Candidate Brief NSW RUGBY UNION GENERAL MANAGER RUGBY Why NSW Rugby and the Waratahs?

The NSW Rugby Union and the Waratahs are one of the leading rugby organisations in the world and are pivotal to the success of rugby in Australia.

The NSW Rugby Union’s vision is to be the leading provincial rugby organisation in the world. To do this the NSW Rugby Union and the Waratahs must develop world class, elite players, coaching staff and facilities across NSW, enticing and retaining talented athletes, from juniors through to Super Rugby.

The NSW Rugby Union aims to be the pride and inspiration of NSW, on and off the field.

The opportunity

The General Manager (GM) Rugby shapes the strategy for the performance of elite players in NSW rugby teams and player pathways.

The position is a key leadership role within NSW Rugby Union and reports into the CEO. Working closely with the CEO and Head Coach to lead Rugby strategy and High- Performance across the Organisation and impacting Rugby right across the State. Our values

The GM Rugby is integral in driving the strategic implementation, growth, development Respect and management of high-performance programs and systems – from the elite youth development through to supporting the senior divisions of rugby in the State of New South Pride Wales. The role will impact and lead across the Pathway for both Men’s and Women’s, Elite Academies, Schools, Community and Grassroots. They will support the Elite Grade for all Accountability age groups including the Super Rugby Team. Inclusiveness Reporting structure

The role reports into the CEO and sits alongside the Waratahs Head Coach in leading the high-performance program for NSW Rugby Union and the NSW Waratahs. The role will work closely with the CEO and Head Coach to establish the behaviours, standards, and protocols that align with the vision of NSW Rugby and support the ambitious goal for the NSW Waratahs.

The GM Rugby will be responsible for developing and implementing performance strategies which drive continuous improvement which leads to on-field success and ultimately ensures the long-term success of the NSW Rugby and our high-performance rugby programs.

The role is also the Secretary for the Board High-Performance Committee (HPC) and attends all HPC meetings.

While the Head Coach will lead the dedicated Waratahs staff, the GM Rugby will lead the Super W and Elite Youth Development programs and teams. Key responsibilities

• Ensure short- and long-term player positional plans • Create and implement a high-performance strategy (depth chart) to ensure depth in all positions (players as part of the NSW Strategic Plan, working to align and coaching staff) across the NSW Waratahs. Shute Shield Clubs and Academies in consultation with Rugby AU’s Director, Rugby, and National Head • Support the Waratahs coaching staff and of Talent Management. management in the identification, recruitment and development of local, national, and international • Work with the Player Development Manager to players and assist in delivering on field results in establish retention programmes focussing on holistic the Super Rugby competition. player development.

• Create and maintain a national/international • Develop and implement a professional development scouting network. program for high-performance coaches and team management in conjunction with Rugby AU. • Manage (with the CEO) all communications and relationships with players, their agents, and Rugby • Leverage NSW Waratahs for commercial advantage AU coaching staff. – work with management of the commercial team to identify opportunities and support existing projects. • Develop and implement an integrated and aligned Talent ID program for elite age grade players through to and • Investigate international rugby opportunities for the including Super Rugby and Super W Training Groups. team and brand which strengthens the brand and delivers commercial value. • Assist the Pathway Coordinator to ensure all coaching and technical advisory roles with all Waratahs age grade representative teams and Super W teams are resourced.

• Establish and implement a policy to manage playing opportunities for all contracted players across the Shute Shield (and other appropriate competitions). The right person

• Strong experience of delivering in a high pressure and high-profile and high- performance environment.

• Gravitas and versatility to lead, inspire, and build strong relationships throughout the game.

• Intimate knowledge of high-performance sport. Ideally in Rugby Union.

• Expert knowledge and understanding of strategic planning.

• Vision, creativity, innovation, and the ability to identify solutions to complex problems.

• Excellent experience and understanding of working with professional sports teams and high-profile sports personalities.

• Strong knowledge and understanding of rugby union in Australia, the NSW system.

• Good knowledge and understanding of coaching and coach development.

• Outstanding strategic leadership and people management skills.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and influencing skills. Behavioural characteristics

Work organisation/planning People/management skills Technical skills, knowledge • Logical, structured and systematic in • Able to develop rapport with a wide variety and experience planning and completing their workload. of people from different backgrounds. • A detailed strategic and technical knowledge of the game and a passion/ • Highly skilled in time and operational • Builds and maintains effective commitment to it. management. relationships with external parties. • A relevant tertiary qualification, preferably • Skilled at the development and • Strong leader able to engage and with experience in a professional sporting implementation of operational plans. empower staff. environment. • Maintains effective systems for • Experienced with contract negotiation. • Experience in project/people management. monitoring and tracking work. Teamwork • Experience in managing a budget and • Attention to detail. • Has effective working contract management and negotiation. relationships with colleagues. Communication skills Other • Demonstrated ability to work effectively as • Excellent written and verbal • Ambassadorial and holding gravitas for a senior member of a team. communication skills. Rugby across the system. • Willingly shares information and supports • Listen well to the needs of • Flexible and adaptable – willing to work the work of others. all key stakeholders. outside of core hours of work. • Works hard to resolve conflict and • Works hard to ensure all relevant • Ability to balance long term development maintain harmony. stakeholders are kept fully informed of and short-term operational priorities. developments, progress and issues. • Generally works collaboratively and • Ability to establish information links with co-operatively with others. • Skilled at effective conflict identification associated organisations and agencies.

and resolution. • Commercial ability.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality with

discussions and particularly contractual

information. How to apply

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