Academy Athletic Performance Coach

Organisation: Bristol Bears
Salary: £30,000 per annum
Location: Bristol Bears High Performance Centre, Abbots Leigh, Bristol, BS8 3TF. Where required, the role will include duties at off-site locations.
Contract type: Fixed Term (Full time)
Closing date: 9 April 2026
Job Description: 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
Contract Type: 2-year fixed term contract
Working Hours: 37.5 hours over 5 days. The role will include evenings and weekends
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)
Please Note: You must provide a minimum of 2 references for your application to be considered.

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.
How to apply: Please use this link to apply; https://www.bristol-sport.co.uk/jobs/academy-athletic-performance-coach/