Summary of Role:
Our ambition is for the Men’s Head Coach of Kent Cricket to establish a high-performance culture that drives consistent success across all formats of the game. We aim to be a team that continually competes for honours in the County Championship, T20 Blast, and One-Day Cup, while fostering a culture of discipline, accountability, and relentless improvement.
A key part of this ambition is to develop a pipeline of homegrown Kent players who will contribute significantly to our sustained success, and to nurture talent capable of progressing to England’s performance pathway. The Men’s Head Coach will work in partnership with the Director of Cricket, captains, and support staff to shape a unified team ethos, setting high standards for performance and behaviour.
Background:
Kent Cricket is one of only 18 first-class county cricket clubs in England and Wales. From our headquarters at The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence in Canterbury, and with a satellite ground at The County Ground, Beckenham, we are responsible for the growth and development of all cricket across Kent and our four London Boroughs of Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich and Lewisham – from community and schools’ cricket to the professional game.
Equality Statement:
Kent Cricket recognises the positive value of diversity, promotes equality and challenges discrimination. We’re passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. Companies that are diverse in age, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, ethnicity and perspective are proven to be better companies. More importantly, creating an environment where everyone, from any background, can do their best work, is the right thing to do and we therefore encourage applicants from diverse areas to apply.
Principal Duties & Responsibilities:
Area Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Culture
• Provide strong, values-driven leadership, creating a positive, professional, and competitive environment. Promote a culture of discipline, teamwork, and a commitment to being better
• Ensure that every player and member of the support staff understands their role and responsibility, promoting a culture of accountability where high standards are consistently maintained both on and off the field
• Lead the team in adopting a competitive mindset, building resilience and a focus on continuous improvement. Motivate players to maximise their potential
Cricketing Strategy & Development: • Lead the design and implementation of game plans and training programmes across all formats to ensure the team is consistently prepared and performing at the highest level it can
Collaboration & Support Staff Engagement
• Work closely with the Director of Cricket, captains, specialist coaches, Second Team, Head of Talent Pathway and SS&M staff to build a cohesive, high-performance environment
• Ensure all staff are aligned with the team’s objectives and are collaborating effectively to drive success
• Define clear roles and responsibilities for both players and support staff, ensuring transparency and alignment with team goals. Foster open communication to build trust and collaboration across the group
• Lead the selection process alongside captains and assistant coaches, ensuring selection is based on merit, form, and the tactical needs of the team
• Promote an environment of learning and growth, encouraging players and staff to strive for improvement and reach their full potential
Player Development and Wellbeing:
• Manage and mentor players, fostering their development both on and off the field
• Support the identification and integration of talent from Kent Cricket’s Academy and Youth Programs, building a pipeline of homegrown players for future success
• Provide clear and objective feedback to players, ensuring their personal and professional growth via performance appraisals
Culture • Lead by example with integrity, discipline, and professionalism, acting as a role model for players and staff
• Commit to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), ensuring an environment where all individuals are respected and valued
• Adhere to all rules, regulations, and policies set by Kent Cricket and the ECB
Safeguarding:
• Demonstrate, at all times, a commitment to safeguarding children and adults
• Contribute to the implementation of the Kent Cricket Safeguarding policy
• Report any safeguarding concerns in accordance with Kent Cricket’s Safeguarding Report Management Procedure
• Ensure a safe and enjoyable environment is maintained, at all times, in line with Kent Cricket’s Safeguarding Guidance
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI):
• Demonstrate, at all times, a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion behaviours, decision-making and working practices
• Advocate the values of safety, dignity, fairness, equality and respect
• Contribute to the implementation of Kent Cricket’s EDI Action Plan
Working Relationships/Stakeholders:
• Kent Cricket Executive Leadership team
• Players, coaches and support team
• Sports Science & Medicine team
• Groundscare team
• Academy & Talent Pathway team
• Comms/Events team
• England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)
• Umpires and match officials
• Professional Cricketers Association (PCA)
• Competition coaches and players
• External Media
Salary & Benefits:
• Competitive salary with performance related bonus.
• Pension Scheme.
• Company Car.
• Private Health Care Plan (Non-contributory).
• 30 days annual leave (including bank & public holidays).
Special Conditions:
The post holder will be based at The Spitfire Ground, Canterbury as part of the Performance Cricket Department. Due to the nature of the work, the post holder will carry out his/her duties as such times/days which are most effective to perform the tasks required. This may involve some out of hours work – evenings, weekends, Bank Holidays, as necessary. The policies of the Club reflect a 52-week, seven-day operation for all cricket provision.