Regional Pathway Coach (Northern)

Organisation: Paddle UK
Salary: £26,000.00 - £31,000.00 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: Lead Regional Pathway Coach
Location: Paddle UK Offices, National Water Sports Centre, Holme Pierrepoint, Nottingham. With an ability to travel to support northern based clubs
Working Pattern: Full time, 37 hours per week, including regular evening and weekend work with domestic and international travel required.

The Role

The Northern Regional Pathway 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 join our team to oversee and deliver high quality Canoe Slalom and Kayak Cross coaching support to our junior Regional Development Squad (RDS) athletes based in the northern and central region. The successful candidate will support and further develop athletes with potential to progress within the sport.

You will work closely with the Lead Regional Pathway Coach and Regional Pathway Coach (Southern) to support pathway development throughout England including club coach development and support within the Northern region.

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.

Key Responsibilities

To design, support and deliver a programme of holistic development and coaching to Northern and Central RDS athletes in line with talent development philosophies and technical models, with programme delivery are aligned to Talent 3D athlete development frameworks.
Support and contribute to the formal annual programme review processes.
Support race attendance and training camps (both domestically and internationally).
Support club development and club coach development within the Northern region Work closely with the Lead Regional Pathway coach and the Regional Pathway Coach (Southern) to support pathway development throughout England.
Work as part of a collaborative coaching team to support athlete delivery and development in Holme Pierrepont.
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

Strong technical knowledge, performance planning skills and a deep understanding of the components of Canoe Slalom performance.
Experience of supporting talent development and the delivery of successful talent development programmes and pathways.
Understanding of long-term athlete development principles and an effective talent pathway with the ability to develop, deliver and modify, as required, individualised training and preparation programmes.
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.
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 develop good relationships with internal and external stakeholders and volunteers.
Flexible and adaptable, able to meet changing priorities.
National coaching qualification, such as Slalom Coach Award (or equivalent).
GCSE in Math and English (or equivalent).
Have a valid driving licence and ability to access remote locations independently
Have a passport with at least 6 months validity and an ability to travel internationally.

Desirable skills and experience

Experience of developing, building, managing and influencing local relationships with clubs.
Experience working with volunteers, dealing with challenges and achieving positive outcomes.
Is innovative in their approach, providing new ideas and can apply them to improving outcomes.
A degree level of education in a relevant subject

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.