Assistant Rowing Coach & Fleet Manager

We’re looking for an experienced and passionate Assistant Rowing Coach & Fleet Manager to join our Sport & Active Wellness team and manage our extensive boat fleet at Oxford Brookes University’s Boat Club.

Reporting to the Head of Rowing and working closely with the Lead Men’s & Women’s Rowing Coaches, you’ll provide effective coaching to both men’s and women’s crews, primarily on the water, and act as the hands-on technical lead for the maintenance, repair and logistical management of OBU’s world-class rowing fleet and equipment.

You would be responsible for assisting in the execution of the Lead Coaches’ strategies, supporting with boat telemetry and rigging, and ensuring all fleet, trailers, safety launches and outboards are maintained to elite-level standards and are fully compliant with insurance and safety regulations. Working with the rowing staff team, you will also lead the complex transport logistics for domestic and international training and competitions, serving as the programme’s primary driver and safety officer.

This is an exciting opportunity to work at one of the world’s most successful boat clubs whilst supporting our vision to help every member of the Oxford Brookes Boat club community Move, Succeed and Belong.

The Team

Sport & Active Wellness (SAW) is a newly-formed Directorate responsible for delivering an outstanding and inclusive sporting experience for students, staff and the wider community.

We bring together performance, participation, wellbeing and facility services to support all levels of activity. You will join a creative, fast-paced and supportive team that thrives on enterprising creativity and a shared "Generosity of Spirit" to enhance the student experience.

Responsibilities:

• On-Water Coaching & Technical Support: Deliver coaching sessions, execute technical instruction, video analysis, and biomechanical feedback to optimize boat speed and athlete development.
• Training Integration & Telemetry: Assist with training plans, telemetry setup, data collection, and collaboration with sport science practitioners and Lead Coaches.
• Squad Culture & Event Contribution: Promote an inclusive high-performance culture and support key university events such as BUCS Indoor Rowing, Open Days, and Welcome Week.
• Fleet Operations & Asset Management: Manage the inspection, upkeep, repair, and digital inventory tracking of all boats, launches, trailers, and equipment.
• Transport & Logistics: Serve as the lead driver for boat trailers on domestic and international trips, ensuring safe transport and compliance with towing and rest-period laws.
• Safety Compliance & Risk Management: Act as the designated Safety Officer ensuring adherence to British Rowing 'Row Safe' guidelines, conducting safety audits, and maintaining insurance compliance.
• Procurement & Technical Advising: Coordinate with suppliers for parts and repair budgets, and advise the Head of Rowing on equipment acquisition and investment priorities.

Skills / qualifications:

• Level 2 British Rowing Club Coach qualification OR equivalent experience / qualification
• Significant experience of coaching youth or adults in a high-performance environment
• Full driving licence with relevant towing entitlement.
• Strong technical knowledge of rowing equipment and rigging.
• Experience of working within a multidisciplinary team of coaches and practitioners
• Experience of telemetry systems and equipment, including how to set up and fix
• Proven expertise managing fleet operations within a boat club.
• Significant experience in long-distance trailer driving (UK and Europe).

Primarily based at our Cholsey Boathouse near Wallingford, you may at times be required at Brookes’ Centre for Sport at the Headington Campus. The distance from the University to the Boathouse is approximately 30 minutes by car.

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