Head Women's Rowing Coach

This is fixed term contract from September 2025 to July 2026.

The role 

Based primarily between Headington Campus and the Oxford Brookes University Boathouse in Cholsey, and reporting to the Interim Head of Student Sport, the Head Women’s Rowing Coach will lead the strategic and day-to-day coaching of the women’s rowing programme. This role is central to delivering the Boat Club’s ambition to be the leading university rowing programme in the UK, developing student-athletes capable of winning at BUCS, Henley Women’s Regatta, Henley Royal Regatta, and representing on the international stage. The post-holder will oversee the women’s squads, coordinate assistant coaching support, and work collaboratively with sport science support staff and academic services to foster a high-performance, student-centred environment.

About the team

Oxford Brookes University Boat Club (OBUBC) is a nationally and internationally recognised rowing programme with a track record of success at BUCS competitions, major UK regattas, and with Olympic, Paralympic, and World Championship representation. The coaching team operates within the Directorate of Sport & Active Wellness and is supported by a fully integrated performance support team covering Strength & Conditioning, Physiotherapy, Nutrition, Psychology, and student-athlete wellbeing. OBUBC aims to set the standard for athlete development, wellbeing, and inclusive excellence, with a growing emphasis on investing in the women’s programme to reflect the club’s long-term strategic priorities.

What will I be doing? 

• Leading the women’s rowing programme, including designing and delivering progressive, evidence-based training and racing plans.
• Providing on-water and land-based coaching to student-athletes, fostering both individual and crew development.
• Overseeing performance monitoring, athlete reviews, and season planning in collaboration with the Interim Head of Student Sport, and sport science support staff.
• Co-managing the assistant coach and coordinating coaching coverage across women’s squads.
• Building strong working relationships with athletes, academics, parents (where appropriate), and the wider Brookes Rowing community.
• Preparing and leading athletes into major events including BUCS competitions, Henley Women’s Regatta, Henley Royal Regatta, and GB Rowing trials.
• Upholding and promoting the culture, conduct, and values of OBUBC in line with university expectations.
• Contributing to talent identification, recruitment, and retention strategies aligned to long-term squad development.

What skills do I need? 

The full list can be found in the Job Description.

Essential:

• British Rowing Senior Club Coach (Level 3) or equivalent, OR equivalent significant experience working in performance rowing.
• Experience managing a others, including mentoring, support, and performance management.
• Experience as an athlete or coach using the Peach telemetry system.

Desirable:

• Minimum British Rowing Senior Club Coach (Level 2) with the ability to obtain Level 3 within 12 months.
• RYA Level II Powerboat Handling certificate.
• Evidence of continual professional development.
• Experience in university club settings.

About the location

This role is primarily split between being based on our Headington campus and based at the Boathouse in Cholsey, a nationally recognised high-performance rowing facility on the River Thames. The role involves full-time, in-person working, with regular early morning, evening, and weekend commitments throughout the academic year and regatta season. Occasional travel to the Headington campus, domestic training camps, and UK/international competition venues is expected. While some planning/admin tasks may be undertaken remotely, the position is not hybrid due to the coaching and leadership responsibilities required on site.

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