Oaklands College
Director of Sport, Academies & Commercial Innovation
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Shape the Future of Sport. Drive Growth. Create Opportunity.
We are seeking an ambitious and commercially focused Director of Sport, Academies & Commercial Innovation to lead the next phase of growth for our sport provision, academies, and commercial operations.
This is an exciting senior leadership opportunity to drive the development of our sports academies, expand commercial income streams, and establish a market-leading Institute of Sport. Reporting to the Vice Principal of Commercial Growth, Academies & Higher Skills, you will provide strategic leadership across sport, business development, partnerships, and innovation.
Role Overview
As Director of Sport, Academies & Commercial Innovation, you will play a pivotal role in enhancing our reputation regionally, nationally, and internationally, creating outstanding opportunities for learners while delivering sustainable commercial growth. You will lead the growth of our academies, facilities, partnerships, and the Wolves brand, ensuring sport remains a key driver of success across the College.
You will work closely with curriculum leaders, employers, governing bodies, professional clubs, and community stakeholders to create innovative pathways that combine educational achievement, athletic development, and commercial excellence.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Growth
- Lead the strategic development of sport academies, commercial operations, and the Institute of Sport.
- Shape and deliver a long-term vision that supports growth, sustainability, and sector-leading innovation.
- Represent the College at regional, national, and international levels, building profile and influence.
Commercial Development & Income Generation
- Identify and develop new revenue streams across sports facilities, programmes, and partnerships.
- Maximise commercial opportunities through facility lettings, community engagement, and employer partnerships.
- Develop pricing strategies, sponsorship packages, and innovative commercial offers that drive sustainable income growth.
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Sport Academies & Institute of Sport
- Lead the growth and development of our sporting academies and performance pathways.
- Establish and develop the Institute of Sport as a centre of excellence for education, performance, and applied practice.
- Drive the growth of the Wolves brand and create opportunities for learners at local, national, and international levels.
Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement
- Build and strengthen relationships with governing bodies, professional clubs, schools, employers, and strategic partners.
- Secure sponsorship, investment, and collaborative partnerships that support learner outcomes and commercial objectives.
- Act as a senior ambassador for the College and its sporting provision.
Innovation & Leadership
- Lead and inspire multidisciplinary teams across sport, performance, and commercial operations.
- Drive innovation through technology, performance analysis, and digital solutions.
- Identify opportunities for new facilities, programmes, and external funding to support future growth.
Required Skills and Experience
- Significant experience leading commercial, sports development, or business growth initiatives.
- A proven track record of generating income and delivering sustainable commercial success.
- Experience managing high-performing, multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and build lasting partnerships.
- Excellent financial, strategic planning, and operational management capabilities.
- Knowledge of the sport, education, leisure, or commercial sectors.
- Outstanding communication and leadership skills with the ability to inspire others.
- A degree or professional qualification in Sport, Business, Education, or a related discipline.
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Desirable
- Postgraduate qualification such as an MBA or MSc.
- Experience securing sponsorship, investment, or external funding.
- Experience developing centres of excellence or large-scale sporting programmes.
- Experience of international partnerships and programme development.
- Knowledge of Further Education and learner-focused sporting pathways.
Why Join Us?
- Generous holiday allowance – 35 days plus bank holidays.
- Local Government Pension Scheme with excellent employer contributions.
- Ongoing CPD and free access to Adult Community Learning courses.
- Free onsite permit parking.
- Access to onsite gym and wellness treatments at discounted rates.
- Cycle to Work Scheme and discounted travel through UNO Bus Scheme.
- Eye care vouchers and employee assistance programme.
- Mental health and wellbeing support, including peer supporters.
- Staff development days and annual awards celebrating your achievements.
Apply Now
If you're ready to lead an ambitious sport and commercial growth strategy, develop future talent, and build a sector-leading sporting offer, we'd love to hear from you.
Join us and help transform sporting excellence into opportunity, innovation, and growth.
We are committed to safeguarding, equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community. All appointments are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks.
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