Development and Pathways Manager
Silverdale United Rugby & Sports Club is seeking expressions of interest for a Development and Pathways Manager to help lead the next stage of rugby development across the Club.
This role is focused on building stronger connections between junior, youth and senior rugby, supporting coaches, improving player retention, and strengthening the pathway from local schools into the Club.
We are looking for someone who is passionate about community rugby, understands player development, and can work positively with coaches, players, schools, parents and volunteers.
About the Role
The Development and Pathways Manager will help create a clear and practical rugby development pathway across the Club.
The role will focus on:
- Supporting coach development and alignment across grades;
- Strengthening the pathway from junior rugby into youth and senior rugby;
- Building relationships with local schools and school rugby programmes;
- Supporting school leavers into U19, U21 and senior rugby;
- Helping grow and retain the Club’s player base;
- Developing practical coaching resources and age/stage guidance;
- Supporting development programmes, holiday programmes and targeted player initiatives;
- Working with Club staff, rugby directors and coaches to improve communication and coordination.
This is a club-wide development role. It is not intended to be focused on one team or grade. The successful person will help support the rugby system across the Club.
Key Priorities
The key priorities for the role will be:
- Coach Development
- Supporting volunteer coaches with practical tools, shared terminology, development principles and age-appropriate guidance.
- School-to-Club Pathways
- Building stronger relationships with local schools, particularly around school leavers and the transition into Club rugby.
- Player Development and Retention
- Helping create clear touch points for players as they move from junior rugby through to youth, U19, U21 and senior rugby.
Programme Support
Assisting with development initiatives such as school holiday programmes, youth development sessions, off-season activity, and targeted skill-development opportunities.
About You
The ideal person will have:
- Rugby coaching or player development experience;
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills;
- An ability to work constructively with volunteer coaches;
- A practical understanding of community rugby;
- A passion for developing local players;
- An ability to connect with schools, players and parents;
- Strong organisational skills;
- A collaborative, club-first mindset.
Formal coaching qualifications would be an advantage, but the Club is most interested in finding the right person with the right approach.
What Success Looks Like
Success in this role will mean:
- Coaches feel better supported;
- Local school relationships are stronger;
- More players transition from school and youth rugby into the Club;
- Junior and youth players can see a clearer pathway;
- Practical coaching resources are in place;
- Player retention improves;
- Development programmes are well planned and well delivered;
- The Club has a stronger long-term rugby development system.
Time Commitment and Structure
The role structure, hours and engagement model will be discussed with suitable applicants.
The Club is open to considering different models depending on the experience, availability and skill set of the right person.
How to Apply
To express interest, please send a brief rugby CV or summary of your experience, along with a short note outlining why you are interested in the role.
Please send applications or enquiries to:
Nick Mulvaney, Club operations and development manager
Manager@silverdalerugby.co.nz
Applications close: 30 October 2026
Admin Login