Inter Service Rugby Competition Manager Vacancy

About the Role

The Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force Rugby Unions are seeking an experienced and highly organised professional to take on the role of Inter Service Rugby Competition Manager.

This is a unique opportunity to lead the coordination and delivery of the Inter Service Rugby Competition (ISRC) – the flagship annual Service Rugby competition. The ISRC brings together Senior Men’s, Senior Women’s, U23 and Masters’ (Over 35s) teams, played at leading venues and attended by thousands of spectators each year.

Following a period of significant development, the competition now enters its next phase, with a focus on consistent delivery, enhanced spectator experience and continued growth.

The Opportunity

Working to outcomes agreed by the Inter Service Steering Group (ISSG), the Competition Manager will coordinate all aspects of planning and delivery across the annual competition cycle.

This role will suit a strong organiser and collaborative leader capable of managing multiple stakeholders and maintaining momentum across a complex programme of work.

Key responsibilities include:

Leading the planning and coordination of all four elements of the ISRC
Maintaining a structured annual planning cycle alongside the ISSG and match committees
Overseeing match-day readiness and delivery, including venues, ticketing, hosting and production
Coordinating with Service Rugby Unions, volunteers, venues, suppliers, broadcasters and partners
Providing reporting on delivery progress, budgets, risks and key milestones
Supporting ongoing development of the competition, including attendance growth and spectator experience

Work Cycle Overview

The workload varies throughout the year, with peak delivery periods leading into the main fixtures in April and May:

Jun – Aug: Review of previous season, planning for the next cycle, ticket launches
Sep – Dec: Establish match committees and deliver U23 competition
Jan – Feb: Launch phase and build-up activity
Apr – May: Delivery of Senior Men’s, Senior Women’s and Masters fixtures

Essential Experience

Delivery of complex projects, programmes or events
Managing multiple stakeholders and competing priorities
Strong organisational, planning and communication skills
Budget monitoring and reporting
Proficient in Microsoft 365
Experience in sporting event or competition delivery

Highly Desirable Experience

Military sport or volunteer-led sporting environments
Rugby Union knowledge or involvement
Commercial partnerships, sponsorship or marketing
Broadcast or major event delivery

Contract Details

Type: Independent Contractor / Consultancy Engagement
Duration: 36 months (subject to review and termination terms)
Location: Primarily home-based, with attendance required at meetings and fixtures (including Portsmouth, Aldershot, Twickenham, Gloucester, Northampton and other venues)
Working Pattern: Some evening and weekend work required

Fee:

Fixed annual consultancy fee of £50,000 (inclusive of VAT, if applicable)
Payable monthly against invoice
Potential for additional performance-related fees subject to agreed outcomes