Pathway and Talent Development Manager (contract)

Organisation: Bowls England
Salary: £20,000
Location: Victoria Park, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Contract type: Fixed Term
Closing date: 19 January 2026
Interview date: 25 January 2026
Job Description: We are seeking a motivated, experienced individual who can support the introduction and roll-out of Bowls England’s new Talent Pathway.
Following the development of our first Performance and Talent strategy, and through the support of Sport England, we have a fantastic opportunity to increase opportunities for young people to play bowls, enjoy its benefits and fulfil their potential. In doing so, we will increase participation, broaden the diversity of our player base and develop our workforce of pathway coaches and leaders.
The next four years, Bowls England aim to implement a recruitment drive aimed at prospective junior bowlers aged 12-15, support and develop the existing County Academy system, deliver regional and national Talent Development and Discovery events and increase the number and diversity of qualified coaches.
The Pathway and Talent Development Manager will develop a delivery plan and work across a passionate and committed volunteer network to implement new initiatives that build on established activity. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about making a difference to the lives of young people and helping a sport make a step change.
About Bowls England Based in Royal Leamington Spa, Bowls England is the National Governing Body for lawn bowls, the format of the sport featured at the Commonwealth Games. In 2021 we launched our ambitious Fit for the Future strategy, focused on growing participation and building a sport that enriches lives, connects communities, and leaves a legacy.
At the heart of our work is a committed team of staff, a knowledgeable Board of Directors, a dedicated Presidential team and an incredible volunteer workforce. We are proud to champion a culture that is collaborative, adaptable, responsible and encouraging. We live and breathe our values, appreciate these qualities in others and look for these characteristics in new members of the team. If you’re collaborative, adaptable, responsible and encouraging, you’ll definitely fit in.

To develop and implement a plan to support the effective delivery of the Bowls England Talent Pathway programme.
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To work closely with participating affiliated clubs and County Associations to provide opportunities and positive experiences for participating junior bowlers.
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To work alongside the Bowls England performance team to ensure the effective delivery of national Talent Pathway activity.
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To support the performance team in embedding effective and appropriate talent ID system which ensures high-potential bowlers are identified, confirmed and supported
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Lead a process which ensures clarity on the individual development plans of the highest potential bowlers.
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To work closely with Coach Bowls, the sport’s coaching arm, to provide opportunities to increase our sport’s coaching workforce and increase the coaching content available to players.
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To support the development and implementation of a “player-focused” approach that delivers, an excellent participant experience.
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To work with our Lead Safeguarding Officer to ensure policies on equality, equity, diversity and safeguarding underpin all areas of activity within the talent pathway.
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To act as the primary lead for communications updates for the Talent Pathway.
Qualifications and Skills:
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Proven experience in talent development or sports development (with a talent or performance grounding).
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A relevant understanding of talent identification, player development and player welfare.
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Knowledge and experience of ‘great’ coaching e.g., practice design, coach-athlete relationship, performance planning and creating inspirational environments.
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A proactive approach to problem-solving and programme improvement.
Person Qualities
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A confident leader capable of inspiring colleagues and volunteers.
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An experienced project manager able to develop and drive a plan.
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An excellent communicator, with the ability to engage effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders.
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Organised and able to integrate several concurrent work‐streams.
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Participant‐centric with an empathy towards the experience of volunteers and participants in sport.
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Up for a challenge and have a positive, energising, can‐do attitude.
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Hard working and accountable, with an appetite for continuous improvement.
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Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends during events.
How to apply: To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your credentials to Darren Butler (People Officer) at ourfuture@bowlsengland.com with the subject line "Pathway and Talent Development Manager”.