Academy Athletic Performance Coach
Department: Athletic Performance
Reports to: Head of Athletic Performance
ABOUT BRISTOL BEARS
Bristol Bears Rugby is part of Stephen Lansdown’s sporting group of companies which includes Bristol Sport, Bristol City Football, Bristol Flyers Basketball and each of their respective community charities.
Our vision is ‘to inspire our community through rugby success’. Our supporters regularly attend Ashton Gate Stadium to watch the team perform in Premiership and European Cup Competitions as well as our Women’s team who play at the highest level of domestic competition.
ROLE SUMMARY
Design, implement and evaluate athletic performance programs to optimise on-field performance.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop year-round programming, aimed at improving athletic performance outcomes across all areas of training.
- Lead return to perform programming, alongside the medical team, for injured academy players.
- Observe training and match performances using these observations in conjunction with athlete records to assess strengths and weaknesses, designing programs accordingly.
- Providing continuous feedback to athletes on their progress and training plans.
- Coach all sessions related to athletic performance and ensure high level of delivery.
- Match day support to the first team, A team and u18s which includes travel, GPS, preparation and recovery.
- Performance data management and interpretation.
- Collaborate with our partner schools and their athletic performance staff.
- The post-holder will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team providing an integrated athletic performance programme to players.
- Any other task as reasonably requested by the Director of Rugby or Head of Athletic Performance.
- To contribute positively to the Bears vision and culture
KEY RELATIONSHIPS
- Director of Rugby
- Coaching staff
- Medical staff
- Head of Academy
- Designated Safeguarding Officer
- Key stakeholders at partner schools
- Players and parents or carers
ESSENTIALS
- Degree or equivalent in Sport Science, Exercise Physiology, or related field
- Experience working within a multi-disciplinary performance team
- Understanding of rugby union and long-term athlete development
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to build positive, professional relationships with players and staff
- Adaptable and effective in a fast-paced performance environment
- Professional, reliable, and able to maintain confidentiality
- Genuine interest in developing academy-age athletes
DESIRABLES
- Experience in an academy, high-performance, or professional sport environment
- Experience with athlete monitoring systems and workload management
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
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.
ROLE INFORMATION
Location: Bristol Bears High Performance Centre, Abbots Leigh, Bristol, BS8 3TF. Where required, the role will include duties at off-site locations.
Contract Type: 2-year fixed term contract
Working Hours: 37.5 hours over 5 days. The role will include evenings and weekends
Salary: £30,000 per annum
Closing Date: Midnight on Thursday 9 April 2026 (We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if a high volume of applicants are received)
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.