Head of Strategy and Business Optimisation

Job Title: Head of Strategy and Business OptimisationJob Reference: REQ Date Posted: Tue, 9 Dec :00:00 GMTApplication Closing Date: Sun, 11 Jan :00:00 GMTLocation: LoughboroughPackage: Management and Specialist grade 8 from £59966 to £67468 per annum. Subject to annual pay award.Loughborough Sport Full time and fixed term for 12 months Are you ready to shape the future of sport strategy at the world’s leading sports university? Loughborough Sport is home to a globally unique ecosystem where elite performance meets an unrivalled student experience. From Olympic champions to inclusive participation, our story is one of ambition, innovation, and impact. We are seeking an exceptional Head of Strategy & Business Optimisation to lead the design and delivery of our sport strategy, driving organisational excellence and innovation during a pivotal 12-month appointment. This is your opportunity to influence performance, participation, commercial growth, and operational efficiency at a university ranked #1 globally for sports-related subjects. What you’ll do Develop and execute a bold sport strategy aligned with University objectives. Translate strategic priorities into actionable plans with measurable outcomes. Harness data analytics and digital tools to provide high-quality insights for decision-making. Drive process improvement, efficiency, and innovation across Loughborough Sport. Lead cross-functional projects and enable joined-up delivery across internal teams and external partners. Produce strategic reports for senior leadership and manage project teams as required. What we’re looking for A strategic thinker with extensive experience in strategy planning and organisational development. Proven ability to lead cross-functional projects and deliver cultural and organisational change. Strong skills in data analysis, digital tools, and evidence-based decision making. Exceptional stakeholder management and the ability to influence at a senior level. Commercial acumen and understanding of the UK sport landscape, including higher education sport. A collaborative leader committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Join us and be part of an environment where excellence is the norm, collaboration is key, and the impact of your work will be felt across the sporting world. With world-class facilities and a reputation for innovation, this is your chance to make a lasting difference. For more information on the role please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification. Informal enquiries to Lou Gear, Director of Sport:   Closing date: Sunday 11th January Our Benefits   At Loughborough, our benefits are designed to support your life inside and outside of work, helping you to thrive and feel valued as part of our community. Examples of our benefits include:   Time off -  generous holiday allowance, including 14 university closure days and bank holidays, with the option to buy extra through our holiday purchase scheme   Where you work –  access to a range of fantastic facilities with plenty of green space across our 523-acre East Midlands campus, plus an exciting community at our London campus on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park   Financial wellbeing  – competitive pay, two excellent pension schemes, and everyday savings opportunities   Support for you and those close to you -  through our range of life event leave policies as well as access to an on-site nursery at our East Midlands campus, flexible and hybrid working options.   Health and wellbeing  – discounted gym memberships and access to world-class sporting facilities, including physiotherapy, plus healthcare offers such as eyesight testing and wellbeing support   Travel and sustainability  - access to our electric vehicle and cycle-to-work schemes, as well as a variety of travel offers to support sustainable commuting   Discover more  about the full range of rewards and benefits at Loughborough University.