University of Leeds
Assistant Head of Sport and Physical Activity (Development and Delivery)
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Interviews
The interviews are expected to be held on the 3rd September 2026.
Role Location
This role will be based on the university campus with scope for it to be undertaken in a hybrid manner. We are also open to discussing flexible working arrangements.
About the Role
Are you an inspiring leader with the vision and influence to shape the future of sport and physical activity? Can you drive strategic change, foster a high-performing and inclusive culture, and bring people together to deliver exceptional outcomes across a diverse and complex service?
As Assistant Head of Sport and Physical Activity (Development & Delivery), you will support the Head of Sport and Physical Activity in delivering the University's strategic vision for sport and physical activity, ensuring an inclusive, impactful and connected offer across participation, performance and engagement.
You will lead the translation of strategy into action, driving participation growth, enhancing the student and staff experience, and developing innovative programmes and partnerships that maximise the impact of sport and physical activity across the University community. Working closely with Leeds University Union, National Governing Bodies and colleagues across the institution, you will build strong relationships that strengthen engagement, wellbeing and institutional reputation.
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As a senior leader within the service, you will play a key role in leading cultural change, fostering a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing environment where teams are empowered to innovate, deliver excellence and continuously improve. Through the effective use of insight, evidence and partnership working, you will help shape a sector-leading service that delivers meaningful impact for students, staff and wider stakeholders.
You will contribute fully as a member of the Sport and Physical Activity Senior Leadership Team, working closely with the Assistant Head of Sport and Physical Activity (Operations & Facilities) to ensure strategic ambitions are supported by effective operational delivery. You will help shape future service provision through innovation, insight and continuous improvement, while identifying opportunities for growth, investment and external engagement. As a trusted senior leader, you will also act as a deputy to the Head of Sport and Physical Activity as required, providing visible leadership and strategic direction across the service.
You may be required to be on a senior management critical incident rota for sport emergencies during evenings and weekends. In this role, you may be required to resolve and manage issues that can only be effectively dealt with by a senior leader.
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Sponsorship
Please note that this post may be suitable for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route but first-time applicants might need to qualify for salary concessions. For more information please visit: www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.
What We Offer In Return
- 26 days holiday plus approx. 16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!
- Generous pension scheme options plus life assurance.
- Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
- Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.
- Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.
And much more!
Contact Information
To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:
Andrew Lockwood, Head of Sport and Physical Activity
Email: a.lockwood@leeds.ac.uk
Please see details of the University’s Pre-employment Health Assessment within the Candidate Brief.
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