delivery. 
Good IT skills, including understanding of Microsoft packages. 
  
Desirable: 
High level numerical skills 
Ability to take initiative and innovate within the agreed dimensions and duties of the role. 
Highly agile and able to adapt within the ever-evolving digital landscape. 
Leadership skills with a high degree of emotional intelligence and the ability to inspire and empower others to drive change. 
Ability to ‘set the standard’ in providing outstanding customer service, with a high degree of empathy and understanding. 
Tackles mediocrity in people and systems, even when it is difficult to do so. 
  
Experience 
Essential: 
Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary knowledge and skills through personal development and progression in a similar role. 
Relevant experience in performance coaching. 
Demonstrable experience of devising, monitoring, and reviewing high performance training programmes 
Demonstrable experience of managing, mentoring, and developing other coaches 
Track record of working effectively with partners. 
Experience of effectively managing budgets. 
Experience of developing, reviewing, and enhancing aspects of student experience (or equivalent)  
Experience of partnership development and delivery. 
Experience of communicating and influencing others from internal/external organisations. 
  
Desirable: 
Competed or coached at international level. 
Experience of working in a university sporting environment 
  
  
Dimensions 
Member of the sport development team that is responsible for the delivery of the weekly activity of all sports clubs.  
Will deliver weekly training for the Performance and Development Squads and manage the Women’s 1st team on match days and other squads where availability allows. 
Manage, coordinate and recruit volunteer and paid support staff, numbering up to 8 individuals and their coach and performance pathway. 
Meet regularly with the Performance Sport Manager and Sport Development Manager to steer the development of Hockey in line with UofG Sport and UofG’s strategic vision. 
Work in conjunction with the wider sport development team to deliver on pre-determined KPI’s.  
The post holder is the designated point of contact at the University for current and prospective athletes joining the Hockey Programme  
Responsible for the management of the Performance Hockey Programme ensuring an appropriate performance culture is developed and adhered to across both Men’s and Women’s clubs.  
  
  
Job Features 
Planning and Organising 
The post holder is responsible for the planning of training schedules, programmes, and competition schedules on an annual basis. This will include weekly training programmes, the setting and rationalisation of Key Performance Indicators and ensuring appropriate links with Hockey Scotland are maintained and developed.  
To manage coaches, both voluntary and paid, providing strategic and performance led objectives for individual members and specific crews.  
To ensure training schedules are designed and delivered throughout the Hockey season and appropriate guidance and training is arranged for vacation periods to facilitate athletic development.  
Develop relationships with professional and community hockey clubs to create mutually beneficial opportunities for players to develop. 
Work closely with relevant parties to provide a safe environment for members ensuring that the University's Values are promoted with welfare and inclusion prioritised.  
Where feasible, develop and launch hockey camps for young local people, to foster links with the local community, develop coaches internally and generate commercial benefit for reinvestment in the hockey programme  
 
Decision Making 
Lead on decisions for the club’s development and performance in consultation with the Performance Sport Manager, Sport Development Manager and Club Committees  
Workload planning with volunteer and assistant coaches ensuring objective setting and priorities are established annually. 
Planning and objective setting for the club and Hockey programme. 
Have the ability to prioritise the use of facilities, ensuring a platform is available for all student members and coaches to reach their potential. 
Plan the competition and entry programme to guide the clubs on the appropriate competitions to promote both Performance and Development throughout the clubs.  
 
Internal/External Relationships 
 
Extensive internal and external relations due to the nature of the role. This will include working developing relationships with Scottish Hockey and developing partnerships to enhance opportunities available to students at the University.  
Meet regularly with the Performance Sport Manager and Sport Development Manager: check progress, strategic alignment, planning and the development of new ideas. 
Working closely with the GUWHC and GUMHC Club Committees, maintaining clear communication pathways  
Fixtures and Facilities Coordinator: Ensure appropriate training and match facilities are available to facilitate the club’s ambitions. 
Scottish Hockey Performance Development Manager- Ensure opportunities for collaboration are seized and develop UofG’s impact on the future success of Scottish Hockey 
Other UofG Sport staff: co-ordinate and collaborate on ensuring the programme is well managed, promoted, delivered, and caters for all, ensuring harmony between club members and UofG Sport colleagues.  
Internal link with the Recruitment and International Office, ensuring, where appropriate, the Hockey programme and opportunities are promoted to potential students. 
 
  
Problem Solving 
Work collaboratively to overcome challenges and balance all aspects of the hockey programmes.  
Enhance the breadth of Hockey opportunities available to students with limited funding resources, requires creative thinking to maximise limited funding available. 
Work with all partners and club committees maximise the club’s income generation in order to reinvest in developing the programme. This should include development of hockey coaching camps for young people in the local community where feasible. 
 
  
Other 
Proactive approach to work and consistently reliable in delivery. 
Accepting of new ideas and change initiatives. 
Shows respect and sensitivity towards cultural and religious differences, ensuring UofG Sport is inclusive to all. 
Required to deal with difficult situations e.g. enforcing rules, dealing with difficult individuals.  Important to be able to deal with this type of situation and when appropriate refer to line manager for support. 
Innovate and develop a programme that maximise opportunities for participation across all groups. 
Motivational in coaching and encouraging to all participants and prospective participants promoting Hockey as a game for all. 
High Professional standards in dealing with all individuals to promote the Universities reputational standing and its place in the community. 
Create and maintain working environment where team members treat each other fairly and with respect. 
Demonstrate integrity in your personal conduct at all times. 
Requirement to represent the University of Glasgow, and the best interests of the institution, clubs, and members at national, regional, and local meetings as and when required.