IABA has a vacancy for a Regional Head Performance Coach for the Ulster High Performance (UHP), who will lead the regional performance programme and support the National High-Performance Programme when required.
The Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) has a proud tradition of success, being Ireland’s most successful Olympic sport and Northern Ireland’s most successful Commonwealth Games sport. The Regional Head Performance Coach will play a pivotal role in leading the NI team for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow delivering on continued success for NI and the IABA.
The Ulster High Performance unit is located at the Ulster University Sport Village, in collaboration with Sport Institute Northern Ireland (SINI).The Regional Head Performance Coach will be experienced coach that will take a leadership role in the day-to-day coaching of athletes, assuring national alignment working across both programmes as needed. They will play a pivotal role in developing quadrennial and annual training and competition plans for elite, transitional, and youth boxers, ensuring the programme at Ulster High Performance is fully aligned with the national programme.
The Regional Head Performance Coach will support the National Boxing programme on a negotiated basis, working at the High-Performance Unit (HPU) at the Sport Institute Ireland.
| Job Description and Personal Specification | |
| Role Purpose: | The Head Coach, in partnership with the Regional Performance Manager, will lead and manage all aspects of the Sport Northern Ireland (SNI) Medals & More Programme (MMP). They will also serve as Head Performance Coach for the Commonwealth Games, overseeing the quadrennial and specific competition plans to ensure the Ulster High Performance (UHP) programme meets MMP targets. Additionally, they will assume the Head Coach role or mentor Ulster coaches for competitions where Northern Ireland or Ulster competes independently. |
| Location: | Ulster University Sports Village, Jordanstown, BT37 0QB with travel domestic and overseas. |
| Hours of work: | The successful candidate is expected to work 40 hours per week. Given the nature of the position, flexible working arrangements are necessary. Such arrangements will be discussed and approved with the line manager. The employee will not receive any additional payment for hours worked in excess of 40 hours per week but may be permitted to take time off in lieu of such excess hours worked, if agreed with the line manager. |
| Contract: | 2 Years Fix Term with the possibility of 2-year extension depending on funding. Six-month period of probation will apply. |
| Salary | Negotiable depending on qualification/experience |
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Training, Planning, and Development
- Oversee quadrennial planning and execution of UHP training programs and competitions, including the development of schedules for domestic and international camps. Collaborate with High-Performance Unit Managers and the National Head Coach to manage athlete welfare, logistical arrangements, and support planning for benchmark events like the Olympic Games and World Championships.
- National Alignment: Ensure alignment of practices in Ulster with the national program by collaborating with the National Head Coach and performance coaches.
- Athlete Development & Profiling: Work with National and Regional Performance Managers to create an athlete profiling matrix for selection and development, focusing on technical, tactical, physical, and psychological growth.
- Competition Leadership: Assume the role of Head Coach for the Commonwealth Games and other competitions, including appointing support coaches.
- Multi-Disciplinary Team Collaboration: Lead and coordinate with SINI practitioners to provide comprehensive Sports Science and Medicine support for UHP athletes, ensuring optimal delivery within the Daily Performance Environment.
- Coach Development: Support coach development initiatives, such as the Paris Pool Coach Programme and Ulster Pool Coach Programme, by identifying key themes for progression.
- National Team Support: Assist the national team under the direction of the Performance Director and National Head Coach during daily training or international competitions.
Programme Management and Development
- Programme Management: Work with the Regional Performance Manager to design programme plans, set KPIs, and manage the budget and resources for High Performance in Ulster.
- Performance Pathway Alignment: Collaborate with the National programme to ensure alignment between Ulster and national programmes, working simultaneously to enhance overall athlete performance across both programmes.
Partnership and Networking
- Work harmoniously with IABA staff, Ulster Boxing Council, Sport Northern Ireland, Sport Ireland, and Ulster University on both high-performance matters and broader organisational initiatives.
- Support the National Performance Director in strengthening the relationships with the Olympic Federation of Ireland, Sport Ireland, Sport Northern Ireland, NI Commonwealth Games Association and other key partners who support the Ulster programme and athletes
- Take the lead role in developing and mentoring coaches who are working with identified athletes and emerging talent, and contribute to planning and coach development initiatives when required by the National Performance Director
- Adhere to existing policies and contribute to the development of organisational and operational frameworks and processes that deliver a high level of duty of care to athletes and drive adherence to Irish Athletic Boxing Association’s principles of athlete/staff welfare and well-being
- Assist (when required) in the recruitment of staff aligned to the Ulster programme
- Support colleagues who have a lead role in the organisation, promotion and development of a coach, parent and/or athlete education programme through workshops, seminars and camps.
Miscellaneous
- Attend all necessary IABA meetings as requested by the National Performance Director
- Engage positively in a personal performance development plan, actively identifying new areas for learning and committing to a culture of continual improvement
- Work cooperatively with IABA and Ulster office staff, primary partners and sponsors to support marketing and promotional activities and media requirements
- Any other reasonable duties as required by the National Performance Director.
Personal Specification
Essential Criteria
- Have gained a 2 Star Coaching Qualification or higher
- 5 years’ experience working within High Performance Programmes that contributed to international performance at major competitions such as Olympics, Worlds, Europeans and Commonwealth Games.
- Experience of leading at competitions which includes periodisation planning for athletes to maximise their performances at a grade A higher competition.
- Demonstrate high level of knowledge for amateur boxing with specific regard coaching technical and tactical development, Performance Pathway and Periodisation Planning.
- Ability to lead and collaborate with a performance team that includer Sports Science and Sports Medicine
- Proficient in Microsoft and Other Software Packages
- Understanding and knowledge of funding systems in Northern Ireland and Ireland including programme and athlete
Desirable Criteria
- Experience of contributing to the development of performance pathway that aids sustainable performances
- Experience of mentoring and developing coaches throughout the coaching pathway including workshops, seminars and 1-1s.
- Experience in developing funding submissions including athlete funding and programme funding.
Application Process
Interested persons are invited to submit the following by email to hr@iaba.ie:
- Resume including 2 referees
- Cover letter outlining how they meet the essential skills and qualifications by providing examples of how they have previously fulfilled the duties and responsibilities of this type of role
Application closing date: Monday 20th January 2025 at 1pm
Anticipated Interview Dates: Between 27th January – 7th February 2025
The Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The post holder is required to undergo Safeguarding Training, to be agreed with the Head of Safeguarding. The successful candidate will be required to complete the necessary Access NI checks prior to appointment. The Irish Athletic Boxing Association is an equal opportunities employer.
http://iaba.ie/site3/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IABA-Regional-Head-Performance-Coach-10-1-2025.pdf