Job Description
Pentathlon GB are seeking a running coach or consultant to support our Pentathlon coaches with the design and delivery of training to our World Class Programme. As our athletes seek to repeat the successes of Tokyo 2020 and retain both men’s and women’s Gold medals we are keen to hear from interested individuals or consultancies who believe they can add significant value to our athlete and staff team.
The laser-run or combined discipline of our sport has moved forwards significantly over the last number of years and plays a key part in the success, as the final part of the modern pentathlon competition.
JOB PURPOSE
Lead the running programme for all World Class Programme athletes (as part of the overall Laser-Run strategy/athlete development pathway), working in partnership with both Lead Pentathlon Coaches to create a world leading training environment, preparing athletes for success at major events and the Olympic Games.
Blending technical development, tactical execution and physical preparation, the post holder will design the strategy and provide the direction for running from Podium to Youth level in the performance pathway.
The role is predominantly based in Bath at the NTC, however will be required to attend competition and camps periodically, both in the UK and overseas.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES
• Design and deliver individualised running coaching to all World Class Programme athletes (14) using Training Peaks to log training plans and provide feedback.
• Providing proactive, solution-based and innovative coaching for NTC based athletes through regular exposure to high quality training / competition practices, whilst developing a culture of excellence so that they can realise every opportunity to maximize their potential.
• Coordinate the annual, monthly and weekly running programmes for named athletes within the performance pathway to ‘fast track’ performance.
• Develop and manage the relationship with British Athletics and external stakeholders to ensure that high level training partners and training environments are delivered in the UK.
• Input, as appropriate, into individual annual performance reviews for all NTC athletes.
• Working closely with the Pathways team, contribute to the design and implementation of athlete profiles (embedding and cascading learnings from the WITTW modelling) which accurately identify and confirm their future performance potential at different stages on the Pathway.
• Ensure appropriate athlete monitoring and assessment practices are implemented to provide an evidence-based approach to underpin the running programme.
• Contribute towards any performance innovation projects where appropriate.
• Ensuring regular written and verbal communication is maintained with all athletes during their time on the Programme.
• Support the PGB selection processes for all international competitions, ensuring appropriate information is provided ahead of meetings.
• Proactively identify performance equipment needs across the family of sports to maintain our world leading environment, working with the Performance Operations Manager regarding procurement.
• To ensure that technical and organisational data and knowledge are captured and disseminated securely, legally, and effectively
KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
ESSENTIAL
• A minimum of UK Athletics Event Group – Athletics Coach Endurance qualification.
• A full understanding of the running needs of athletes and the ability to coach them towards Olympic success in Pentathlon.
• Experience of working with a multi-disciplinary team (MDT).
• High technical and tactical coaching knowledge, able to identify strengths and weaknesses both in a training and competition environment.
• Knowledge of leading trends in coaching, including coaching science, practices and the appropriate application of leading technology tools and technology within a high-performance system.
• An understanding of coaching pedagogy and how coaching behaviour and practice can support learning across periodised programmes at each stage of an athletes development.
• An ability to work under pressure, and to balance conflicting demands and meet tight deadlines.
• Experience of the demands, pressure and the needs of a diverse team working in a fast-paced environment with a high expectation of achievement.
• Strong organisational planning.
• Strong team player, flexibility to support other staff members within the organisation
• Excellent presentation, communication and influencing skills.
• Proactive, confident self-starter, able to seek out areas of work on behalf of the PD, which will be of benefit to the operation of Pentathlon GB.
• Positive and flexible work attitude with ability to meet the needs of the business as and when required calmly anticipating and proactively solving issues.
• Must hold a current, full driving licence (which permits the holder to drive in the UK).
• Must have a flexible approach to work as the role will involve working during weekends and evenings, and at training camps.
DESIRABLE
• Held a National/International Coaching position at World level and has experience of working with and improving performance athletes in a coaching capacity
• Degree in Coaching, Sports Science, Physical Education (or equivalent subject) or compensating work experience in a related field.
• High levels of IT literacy, particularly with Microsoft Office 365 products
We are open to receiving applications from both individual running coaches, or coaching consultancies. The time commitment is approximately 3 days/week on average across the year, with a hybrid approach of athlete contact time vs planning.
For further information please contact our Performance Director, Jon Pett, via email (jon.pett@pentathlongb.org) or phone 07590444371.
How to apply
Please send a CV and cover letter to communications@pentathlongb.org