The Irish Rugby Football Union is seeking applications for the role of Academy Manager at Leinster Rugby.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
 

  • High Performance Manager, IRFU
  • CEO, Leinster Rugby
  • Director of Rugby, Leinster Rugby

 
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
 

  • Academy Board, Leinster Rugby
  • Professional Game Board, Leinster Rugby
  • National Age Grade Representative Teams
  • Domestic Rugby Manager

 
ROLE AND PURPOSE OF POSITION
 

  • Oversee the strategies and long-term Provincial objectives of the elite pathway aligned to IRFU LTPD & Technical models to include the: 
    • Academy Programme
    • Sub-Academy Programme
    • National Talent Programme
    • Regional Development Squad Programme

 

  • Ensure delivery of agreed service level provision for all aspects of the elite pathway with the IRFU Performance Committee and Provincial Performance Board. 
  • Manage and effectively deliver the Leinster Academy QQI (Quality and Qualifications Ireland) Programme.
  • Manage the development and progression of players for the professional game in Ireland to PRO12, European, International and World Class standards. 
  • Manage the talent Identification programme within the Province 
  • Manage an integrated service team to ensure best service provision for all players within the elite pathway. 
  • Manage an operational budget within agreed financial parameters. 
  • Work in tandem with other Provincial Academy Managers to ensure Elite Player Pathways are aligned to achieve IRFU strategic goals 
  • Ensure accurate monitoring and up-to-date records for all players within the elite pathway. 
  • Manage the alignment of Provincial Age Grade Teams to the elite pathway with the support of the Provincial Performance Board. 
  • Provide all necessary H.R. and disciplinary elements in accordance with the Academy player contract. 
  •  Assist or coach National teams as designated by the IRFU Performance Manager

 
KEY COMPETENCIES
 

  • Leadership
    • Ability to lead and realise the National and Provincial vision.
  • Rugby
    • Experience and a proven track record of achievement in developing players for the elite representative game of rugby union.
    • Credible rugby knowledge, understanding and expertise gained from playing, coaching or through player management. Ability to coach and understand the game to a high level – strategically, tactically and technically. 
  • Interpersonal Skills 
    • Ability to interface effectively with people at all levels. Competence to manage & motivate, develop relationships, and if required manage conflict.
  • Management Skills
    • Ability to plan, communicate, research and constantly evaluate current practice in order to achieve excellence.

 
PERFORMANCE MEASURES
 
Key Performance Indicators:
 

  • Full delivery of the ‘Operational Agreement’ for the Academy, Sub-Academy, National Talent and Regional Development Squad programmes
  • 85% of Academy players contracted into the professional game structure to PRO12, European, International, and World Class standards
  • Establish a strong co-operative relationship with Schools and Clubs to ensure engagement in the National Talent Programme
  • Provide a list of the full squad including the succession list from U18, U19, U20, Sub-Academy and Academy to the IRFU High Performance Manager
  • Show justification of player transfer to Sub-Academy/Academy level – Player Profile
  • Provide a strategy for filling the succession list where positional gaps are occurring in Provincial squads
  • Academy Curriculum – based on the players profile and individual performance plans, provide specific intervention to ensure continued development
  • Player Technical development – Elite Player Pathway and curriculum aligned to the IRFU Technical Model to reflect the reality and demands of the game
  • Player Monitoring and assessments – track and development players with clear smart goals that are agreed with the Academy Manager (Develop and challenge with identified strategies to ensure continued improvements)
  • Co-operate with National and Provincial Elite Player systems in ensuring IRFU strategic plan is being achieved.

 
Please note that the above list is not exhaustive and may be added to in consultation with the Academy Manager him/herself.

To apply for the position, please send your CV (of no longer than 3 pages) to Eoin Ward, HR Generalist at recruitment@irfu.ie. The closing date for applications is strictly 13:00 on Friday 16th October 2015. This position is being offered on a 3 year fixed term basis.

The IRFU is an equal opportunities employer