England National Talent Coach (Southern)

Organisation: Paddle UK
Salary: £35,000.00 - £40,000.00 per annum dependent upon experience
Location: Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham
Contract type: Permanent (Full time)
Closing date: 23 March 2026
Interview date: 31 March 2026
Job Description: About Us

Paddle UK is the Governing Body for Paddlesports. We have had many advances in our sport and paddling now covers a wide range of interests and passions as a sport and a leisure activity for all. We want to support and provide opportunities for everyone to enjoy and realise their potential within all aspects of paddling regardless of their age, background or ability.

Department: Talent Programme
Reports to: Slalom Junior Pathway Lead
Location: Paddle UK Offices, National Water Sports Centre, Holme Pierrepoint, Nottingham
Working Pattern: Full time, 37 hours per week (including evenings and weekends and domestic and international travel). We will consider possible part-time working options for this role.

The Role

The Southern Slalom England National Talent Coach is a critical part of the England Slalom Talent Programme and will be based at our Holme Pierrepont development centre. Our programme purpose is to support talented athletes, coaches and clubs to be the best they can be, to support success in paddling, and ultimately leave all those who pass through the programme as better, more rounded individuals. Find out more about the England Talent programme please visit our website.

We are looking for an experienced coach to oversee and deliver high quality Canoe Slalom and Kayak Cross coaching support to our junior England National Talent Squad (ENTS) athletes based in the southern region. The successful candidate will support athletes towards GB team qualification and junior World/European championships top 10 final performances.

You will establish a clear, high-performing vision and culture of excellence for the Southern region to create a competitive athlete pathway that can prepare athletes with the necessary skills and behaviours for a successful transition to the World Class Programme.

This is a thrilling chance to join the core of a performance pathway, delivering top-tier coaching support, focused on enhancing athletes' performance and helping them achieve their absolute potential. For the right candidate part time options would be considered to fulfil this role.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage programme planning, delivery and reviews to identified ENTS level athletes, ensuring appropriate training and race camps (both domestically and internationally) provision.
Support and contribute to the annual formal programme review processes.
Work closely with the England National Talent Coach, Multi Discipline Support Lead, Talent Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) and allocated psych placement programme volunteers to enhance and optimise athlete exposure to service provision and support.
Lead on the coordination and management of any supporting volunteer or contracted casual coaches. Manage all people matters in accordance with company policies and best practice
Ensure development philosophies, technical models and programme delivery are aligned to Talent 3D athlete development frameworks.
Support the upkeep of the daily training environment in Holme Pierrepont and ensure the facility provides suitable and appropriate access to gates and white water (including a bi-annual course reconfiguration).

About You

You’ll be someone who has a passion for canoe slalom performance coaching. You enjoy developing paddlers on a performance trajectory, are able to juggle priorities and keep complex programmes running smoothly.

Essential skills and experience

Excellent technical knowledge, performance planning skills and a deep understanding of the components of Canoe Slalom performance.
Ability to develop, deliver and modify, as required, individualised training and preparation programmes to improve the performance of athletes targeting finals at age group World Championships.
Knowledge of the requirements of a talent pathway coach and the issues of working with young athletes as well as the ability to understand the needs of talent athletes, coaches and parents.
Excellent leadership and communication skills with the ability to inspire and motivate others.
Understanding of long-term athlete development principles and an effective talent pathway.
Awareness of safety and safeguarding procedures.
Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to organise yourself and others, prioritising and managing multiple areas of work.
Good IT skills including the ability to use shared drives e.g. Google Drive, and similar software.
Team player with the ability to work both collaboratively and independently.
Sets high standards, is curious and committed to self-development.
Ability to manage and deal with conflict and challenges, positively addressing challenges in a timely and appropriate manner.
Self-motivated with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
Ability to develop good relationships with internal and external stakeholders and volunteers.
Flexible and adaptable, able to meet changing priorities.

Desirable skills and experience

Coaching qualifications in Performance Coaching or equivalent (or equivalent).
Experience of working with volunteers
Applicable sports degree (or equivalent qualification).
Is innovative in approach and can provide new ideas and can apply them to improving outcomes.

What We’re Looking For

We value people who:

Take a collaborative, team-focused approach
Build positive relationships with partners, stakeholders and volunteers
Show initiative and a “can do” attitude
Stay calm and adaptable in a changing environment
Take ownership of their development and performance

We recognise the contribution our employees make and think these benefits reflect our appreciation:

25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
Dress for your day (jeans acceptable)
Free onsite parking and bike storage
Company pension scheme
Employee benefits platform (including Bike to Work, Health and Wellbeing and discounts)
How to apply: To find out more about the role, Paddle UK, our benefits, culture and recruitment process please visit www.paddleuk.org.uk.