Academy and Partnership Coach
DEPARTMENT: ACADEMY
REPORTS TO: HEAD OF ACADEMY
ROLE SUMMARY
To deliver the Bristol Bears vision to ‘Inspire our community through rugby success’ by supporting the development of home-grown players to represent Bristol Bears in the Premiership and Champions Cup. The Academy’s primary objective is to identify and develop the next generation of quality players for Bristol Bears. The appointee will be responsible for supporting the development of academy players to achieve their potential whilst also driving alignment across all areas of the pathway, including our partner, SGS College.
KEY OBJECTIVES
- Work as part of an interdisciplinary team to support the short-, medium- and long-term objectives of the Bears Academy Pathway.
- Build meaningful relationships with players and staff that help support the development of academy pathway players.
- As directed by the Director of Rugby and Head of Academy, lead / assist in the daily design, delivery and review of academy training sessions.
- Work as part of the SGS College ACE programme coaching team. Working to support the delivery of a high performing ACE programme to include coaching, mentoring and recruitment.
- Contribute positively to the Bears vision and culture.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Working with the SGS College ACE programme on Monday’s, Wednesday’s and Friday’s, leading the development of the ACE programme and highlighted academy players within the programme.
- Working with the Academy programmes (U16, U17 & U18), delivering as directed by the Head of Academy.
- In line with the succession plan, play a key role in the identification and recruitment of academy players.
- As directed by the Head of Academy provide coaching support to key partners in the performance pathway. Such support will help drive alignment and performance outcomes for pathway partners.
KEY RELATIONSHIPS
- Director of Rugby
- Head of Academy
- Bristol Bears Senior Coaches
- Bristol Bears Athletic Performance Staff
- Bristol Bears Medical Performance Staff
- Bristol Bears Performance Analysis Staff
- Bristol Bears Partner clubs and schools
- National Age Grade Coaches
- Parents of Bristol Bears Academy Players
- Safeguarding
HEALTH AND SAFETY
- Responsible for ensuring all health and safety procedures are followed at all times, with relevant documentation to support
- Report all incidents and accidents as required
- To complete and review the risk assessments for their department.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Be qualified to a minimum of RFU level 3 coaching award (or working towards) (preferably RFU level 4 or MSc in a related field) or demonstrable experience in a relevant field.
- Have a significant level of experience and achievement in the coaching, supporting and development of young players.
- Detailed tactical and technical knowledge of rugby union
- Effective management skills in a similar or related environment.
- Excellent communication skills to explain and present information clearly for a variety of learning styles.
- Be a team player and well versed in developing constructive working partnerships with a range of stakeholders.
- Be able to demonstrate a strong work ethic, drive and enthusiasm in a similar role.
- Be a confident and proficient user of information technology.
- Be capable of implementing the overall strategy with attention to detail.
- Able to drive the Vision of the Bristol Bears and the purpose of the Academy.
- Full UK driving license.
DESIRABLE SKILLS
- University sports science qualification / related discipline or equivalent.
- Experience and understanding of using Hudl Sports Code software.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
We are committed to the principle of equal opportunity and its policies for recruitment, selection, training, development and promotion are designed to ensure that no employee or potential employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of race, colour, nationality, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, ethnic and national origin, disability or gender reassignment.
SAFEGUARDING
Bristol Rugby Club Limited is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees to share this commitment. This role would be subject to an enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check.
CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent
WORKING HOURS: 37.5 hours per 5-day week, this role will include evenings and weekend working
SALARY: Up to £30,000 per annum depending on experience
CLOSING DATE: Midnight on 21 May 2026
BENEFITS
As part of the Bears family, you’ll have access to a wide range of benefits, including:
WORK LIFE BALANCE
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata)
FINANCIAL SECURITY
- Hargreaves Lansdown pension scheme
- Life assurance policy
FAMILY FRIENDLY BENEFITS
- Enhanced parental leave
HEALTH & WELLBEING
- Employee Assistance Programme
- HPC gym access (subject to player schedules)
- Company Sick Pay
- Career development opportunities through CPD and Apprenticeship Levy funding
TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE PERKS
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Discounted First Bus travel
- Electric vehicle scheme
FOOD & ON-SITE BENEFITS
- Subsidised meals at the HPC on training days
- Onsite parking at the HPC
SPORT, EVENTS & DISCOUNTS
- Matchday tickets for Bristol Bears Men and Women home fixtures
- Ad-hoc tickets for other Bristol Sport fixtures
- Discounts at Ashton Gate food and beverage outlets on matchdays
- Discounts with a variety of local businesses including attractions, hotels and cafes
- Discount at the Bristol Sport retail shop
- Bears Kit (where applicable for the role)
*Please note that some benefits are non-contractual and may be subject to change as well as subject to terms and conditions.