PURPOSE

The England Lions Head Coach will provide inspirational leadership and coaching to the programme. The Head Coach will play a pivotal role in supporting the development of the most high-potential male players in England and Wales, securing a vibrant pipeline of players for England teams. The role requires exceptional leadership to players and Lions staff team, ensuring all staff contributions are optimised. In conjunction with the Performance Director, the Head Coach will create a genuinely world-leading performance environment which inspires, challenges and allows players to achieve and exceed their expectations. The Head Coach will work with the Performance Director to direct and deliver a fully individualised and optimal programme for Lions and any other targeted cricketers. The Head Coach will develop and maintain positive working relationships with the Managing Director – England Men’s Cricket, England Selector and Player ID and Talent Pathway Lead.

Please submit an expression of interest on BeApplied no later than Wednesday 7th Aug at 5pm (BST). Discussions with candidates successful at application stage, will take place w/c 12th August 2024.

WHO WE ARE

The England and Wales Cricket Board is the national governing body for all cricket in England and Wales, supporting the game at every level – from grassroots to professional.

We believe cricket is a force for good that can have an enduring impact on everyone’s lives and we have an ambitious strategy to inspire a generation to say ‘cricket is a game for me’. It provides great entertainment. It teaches important skills, both physical and social.  It can help inclusion and social cohesion, bringing communities together.

The ECB welcomes applications from all backgrounds to ensure we deliver our Inspiring Generations strategy and fulfill our purpose to connect communities and improve lives through cricket.

OUR VALUES

·       Stronger As One Team – We are stronger together. We allow for individual strengths and beliefs but head in the same direction. We respect, support and really listen to each other along the way.

·       Push New Boundaries – We are bold, brave and curious. We challenge and don’t settle. We forge the future whilst remembering our roots.

·       Be The Best In The Game – On & Off The Pitch – We train hard. We strive to be our best to help the team be the best. We celebrate our victories and learn from our let downs.

·       Passion For Play – We are here to inspire & be inspired. We are serious about what we do, but don’t take ourselves seriously. We enjoy the journey and have fun.

YOU’LL BE DOING

The Head Coach will lead the Lions programme (in conjunction with the Performance Director) ensuring that the highest potential players successfully bridge the gap between county / franchise cricket and the international game.

In recent years England Lions Head Coaches have been appointed on a tour-by-tour basis to meet the needs of the programme / specific tours. Two possible appointment structures are being considered for the Head Coach role in 2024/25 depending on candidates.

Lions Head Coach – winter tours (Sept-24 – Feb-25)

• Profiling (24th – 25th October)

• South Africa (~20th Nov – 14th Dec)

• Australia (~2nd Jan – 4th Feb)

• Performance planning, reviews and individual player programming with counties (~5-10 days) Note: Separate appointments may be considered for South Africa and Australia

Note: Separate appointments may be considered for South Africa and Australia.

Lions Head Coach – annual contract (Sept-24 – Aug-25)

• As above

• England Lions fixtures as scheduled for summer 2024 (dates TBC, ~10-15 days)

• FCC fixtures as scheduled for summer 2024 (dates TBC, ~5 days)

• Leadership, performance planning, reviews individual player programming with counties, selection meetings / discussions and player observations (~20 days)

YOU’LL HAVE

Coaching

• Experience of coaching the highest potential (future international) players with a proven track record of inspiring and adding significant value to player development.

• Experience of leading coaches and multidisciplinary teams at the highest level (international and / or top tier franchise, State or County cricket).

• Proven experience in optimising programme delivery and practice design through the adoption of sound pedagogical principles.

• Significant experience of articulating and embedding an authentic coaching philosophy which inspires players and generates aligned staff delivery.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to operate optimally when under pressure.

Knowledge

• Significant experience and understanding of the technical, tactical and psychological skills required to excel in senior international cricket.

• A coherent understanding of England men’s playing style and identity, with the ability to underpin this authentically in the Lions environment.

Interpersonal Skills

• Excellent communication skills with proven ability to act with clarity and conviction.

• A disposition of seeking the upside and embracing opportunity (with players, staff and media).

• An ability to actively and effectively engage with Directors of Cricket (optimising individual athlete planning and handovers).

Personal attributes

•Clear, personal coaching philosophy and beliefs.

• Impressive ‘understanding of self’ with ability to play to strengths and maximise others.

• High levels of enthusiasm and positivity.

• High standards of personal and professional integrity.

• An appetite and ability to skillfully embed continuous improvement.

YOU’LL RECEIVE

·       Competitive day rate