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Head of Rowing – Henley Rowing Club

Henley Rowing Club seeks a Head of Rowing who will lead and oversee all aspects of Henley Rowing Club’s rowing programme. This includes implementing club coaching strategy, athlete development, crew selection, programme delivery, equipment planning (in partnership with the Captain), school and learn-to-row programmes and compliance with all relevant safety and governance requirements.
The Head of Rowing will provide leadership to the coaching team, helping set technical standards and performance goals to support competitive success across Junior, Senior, and Masters squads at local and national levels, while also supporting recreational and developmental rowing programmes.
This is a key leadership role requiring a passionate, collaborative, and energetic individual who can foster a positive club culture and work closely with the Chair, Captain, coaches, and wider club community to deliver the club’s strategic vision

Main Responsibilities

Programme Support & Coaching

  • Involved in all aspects of Henley Rowing Club’s rowing programme across Junior, Senior, and Masters squads.
  • Act as Squad Coach for one of the Club’s principal squads.
  • Provide support for all rowing activities across the club.
  • Support Head Coaches to develop and implement comprehensive land and water training programmes to maximise athlete and crew performance.
  • Establish consistent coaching standards, methodology, and technical frameworks across all squads.
  • Work with other Head Coaches to set clear performance objectives and long-term athlete development pathways.
  • Manage crew selection processes in a fair, transparent, and performance-focused manner
  • Support Masters and recreational rowing participation and development.

Coaching Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop the club’s coaching team, including paid and volunteer coaches.
• Foster a collaborative coaching environment built on shared standards and best practice.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide professional development support.
• Encourage ongoing coach education, including attendance at British Rowing coaching seminars and CPD opportunities.

Athlete Development & Welfare

  • Recruit and support athletes across all levels, from beginners through to high-performance rowers.
  • Promote athlete development both on and off the water.
  • Provide guidance and mentorship to juniors, seniors, masters, and beginner rowers.
  • Act as a key point of contact for athletes and parents/guardians where appropriate.
  • Ensure athlete welfare and safeguarding remain a priority at all times.
  • Foster an inclusive, positive, and supportive club culture.

Programme Delivery & Event Coordination
Lead the planning and delivery of:

  • Learn to Row programmes – Masters & Juniors
  • Junior Summer Camps
  • Training camps and development programmes
  • Regatta and head race attendance
  • Crew logistics and coordination
  • Transport and equipment planning for events
  • School outreach programmes
  • Athlete recruitment
  • Manage competing demands on resources to ensure equitable access and effective programme delivery across all squads.

Equipment, Operations & Budget Management
Working closely with the Club Captain:

  • Oversee allocation and appropriate use of boats, launches, gym equipment, and training resources.
  • Lead equipment maintenance scheduling and day-to-day operational planning.
  • Ensure launch fuel, gym scheduling, and equipment access are effectively managed.
  • Maintain safe and efficient use of all club assets.
  • Operate within agreed budgets and support effective resource planning.

Governance, Safety & Compliance
Ensure full compliance with:

  •  Henley Rowing Club policies and procedures
  • British Rowing Rules and Row Safe Guidance
  • Code of Conduct
  • Welfare and Safeguarding Policies
  • Water Safety Plans
  • Health & Safety Policy
  • GDPR Privacy Notice
  • Expenses Policy

Additional responsibilities include:

  • Working with the Water Safety Officer to maintain a safe rowing environment
  • Maintaining up-to-date DBS certification
  • Ensuring safeguarding and welfare standards are upheld at all times

Reporting & Communication

  • Serve as a member of the CIO Operational Committee.
  • Submit a written report at least three days prior to each Committee meeting.
  • Present an annual programme update at the AGM
  • Maintain clear, timely communication with committee members, coaches, athletes, members, and stakeholders
  • Actively contribute to the Club’s social media channels.

Club Engagement & Development

  • Support club income-generation initiatives.
  • Promote Henley Rowing Club, its programmes, and membership opportunities.
  • Contribute actively to club social media and communications.
  • Represent the club through engagement with schools, community groups, rowing clubs, and British Rowing networks.

Person Specification

Esential Qualifications & Certifications

  • British Rowing Coach / Level 2 Coaching Qualification
  • Current First Aid Certification
  • British Rowing Coach Membership
  • RYA Level 2 Powerboat Qualification
  • Safeguarding and Child Welfare Certification (or ability to obtain before commencement)
  • Current DBS certification (or willingness to obtain)

Skills & Experience

  • Demonstrable success coaching multi-squad rowing programmes, including juniors, seniors, masters, and/or young adults.
  • Experience coaching athletes across a broad spectrum, from beginner and recreational participants to competitive and aspiring elite rowers.
  • Strong technical rowing knowledge and coaching expertise.
  • Excellent planning, organisational, and administrative skills.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to collaborate effectively while also working independently
  • Flexible, proactive, and solutions-focused approach.
  • Commitment to continuous professional development and coaching excellence
  • Good written and spoken English.

Additional Requirements

  • Full UK driving licence.
  • Experience towing and driving boat trailers.
  • Willingness to undertake a practical coaching assessment as part of the interview process.

How to Apply:
Applicants should submit:

  • A covering letter
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Contact details for two referees (one rowing-related and one from a current or previous employer/client)
  • Please indicate in your covering letter if you would prefer referees to be contacted after interview.
    Applications should be sent to:
  • Helen Turnell, Chair  [email protected]

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview and will be required to undertake a practical coaching assessment with the Chair and Club representatives.

Interviews will be scheduled throughout the application process and during August.

Salary: Dependent on experience

Type: Circa 30+ Hours per week

Application Dates: From Monday 22nd June 2026 to Friday 31st July 2026