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Head of Growth

The Royal Yachting Association, based in Hamble, near Southampton, is the national governing body for all forms of recreational, competitive and professional boating.  It represents dinghy and yacht racing, motor and sail cruising, RIBs and sportsboats, windsurfing, inland cruising and personal watercraft. 

Job Role: Head of Growth

Salary: £57,000 - £65,000 per annum, depending in experience

Hours: Full-time - 35 hours per week (Monday - Friday)

Location: Hamble, Southampton (hybrid working) with national travel; flexible/field-based working as required

The Mission: Double Active Participation

We are on a mission: to double active participation in sailing and boating in 10 years. As part of the RYA’s strategy to aggressively increase participation in sailing and boating, we are seeking a dynamic and visionary Head of Growth to lead our national agenda. 

You will be the driving force behind the RYA’s public-facing “More People, More Often” strategic plan. This role is about ensuring that the RYA’s support and delivery are crystal clear, prioritising and delivering measurable impact. We need a leader who can support our network to grow participant numbers, create active, lifelong habits on the water, and enable seamless progression into sustained participation and pathways. 

What You Will Do:

  • Support Growth: Lead the RYA’s strategic approach to participation growth across three core pillars: Active Habits, Next Generation, and the Future Ready Network.
  • Galvanise the Network: Operate dynamically across our national delivery network of clubs, training centres, affiliates, regions, and partners to scale participation.
  • Inspire Your Team: Be a dynamic, forward-thinking people leader with 3 direct reports, leading national growth delivery through both programme and regional structures.
  • Direct Investment: Take oversight and responsibility for the strategic deployment of budgets across national programmes, regions, and Sailability.
  • Collaborate and Influence: Engage powerfully with internal and external stakeholders—including affiliates, funders, RYA departments, and committees—to align resources and champion our growth agenda.

Who You Are (Essential Qualifications & Experience):

  • A Proven Leader: You bring significant senior leadership experience in sport, physical activity, membership, network development, or a comparable growth-focused environment.
  • A Strategic Executor: You have a track record of owning and delivering strategic plans with measurable targets, outcomes, and robust performance frameworks.
  • A Matrix Manager: You are experienced in leading through multi-layered team structures, including senior managers, regional delivery teams, and specialists.
  • A Portfolio Master: You have successfully overseen a broad portfolio of programmes, services, or interventions, expertly aligning resources to key priorities.
  • A Network Builder: You excel at working across partners, volunteers, regions, or networked delivery systems to achieve shared, high-impact outcomes.
  • Data-Driven: You know how to use insight, data, and evaluation to shape strategy, improve delivery, and tangibly demonstrate impact.
  • An Inclusion Champion: You have a strong track record of delivering inclusive growth, widening participation, or drastically improving retention within a relevant context.
  • Qualified & Ready: You hold a relevant degree or professional qualification (or equivalent senior leadership experience), possess a valid driving licence, and are willing to travel nationally to champion our mission.

Benefits

The RYA offers a range of benefits which include:

  • 36 days holiday including public holidays
  • Birthday day off
  • 10% RYA contribution to a personal pension scheme,
  • Free life insurance
  • Discounts platform for retail, entertainment, holidays & gym membership
  • 2 volunteering days (paid)
  • Free charging point for electric vehicles whilst on your working days at the office
  • Social Events
  • RYA Membership
  • Optional Team Sailing Days

To apply

Please review the full job description and send a completed application by clicking on 'apply for this job'. 

Apply for this job 

Closing date for applications: 23:59 on 05 July 2026

Interviews to be held: RYA HQ, Ensign Way, Hamble, SO31 4YA - between 10 July and 17 July 2026

The RYA is committed to equality of opportunity.

As an equal opportunity and disability confident employer, we celebrate and welcome diversity in all its forms and believe that a diverse workforce boosts innovation, productivity, and creativity.

We are dedicated to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion and strive to be an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone can be their authentic selves. We would particularly encourage applications from ethnically diverse candidates who are currently underrepresented at the RYA.