Background
Cycling Ireland (CI) is the all-island governing body for Cycling. The High Performance Unit (HPU) is a department within Cycling Ireland that is tasked with delivering medal competitive performances on the world stage.
The HPU is funded by CI, Sport Ireland, Sport Northern Ireland and Paralympics Ireland to deliver programmes via the HP Pathway, U23 and elite categories in both able-bodied and para- cycling.
The HPU is currently a small, committed staff of ten. For the past year we have contracted an experienced Team Operations Manager on an interim basis to develop the role and establish best practice, and now and we are seeking to recruit a permanent Team Operations Manager to our team to help continue to deliver world class programmes to our athletes.
Summary
This role will manage and undertake to resource logistical support for the HPU’s training and competition programmes for teams and individuals in Ireland and abroad. It will also involve Team Management at specific identified events throughout the year. More details are below in Main Responsibilities.
The position operates on a hybrid basis, where it is possible to work from home, and recognising that the role also requires international travel in support of team operations, as well as the potential to be based at our CI Head Office, Unit 5, Sport HQ 2, National Sports Campus, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, D15 AC8C.
Reporting Structure
This role reports to the High Performance Director. The post holder will work closely with the Head Coach, HP Admin Manager, and Service Course Co-ordinator, and our programme Coaches. This role will also line manage the HP Admin Manager, and Service Course Co-ordinator.
Main Responsibilities
• Organise, co-ordinate all logistical, travel and accommodation for HPU Teams and activities both domestically and abroad.
• Liaise closely with the Head Coach and programme Coaches as necessary on all aspects of logistical support to the squads and teams in relation to specific competitions and training camps.
• Understand the specific needs of a varied range of athletes on both our able-bodied and para-cycling programmes.
• Where required undertake on-site recce’s of accommodation or transport providers (eg transfers) to determine the best solutions to fit our needs.
• Work closely with the HP Admin Manager regarding team entries, athlete and staff accreditations, anti-doping agency requirements (accommodation/rooming).
• Liaise with travel agents and service providers ensuring the most efficient way to travel, including by air, and ferries, taking into account equipment, border, customs and visa requirements.
• Work closely with the High Performance Director, Coaches, and HP Admin Manager to ensure competition costs come within budget whilst meeting the needs of the performance team.
• Collation of travel information for all travelling parties including travel details, accommodation details, complete any associated risk assessments and circulate in advance to relevant parties.
• Work closely with the HP Admin Manager and CI Finance department to effectively deal with all related invoices, payments and budget controls.
• Assist the HP Admin Manager where required with travel and visa applications, or vaccination records.
• Where required co-ordinate facility bookings (eg track hire, gym access) for training and competition preparation.
• Cultivate our shared-access platforms for all documentation relating to team activities and maintain an up to date team planner for all HPU events.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties for the High Performance Director and Head Coach as required.
• Designing, collecting and collating feedback from the team on each competition and generate a record of this information to improve logistical processes in future.
• Supporting the coaching team of competition debriefs as required and using this information to improve services.
• Team management of operational delivery on major events and activities with other CI Coaching staff, support staff and volunteers, as directed by the Head Coach.
General Responsibilities
• Act as an ambassador for CI and represent the organisation in a professional manner at all times.
• Manage own workload and report on outputs as required.
• Work closely with other CI staff to ensure alignment of objectives and activity with other CI departments.
• Attend regular planning meetings and discipline specific logistics meetings.
• Develop and enhance transfer of “best practice” through effective communication channels, both internally and externally.
• Have a presence in the wider sporting community to bring best practice and innovations back to benefit the HPU.
• Work closely alongside fellow CI coaches/staff in managing key relationships with stakeholders.
Essential Requirements
• Comfortable with domestic and international travel, and evening and weekend work.
• Strong IT skills, fully conversant with Microsoft Teams, Sharepoint, Excel, World and Outlook.
• Excellent command of English language both spoken and written.
• Full unrestricted drivers’ licence and sound driving record.
• Full passport, and no known VISA or travel restrictions.
• Emergency aid at work certification or ability to achieve this.
• Garda vetted or DBS checked, or similar for the post-holder’s country of residence.
Essential Skills and Experience
• Experience in a similar or comparable role/s, pertaining to Team Leadership, programme management, and/or Team Operations and logistics support.
• Experience working in a cycling or similar high-performance role in an NGB or professional setting, and an ability to demonstrate effectiveness resourcing high performance teams and their logistics and travel requirements.
• Relevant third level qualification in sport/exercise science/coaching, sports management or related discipline; or equivalent workplace experience.
• Strong knowledge and experience of cycling through all its disciplines; and experience of the high-performance cycling environment globally both para-cycling and able-bodied cycling.
• Experience in programme leadership involving athletes, coaches and co-ordinating staff and/or volunteer teams or similar management experience.
Personal Qualities
• Integrity and personal values beyond question in delivering ethical performance outcomes.
• High Level Interpersonal skills along with discretion dealing with sensitive and confidential information.
• A can-do attitude and ability to manage numerous projects concurrently.
• Creative thinker with strong planning, administrative skills and attention to detail.
• Flexible and adaptable attitude with a proven ability to work under pressure.
• Well-developed conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
• Strong work ethic and ability to work in a dynamic environment.
• Team player and ability to work on own initiative as well as in a small, dedicated team.
• Enthusiasm, commitment and creativity.
• Ability to work under pressure and prioritise workload.
• Pro-active approach to exchanging feedback and professional development.
Remuneration and Benefits
• Package: The package will be commensurate with qualifications and experience, reflective of the not for profit/sports sector.
• Position Tenure: permanent full time post*. Commencement date to be negotiated within the employment contract of the successful applicant.
• Hours per week: (Full-time 39hrs) – This position will require, at times, irregular and unsocial hours and remote working. As such flexible working arrangements are available.
• Physical Location: noting the travel requirements of the role: Cycling Ireland Head Office, Unit 5, Sport HQ 2, National Sports Campus, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, D15 CXC2
• 25 days holiday per annum
• Company Pension
• Lap-top and phone provided
• Appointment will be made subject to satisfactory:
• Garda/Access NI Vetting or equivalent appropriate working with children checks in country of origin
• Reference Checking Procedures
Cycling Ireland is an equal opportunity employer, celebrating diversity and championing inclusivity. If you require any reasonable accommodations to assist you in participating in the employee selection process, please simply let us know.
Send your CV and covering letter detailing why you are a great fit for this role to Iain Dyer, High Performance Director at iain.dyer@cyclingireland.ie and HR & Governance Lead myra.mcglynn@cyclingireland.ie
Closing date for applications is Monday 9th June, 2025, after which short listed candidates will be invited to interview shortly thereafter.
*We are open to discussions with potential candidates regarding employment terms. Our preference would be for a full-time employee, however we recognise the potential that an individual that wishes to contract may also offer. The position could be served by a minimum of 0.8FTE contract subject to relevant experience and the candidate profile. Daytime, evenings and weekend work will be required by this role including time away from home under all circumstances.