A field‑based Sport Advisor role at UK Sport offers £61,800, strategic influence over national sports bodies and a chance to shape Olympic success.
UK Sport, the United Kingdom’s high-performance authority, is recruiting a Sport Advisor to work directly with National Governing Bodies (NGBs). The position is field-based, offering a competitive salary of £61,800 per year plus a comprehensive benefits package.
Successful candidates will split time between remote work and regular office visits, ensuring a flexible yet collaborative environment.
The role is permanent, though secondments are also welcomed. Applications close on 4 November 2026, with the first interview stage scheduled for 19 November 2026 at Loughborough and a second, online stage on 26-27 November 2026.
This timeline reflects UK Sport’s commitment to securing the right talent quickly to drive its ambitious decade-long sporting plan.
Purpose and core responsibilities
The Sport Advisor serves as the primary conduit between UK Sport and its funded partners. By nurturing a trusted relationship with a portfolio of NGBs, the advisor helps these organisations become resilient and well-governed.
This includes delivering high-quality advice, conducting assurance reviews, and providing hands-on support where it matters most. The role works closely with Performance Advisors to align investment, assurance, and strategic guidance, ensuring that resources are deployed for maximum impact.
Key duties involve analysing organisational data, identifying critical risks, and spotting opportunities for improvement. Using a blend of insight, evidence, and professional judgment, the advisor translates findings into actionable recommendations that enhance the This health-focused approach underpins UK Sport’s ambition to keep winning, grow a thriving system, and inspire positive change across the nation’s sporting landscape.
Stakeholder engagement and collaboration
The position requires regular interaction with CEOs, Chairs, and board members of NGBs, as well as broader corporate and performance leadership teams. Advisors attend board meetings, senior leadership sessions, and specialised committees to gather insights, influence decisions, and reinforce UK Sport’s partnership ethos. In addition, the role may involve supporting international relations activities, attending performance camps, and engaging directly with athletes and coaches during competitions.
Collaboration extends internally, too. The advisor must work seamlessly with specialist teams across UK Sport to present a united front of advice and assistance. This coordinated effort ensures that partners receive clear, consistent guidance and that strategic objectives are met without duplication or conflict.
Desired experience and personal attributes
Ideal candidates will demonstrate a collaborative mindset, strong communication skills, and the confidence to engage senior leaders constructively. Experience in governance, finance, equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), risk management, sustainability, or international relations is highly valued. Applicants should be adept at reviewing organisational progress objectively, using conversations and data to form balanced judgments and to turn insight into tangible impact.
A solid grasp of the British Olympic and Paralympic system, as well as familiarity with how national sports organisations operate, is essential. Candidates must also possess strong analytical, problem-solving, facilitation, and influencing abilities, with a proven track record of managing multi-team projects. A genuine commitment to EDI, lifelong learning, and creating inclusive environments is expected, alongside willingness to travel regularly across the UK and occasionally abroad.
Prospective applicants should submit their dossier via the official UK Sport vacancy portal (https:///Jobs/Advert/4349640?cid=3176). The selection process comprises two interview stages: an in-person assessment at Loughborough on 19 November 2026, followed by an online panel on 26-27 November 2026. Successful candidates will be offered a permanent contract, with the flexibility to engage in secondments if desired.
In addition to the core requirements, candidates with experience in digital transformation, international sport relations, commercial strategy, or direct involvement in performance pathways (as staff, practitioner, coach, or athlete) will be viewed favourably. This role offers the chance to influence the health of the UK’s elite sport ecosystem and contribute to memorable Olympic and Paralympic moments for years to come.
