Rugby League Development & Operations Manager

The Castleford Tigers Foundation is excited to recruit a Rugby League Development & Operations Manager, a key leadership role responsible for driving community rugby league participation, coordinating high quality development programmes and overseeing the operational delivery of Foundation activities across the Castleford district.

This role sits solely within the Foundation, reporting directly to the Foundation Manager and will play a central part in shaping the Foundation's community rugby league offer, supporting their workforce, and ensuring the Foundation continues to deliver inclusive, impactful opportunities for people of all ages.

About the Role

The Rugby League Development & Operations Manager will lead on the design, coordination and delivery of the Foundation’s rugby league and community sport strategy. You will work closely with local schools, community clubs, volunteers and partners to grow participation, improve experiences and strengthen the pathway from grassroots engagement through to community club involvement.

A key part of the role will be the line management and development of Foundation staff, including Rugby League Development Officers, casual coaches and volunteers. You will ensure programmes are delivered to a high standard, are safe and inclusive and reflect the Foundation’s values and ambitions.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of community rugby league in Castleford, ensuring the sport remains accessible, inspiring and deeply rooted in the local area.

Principal Responsibilities

Community Rugby League Development

• ‍‍Increase participation by delivering a wide range of accessible rugby league and physical activity opportunities for all ages, abilities and backgrounds.
• Support and develop community clubs to create safe, inclusive and well organised environments for players, coaches and volunteers.
• Build strong relationships with schools, clubs, community groups and local partners to strengthen the rugby league network across the district.
• Provide high quality playing, coaching and festival opportunities across primary and secondary schools.
• Promote a positive, inclusive coaching culture by supporting coach development and volunteer engagement.

Foundation Operations & Staff Management

• ‍‍Line manage Rugby League Development Officers and wider delivery staff (full time, part time and volunteers).
• Lead on some staff development, appraisals, mentoring and quality assurance of delivery.
• Oversee operational planning, scheduling and coordination of all rugby league and community sport programmes.
• Ensure all delivery meets safeguarding, health and safety and compliance standards.
• Manage programme budgets and ensure delivery remains within financial parameters.

‍Programme Quality, Monitoring & Impact

• ‍‍Report on KPIs to the Foundation Manager and relevant partners.
• Lead on monitoring and evaluation systems to track participation, impact and programme outcomes.
• Support the Foundation’s media and communications team by generating positive stories, case studies and community impact content.
• Use school holidays to maximise development opportunities and revenue generating programmes such as camps and festivals.‍

Partnerships & Community Engagement

• ‍‍Build strong stakeholder relationships across the rugby league community, including clubs, schools, match officials, parents and local organisations.
• Work collaboratively with all Foundation departments to ensure alignment of delivery and shared community impact goals.
• Represent the Foundation at meetings, events and community forums when required.

Knowledge, Qualifications & Experience

Essential
UKCC Level 2 Rugby League Coaching qualification
Experience working in community sport or community development
Strong understanding of the education sector and school sport delivery
Experience managing staff or volunteers
Excellent planning, organisation and communication skills
First Aid and Safeguarding qualifications
Full driving licence and access to a vehicle
Strong understanding of local community rugby league
Experience managing budgets
Enhanced DBS
Commitment to personal development
Strong IT skills (Microsoft Office)

Desirable
UKCC Level 3 Coaching qualification
Experience in talent development or talent identification
RFL Coach Educator qualification
Knowledge of long term athlete development
Mental Health First Aid
Experience managing multi disciplinary teams
Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills
Self motivated with the ability to motivate others