Welcome to the British Judo Associations careers page. On this page you will find more information on the current vacancies and opportunities at British Judo and our partner organisations with details on how to apply for them.
Development Director
Job Title: Development Director
Location: Remote base with regular office presence
Salary: £61,000 – £75,000 per annum
Contract: Full Time
Are you a strategic leader with a passion for organisational growth, stakeholder engagement, and developing high-performing teams? British Judo are seeking an exceptional Development Director to lead the next phase of growth for one of the country’s most inclusive and values-driven Olympic and Paralympic sports. This is a rare opportunity to play a leading role in growing participation in judo across the UK while supporting pathways that help athletes achieve success on the world, Olympic and Paralympic stage.
About the Role
Reporting directly to the CEO and forming part of the Senior Leadership Team, the Development Director will lead the delivery of key strategic objectives focused on increasing participation, strengthening club and regional development, and supporting pathways to elite performance.
This is a high-profile leadership role requiring exceptional stakeholder management skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to inspire and influence both internally and externally. You will work closely with funding partners, clubs, volunteers, and senior colleagues to ensure programmes are impactful, innovative, and aligned with the organisation’s long-term vision.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the Growth of Judo:
- Develop and deliver strategies to increase participation and membership across all levels of the sport
- Support clubs and regional Areas to strengthen recruitment, retention, and long-term sustainability
- Lead national and regional campaigns that promote the benefits and accessibility of judo
- Help create a fair and inclusive development offer for all affiliated clubs and providers
Drive Strategic Leadership:
- Contribute as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Support delivery of the Association’s strategic plan and long-term vision
- Use insight, research, and data to inform decision-making and improve performance
- Foster a positive, collaborative, and high-performing organisational culture
Build Strong Partnerships:
- Maintain excellent relationships with funding partners and external stakeholders
- Work collaboratively across departments including performance, technical development, communications, and operations
- Act as an ambassador for British Judo and promote the values of respect, courage, friendship, and inclusion.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Significant senior leadership and management experience
- Strong strategic planning and operational delivery skills
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication abilities
- Experience leading teams and motivating staff and volunteers
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver to deadlines
- Strong presentation and influencing skills
- Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion
- Full UK driving licence
To apply, please submit:
- A short covering statement outlining your interest in the role stating how you meet the criteria outlined in the candidate pack and why British Judo is of interest to you
- Your current CV
Please email: hr@britishjudo.org.uk
Closing Date: Friday 17th July 2026
First Round Interviews will take place on week commencing 3rd August with a final interview and Assessment Day taking place on a date to be confirmed.
If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact Andrew Scoular – Chief Executive – andrew.scoular@britishjudo.org.uk
Click here to download the Candidate Pack
Independent Non-Executive Director
British Judo are seeking to appoint an Independent Non-Executive Director to join our Board and help shape the future of judo across Great Britain.
Independent Non-Executive Directors play a vital role in overseeing the health, governance and long-term success of the organisation. As a member of the Board, you will contribute to strategic decision-making, provide constructive challenge, and bring an independent perspective drawn from your professional experience and external activities.
We are looking for individuals with the drive, knowledge and expertise to make a meaningful contribution to the continued development of British Judo.
We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates with experience in legal practice, governance, regulatory affairs or related fields. However, what matters most is your ability to bring sound judgement, strategic insight, and a commitment to our values of Respect, Courage and Excellence.
This is an exciting opportunity to support the growth of our sport, strengthen our governance, and help create positive experiences for our athletes, members, clubs and communities.
To express your interest, please submit:
- A short covering statement outlining your interest in the role stating how you meet the criteria outlined in the candidate pack and why British Judo is of interest to you
- Your current CV
Applications should be sent to hr@britishjudo.org.uk.
Closing Date: Friday 17th July 2026
If you would like an informal discussion about the role before applying, please contact: Andrew Scoular (Chief Executive Officer) at andrew.scoular@britishjudo.org.uk
Click here to download the candidate pack
Chair of the Board – JudoScotland
JudoScotland is the sportscotland recognised Governing Body for the sport of judo within Scotland. It currently has a growing membership of over 9,000 individuals and supports more than 200 clubs.
Following the completion of the current Chair’s tenure, JudoScotland is seeking a dynamic and inspirational leader to take on the role of Chair, guiding the national governing body through its next strategic cycle.
As sportscotland’s Governing Body of the Year 2024, JudoScotland plays a vital role in developing athletes from grassroots participation through to elite performance, while promoting the sport’s core values. With a new strategic cycle on the horizon, the organisation is looking for a Chair who can bring energy, strong governance & leadership experience, and a clear vision to drive meaningful and lasting progress.
The incoming Chair will assume the role at a significant moment of transition and opportunity. Building on British Judo’s “Three Steps Safe” framework, they will support the continued delivery of high standards in coaching, safeguarding, and club management, reinforcing our commitment to a safe, inclusive, and well-regulated judo community.
This is more than a governance position; it is an opportunity to shape the future direction of judo across Scotland; supporting clubs, empowering volunteers, and enabling athletes to thrive on both national and international stages.
Working closely with the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team, the Chair will:
- Lead and inspire the Board, ensuring effective decision-making and alignment with strategic priorities
- Oversee the delivery of key outcomes as JudoScotland enters its next strategic cycle
- Champion the “Three Steps Safe” framework, embedding a culture of safe, inclusive, and well-regulated judo environments.
- Represent JudoScotland externally, strengthening relationships with partners, stakeholders, and the wider sporting community
The successful candidate will play a central role in ensuring that JudoScotland continues to grow as a modern, inclusive, and forward-thinking organisation.
To apply, please forward your CV and covering letter outlining your relevant experience and your motivation for applying for the role of JudoScotland Chair.
Please send your application to hr@judoscotland.com
Closing Date: Friday 10th July 2026, with in-person interviews taking place in Edinburgh on Monday 20th July.
For a confidential discussion about the role please email Judith McCleary at judithmccleary@judoscotland.com or call Judith on 07563 390 305
Click here to download the candidate pack
British Judo is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. We actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, particularly those from underrepresented groups, including women, ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ candidates. We believe that diversity of experience and perspective strengthens our organisation and enhances our ability to serve our community. British Judo is committed to Sport England and UK Sport requirements for all NGBs to have a Diversity Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP). British Judo is proud of the DIAP and would encourage all candidates to take an opportunity to read this HERE.
We are also open to considering applications from individuals who possess strong transferable skills or can demonstrate an aptitude for the role, coupled with a genuine appetite to embark on a learning journey with us. If this sounds like you, and you believe you meet some of the requirements but are eager to develop further and are ready to put in the effort to achieve the rest, we want to hear from you. Get in touch and tell us why you are a great fit for British Judo.
If you require any reasonable adjustments during the application process or wish to discuss any particular needs, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are committed to creating a supportive and accessible environment for all applicants.
