Responsibilities

• Support Growth : Lead the RYA’s strategic approach to participation growth across three core pillars: Active Habits, Next Generation, and the Future Ready Network.
• Galvanise the Network: Operate dynamically across our national delivery network of clubs, training centres, affiliates, regions, and partners to scale participation.
• Inspire Your Team: Be a dynamic, forward-thinking people leader with 3 direct reports, leading national growth delivery through both programme and regional structures.
• Direct Investment: Take oversight and responsibility for the strategic deployment of budgets across national programmes, regions, and Sailability.
• Collaborate and Influence: Engage powerfully with internal and external stakeholders—including affiliates, funders, RYA departments, and committees—to align resources and champion our growth agenda.

Requirements

• A Proven Leader: You bring significant senior leadership experience in sport, physical activity, membership, network development, or a comparable growth-focused environment.
• A Strategic Executor: You have a track record of owning and delivering strategic plans with measurable targets, outcomes, and robust performance frameworks.
• A Matrix Manager: You are experienced in leading through multi-layered team structures, including senior managers, regional delivery teams, and specialists.
• A Portfolio Master: You have successfully overseen a broad portfolio of programmes, services, or interventions, expertly aligning resources to key priorities.
• A Network Builder: You excel at working across partners, volunteers, regions, or networked delivery systems to achieve shared, high-impact outcomes.
• Data-Driven: You know how to use insight, data, and evaluation to shape strategy, improve delivery, and tangibly demonstrate impact.
• An Inclusion Champion: You have a strong track record of delivering inclusive growth, widening participation, or drastically improving retention within a relevant context.
• Qualified & Ready: You hold a relevant degree or professional qualification (or equivalent senior leadership experience), possess a valid driving licence, and are willing to travel nationally to champion our mission.

Benefits

• 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