Position:                                    High Performance Manager – New Zealand Wheel Blacks

Position Type:                           Voluntary (2024 – 2028 with review 2026)

Department:                              High Performance

Reports To:                               NZWR Head Coach

Location:                                   Flexible Remote (Camps in Auckland)

Purpose of New Zealand Wheelchair Rugby

New Zealand Wheelchair Rugby (NZWR) is emerging as a leading national disability sports organisation - on and off the court. A truly gender equal game, wheelchair rugby is alive with growth and opportunity. Consistently in the top ten world rankings since the evolution of the game with a Paralympic Gold Medal along the way. The continuous development of quality programmes for regional community sport and the delivery of world-class events and tournaments all point to the increase in wheelchair rugby’s profile as well as the platform for growth. We are at an exciting point in our journey where we are making our sport more accessible and more enjoyable for all.

Role Purpose

The purpose of the NZWR High Performance Manager role is:

• To optimise the performance of the New Zealand Wheel Blacks team by supporting all managerial aspects of camps and competitions.
• To plan and develop the national team program support and logistics in conjunction with the NZWR Head Coach.
• To support the national team program’s continued development of a holistic high performance culture and wellbeing.

Position Description

New Zealand Wheelchair Rugby is seeking a dynamic and highly organized High Performance Manager to work in team services and operations to support the Wheel Blacks. This role requires a detail-oriented individual with a strong ability to manage logistics, coordinate athlete support, and execute high performance

strategies.

Under the direction of the Wheel Blacks Head Coach, the High Performance Manager will oversee team logistics, assist with training and competition preparations, and act as the main point of contact for athletes. The role involves managing travel, accommodations, and team operations, while ensuring athletes receive the resources and support necessary for success on the national stage. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential for this fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities

Stakeholder Relations & Communication

• Communicate with Local Organizing Committees (LOCs) regarding travel arrangements,

accommodations, uniforms, and transportation for National Team participation.

• Coordinate with all relevant stakeholders including team members, support staff and volunteers.

• When possible, provide digital content for social media whilst traveling with the team.

HP Program Coordination & Planning

• Contribute to the development and delivery of the annual High Performance program, working closely with the

Head Coach.

• Assist with budget management alongside the Head Coach.
• Oversee team schedules, from training camps to competitions.

Leadership & Team Support

• Travel with the Wheel Blacks to act as the Team Manager during camps and competitions,

overseeing the team’s day-to-day operations and ensuring logistics run smoothly.

• Provide leadership and support in coordinating travel and logistics for the Wheel Blacks training

camps and competitions.

• Maintain up-to-date records of Wheel Blacks athletes, including details on classifications,

clothing sizes, allergies, food restrictions and other relevant information.

• Serve as the main point of contact for athletes, addressing their needs and providing necessary

support during camps and competitions.

• Provide regular reports to NZWR regarding the progress of the HP program, camps, and competitions.

• Assist with creating a positive team culture keeping spirits high but also enforcing team values and code of conduct.
• Recognise and understand the individual needs of team members and provide appropriate support and welfare.
• Overseeing and planning of all logistics related to the team off court, domestic and international.
• Establishing team standards with correct uniforms at camps and tournaments.
• Attending any meeting or calls and relaying correspondence.
• Responsible for team equipment required to run a training camp and what team travel with to tournaments.
• Ensuring the Health and Safety of the team and having appropriate first aid and medical supplies at camps and tournaments.

 Experience and Knowledge

• Strong organizational and multitasking skills with an ability to manage competing priorities.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to interact effectively

with various stakeholders.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Great communicator that builds strong relationships, is approachable, prepared and adaptable.
• Ability to budget, report and manage finances with support.
• Familiarity with Wheelchair Rugby and adaptive sports is an advantage.
• A valid driving license

Key Competitions (Camps every 6 – 8 weeks in Auckland)

2025 - Wheelchair Rugby Challenge, May/June (Adelaide, Australia); Asia Oceania Zone Championship

2026 – Aus Nationals; World Qualifiers; World Championship; Canada Cup

2027 – Aus Nationals; Asia Oceania Zone Championship

2028 – Aus Nationals; PQT; Canada Cup; LA28 Paralympics;

How to Apply:

To be considered for this position, email a cover letter addressing how your experience supports the requirements of the position to Cherie Harris, Executive Chair, NZWR at president@wheelchairrugby.org.nz by December 16, 2024, at midday.

Article added: Tuesday 10 December 2024