Bobsleigh Starts Coach

Organisation

British Bobsleigh & Skeleton Association

Salary

£35,000 – £55,000 dependent on experience

Location

Full-time in Bath. Winter (October–March): up to 16–18 weeks on the international circuit

Contract type

(Full time)

Closing date

19 August 2026

Interview date

27 August 2026

Job Description

This is an exciting and genuinely distinctive role within British high-performance sport. As Bobsleigh Starts Coach you will take lead responsibility for the physical development and starts technical coaching of BBSA's Bobsleigh Performance & Development athletes, working within a world-class multi-disciplinary performance environment.

The role is best described as a sprint coach with strength and conditioning responsibilities. Your core focus will be on delivering elite physical preparation and push-performance development - helping athletes build the explosive speed, power, and technical precision that defines a competitive bobsleigh start. This is not a conventional S&C role; it sits at the intersection of physical preparation and technical coaching, and we are looking for someone who is energised by that challenge.

The role has a natural seasonal rhythm. Through the summer months (based at the University of Bath), you will lead the planning and delivery of the full physical preparation programme - gym, push track, sprint, and monitoring. As the winter season begins (October through to March), you will transition to supporting the programme on the international racing circuit, working alongside the lead coaches and performance support team.

We are looking for a highly skilled and curious practitioner. Whilst experience in bobsleigh or sliding sports would be an advantage, it is absolutely not a requirement. We are confident we can develop the bobsleigh-specific starts knowledge in the right person. What we cannot develop is elite-level S&C ability, coaching credibility with high performance athletes, and the adaptability and hunger to work in an unfamiliar environment. If that sounds like you, we want to hear from you.

TASKS AND ACTIVITIES
Physical Preparation & S&C
* Lead the planning, programming, delivery, and monitoring of physical preparation for bobsleigh performance and development athletes across both summer and winter phases
* Design and implement individualised programmes that develop the strength, speed, and power characteristics underpinning elite bobsleigh push performance
* Manage training load and athlete monitoring processes, using data to inform day-to-day and longer-term programming decisions
* Integrate physical preparation within the wider performance plan, ensuring alignment with the sport's performance formula and the priorities of the lead coaching team
* Deliver warm-up and physical preparation support at competition and training camps throughout the winter circuit

Starts Technical Coaching
* Develop and deliver bobsleigh-specific starts coaching, building expertise in push technique, sled loading mechanics, and sprint-to-bobsleigh transition
* Work alongside the Head Starts Coach to build a clear technical model for push performance across the programme
* Analyse push performance using video, timing, and applied data tools to identify technical development priorities for individual athletes
* Proactively seek out learning opportunities — through stakeholder engagement, technical review processes, and engagement with the international bobsleigh community - to accelerate development of starts-specific knowledge

Performance Planning & Monitoring
* Lead the summer performance planning process, working with coaches to set physical and technical targets aligned to the competition calendar
* Conduct and interpret physical assessments and diagnostics relevant to bobsleigh push performance, maintaining clear records that inform ongoing programming
* Collaborate closely with the sports science staff to capture, review, and apply relevant training and competition data
* Engage proactively in programme review processes, including end-of-block and season reviews

Team & Programme
* Build strong, trust-based relationships with athletes, coaches, and the wider support team
* Play a leading role in creating a high-performance culture where high levels of challenge and support are expected and delivered
* Work within BBSA policies and professional codes of conduct, including in relation to safeguarding, anti-doping, and athlete welfare
* Demonstrate commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of your work
* Engage with continuing professional development, including UKAD Accredited Advisor Certification
* Perform any other relevant duties as and when required by the BBSA

For a full job description, including person specification, please visit www.thebbsa.co.uk and click the vacancy news story.

How to apply

Applications should include a CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role, with particular reference to the person specification above. Please send applications to office@thebbsa.co.uk by 5pm BST on Wednesday 19th August 2026. For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Ed McDermott, Head of Performance Support & Head Starts Coach: ed.mcdermott@uksportsinstitute.co.uk Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview provisionally set for Thursday 27th or Friday 28th August 2026. A practical exercise will form part of the selection process - further details will be provided to shortlisted candidates.

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