University of Nottingham Ningbo China is seeking to recruit a Sport Participation and Development Senior Manager

Your Responsibilities

The Sport Participation and Development Senior Manager is a key leadership role with responsibility for reviewing, planning, delivering and evaluating the sport programmes offered by the university. This strategic role will increase engagement, participation and retention in sport and activity for a wide range of diverse customers and stakeholders. Our aim is to deliver an exceptional and globally leading student and staff experience and this role is key to achieving that ambition. 

Your key responsibilities include:

• Have Strategic and Operational Leadership responsibility for the Participation, Adventure, Health & Fitness, Performance and Sport Development teams.
• Lead the Design, Plan, Deliver, Review and Evaluate process across the different programmes to ensure outcomes/KPI’s are being achieved.
• Implement best practice procedures which are fully digitalised and optimised to collect user data for informed performance analysis and strategic decision making.
• Together with the Sport Development Manager, develop and implement an integrated Student Development Model with volunteer, internships and placement opportunities to support employability, work-life experience and skill development.
• Lead on assigned departmental projects and events, both individually and as part of a project team, to support key campaigns and initiatives linked to well-being, mental health and increasing physical activity.
• To develop a highly motivated team with a clear vision and targets.
• Pro-actively work with UON colleagues in the UK and Malaysia to understand global trends, harmonise programmes, policies and procedures wherever possible to offer that exceptional global experience.
• To work with the Sport Development Manager to ensure all Sport Staff have annually planned Continuous Professional Development (CPD) opportunities which are aligned to job roles.
• Analyse, evaluate and interpret management data and information and produce management reports with recommendations.
• Lead the PDRP process for your direct line reports and staff members across the different sport programmes.

About You

Essential

• Bachelor degree in sports related discipline
• A commitment to CPD
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of managing sport participation and development programmes
• Knowledge and understanding of student sport volunteering, internships and placements
• Experience of a demonstratable successful Senior Leadership position in a sporting environment
• Ability to think and act strategically in a sport context and align plans in a multi-dimensional context
• Innovative with a positive attitude to change and ability to persuade others to embrace change
• A positive, inclusive and collegiate leadership style, and the ability to inspire and motivate others to achieve results
• Ability to manage a complex workload including competing priorities, achieving targets and delegating effectively
• Excellent project management skills, including research and analysis
• Outstanding written, oral communication in English and advocacy skills.

Desirable

• Masters Degree or above
• A Governing Body qualification/award in sports coaching/fitness
• Professional Practice certification – IOD/NEBOSH etc
• Experience of working in sport in a global context 
• Knowledge of Chinese Ministry of Education requirements in sport
• Management skills – coaching, motivation, managing performance.  
• Financial training sufficient to manage budgets
• Skills in Mandarin.

About Us

Join a unique British University in China.  The University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) was the first Sino-foreign university to open its doors in China. Located in Ningbo, this award winning campus offering a UK style education has grown to establish a student body of over 10,000 in just 21 years.

Your Remuneration, Benefits and Support 

This is a regular post that you will be offered a fixed term contract initially of 3 years with a probation of 6 months with University of Nottingham Ningbo China. We are committed to providing competitive employment packages while supporting the wellbeing of our staff to help them reach their full potential.

How to Apply

Applicants should apply via our on-line application system before 23:59 on 17 July 2025. Only on-line applications made at (https://jobs.nottingham.edu.cn/) will be accepted. Referees will be contacted prior to interview and interviews will take place in Ningbo China.

Enquiries

If you are unable to apply on-line, please contact Recruitment Team, Email: Job@nottingham.edu.cn

Equality and Diversity 

University of Nottingham Ningbo China is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportively learning and working environment for our students and staff. It is our intention to ensure that job applicants and staff are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential, regardless of gender, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, age*, socio-economic background, disability, religious or political beliefs, trade union membership, family circumstances, sexual orientation or other irrelevant distinction.

Attachment: Job Description/Role Profile