Performance Pathway Manager
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. The RYA’s World Class Programme is primarily funded by UK Sport and is based in Weymouth, Dorset. It consists of three levels: British Sailing Team, British Sailing Squad, and Olympic Academy.
Job Role: Performance Pathway Manager
Salary: £47,000 - £55,000 per annum, depending on experience
Hours: Full-time - 35 hours per week (Monday - Friday)
Location: Weymouth, Dorset (hybrid working) with occasional international travel; flexible/field-based working as required. Nominally 3 days per week in Weymouth with occasional attendance at RYA Head Office in Hamble, Southampton.
The Mission: Realising Performance Potential
Great Britain is the most successful Olympic sailing nation of all time in both Gold medal and total medal count, and we are on a mission to retain that status.
A strong and aligned pathway is critical to the long-term success of British Sailing. We are seeking a strategic, visionary Performance Pathway Manager to lead our UK Sport funded Performance Pathway system comprising the Olympic Academy and British Sailing Squad, working towards our ultimate aim: "Creating the Olympic Medallists of tomorrow".
Working closely with the Performance Director, you will lead a complex system including external partners such as UK Sport, and Sport England with their TASS programme, and will work closely with World Class Programme Coaches, Sports Science, Technical, and Operations staff. By ensuring clear progression and consistent development approaches, you will build a connected, aligned, and high-performing environment that transitions athletes from their first entry into the World Class Programme up until entering the British Sailing Team.
What You Will Do:
- Embed the Philosophy: Lead and firmly embed our Development Framework and our athlete development philosophy across the Performance Pathway.
- Oversee the Performance Pathway: Oversee the delivery of our performance pathway programmes: Olympic Academy and British Sailing Squad.
- Lead a High-Performing Team: Provide direct leadership to the Performance Pathway Officer and Performance Pathway coaches, while fostering a culture of trust and alignment with all supporting staff.
- Collaborate for Growth: Work hand-in-hand with Performance Director, Head of Performance, and Performance Support Lead to ensure a connected end-to-end World Class Programme. You will also partner with the RYA Sport Department Head of Pathways to ensure alignment between the Talent and Performance Pathways and that high-potential sailors are effectively transitioned into the World Class Programme.
- Resource & Risk Management: Accountable for deploying resources effectively to maximise impact and value for money, while embedding strict safeguarding, safety, and inclusive practices across all delivery.
Who You Are (Essential Qualifications & Experience):
- A Proven Talent Leader: You bring proven leadership of talent and development systems as a coach or manager within sailing.
- A Experienced Operator: You possess a firm understanding of the governance requirements of sport programmes, including policy design, anti-doping regulations, and safeguarding protocols.
- A Talent Developer: You have expert knowledge of the principles of talent development and how to apply them effectively.
- Qualified & Ready: You are a qualified coach (Sailing RCL2 or higher) and hold a valid driving licence to support delivery.
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'.
Closing date for applications: 23:59 on 14 July 2026
Interviews to be held: Online in the afternoon, between 21 July and 24 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.
