Director of Performance Services (UK Sports Institute)

Organisation: UK Sports Institute
Salary: Competitive
Location: Flexible with time on site in Loughborough
Contract type: Permanent (Full time)
Closing date: 31 May 2026
Interview date: 10 July 2026
Job Description: The Opportunity

The UK Sports and Institute Group have a rare and exciting opportunity for a Director of Performance Services.

A snapshot of the role

The UK Sports Institute is seeking an exceptional leader to join our Senior Leadership Team as Director of Performance Services. One of three Executive Directors reporting alongside the Managing Director, this is a pivotal role in shaping and delivering the UKSI’s contribution to the UK Performance Support Strategy.

The Role

As Director of Performance Services, you will provide strategic leadership and accountability for the UKSI’s Performance Services functions, driving world‑leading expertise, innovation and impact across Olympic and Paralympic performance programmes.

UKSI exists to give athletes and sports a competitive edge. Our role is to:
Drive competitive advantage through world‑leading innovation and expert support that delivers tangible performance gains for funded Olympic and Paralympic athletes, coaches and programmes.
Provide specialist services and expertise that raise standards of athlete support in areas where sports cannot effectively deliver alone.
You will lead high‑impact expert advisory services, innovation projects and strategic programmes that translate cutting‑edge science, medicine and performance support into real‑world results.

Senior Leadership Team Responsibilities

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will also:
Maximise the value and opportunities of being part of the UK Sport & Institute Group.
Work in close partnership with National Governing Bodies, Home Country Sports Institutes and key system stakeholders to enable system‑wide delivery of the UK Performance Support Strategy.
Contribute to organisational leadership, strategy and culture, ensuring UKSI continues to operate at the forefront of global high performance.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

All UKSI leaders are expected to actively champion equality, diversity and inclusion within their teams and across the organisation. As part of the Senior Leadership Team, you will play a direct role in shaping and delivering the annual Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP), ensuring inclusive leadership sits at the heart of everything we do.

If you feel you can bring the expertise we require to help us shape our future, we very much look forward to hearing from you.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At the UKSI we aspire to have a workforce that is diverse and representative of all sections of society, not only by characteristic but by thought and perspective. We believe a diverse workforce enables growth and creates a sustainably inclusive workspace for all employees.

If there is something we can do to help make the recruitment process or the job more accessible, let us know!

Safer Recruitment

We are committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment here at UKSI. All applications for all roles within our organisation will be subject to safer recruitment principles. Applicants will be required to complete a self-declaration form, will have references checked and dependent upon role may be required to obtain Enhanced DBS vetting.

Application Method:

To be considered for this World Class Opportunity, candidates will be required to submit a CV and answer the application question via the UKSI careers portal. The answers to the application question should bring specific examples of your CV to life by highlighting your relevant skills, experience and attributes that would make you the ideal candidate for this role.

In addition to the application question we would like to ask candidates to submit a video via WeTransfer, answering a specific question which can be found within the application form.

Videos should be no more than 5 Minutes long and sent via WeTransfer to Natalie.Watson@uksportsinstitute.co.uk
Please note that we will not consider your application complete until we have received your video.

Artificial Intelligence

We are aware of an increase in the use of Artificial intelligence for applications. At the UKSI we are keen to get to know you as a person and AI-generated content may lack the specificity required and/or fail to address key criteria. We consider that personalised responses are essential to convey your individual skills, knowledge and experience. Therefore, to maintain the integrity and fairness of our recruitment process, we discourage the use of AI-generated content which may diminish your chances of success in your application. Please note this does not apply to the use of adaptive technology used to support an applicant's individual needs.

Key Dates for Applicants

Closing Date:31st May 2026

Shortlisting Date: We will aim to complete our shortlist by 5th June 2026. Successful candidates will be notified shortly after.

Interview Dates:

Stage 1: Expected 10th/11th June 2026 in Loughborough
Stage 2: Expected 6th/7th July 2026 in Loughborough

Additional information for applicants:

Please note that occasionally interview dates may be subject to change and may require additional stages. In these instances, we will do our upmost to ensure that candidates have sufficient notice and preparation time.

If you have any questions regarding the content of the Job Description that you would like to discuss further, please email your enquiry to Brett.Davies@uksport.gov.uk
How to apply: For more information, including the full job description and candidate pack - please follow the link below to the vacancy: https://uksportsinstitute.co.uk/opportunity/director-of-performance-services-uk-sports-institute/