North Harbour Rugby are currently seeking applications for our role as Academy Manager, in the Pathways & High Performance department.

POSITION PURPOSE

The Academy Manager is responsible for the leadership, development, and delivery of the North Harbour Rugby Academy Programme.

This role plays a critical part in identifying, developing, and transitioning emerging players through the NHRU pathway system into NPC, FPC, Super Rugby, and National representation.

Aligned to the NHRU Strategic Pillars, NZR Strategy, and PUIM framework, the Academy Manager will ensure a high-performance environment that reflects the Harbour Way values:

• Be a TEAM
• Be CONNECTED
• Be ABOUT PEOPLE
• Be THE EXAMPLE

KEY RESULT AREAS

1. Talent Identification & Player Recruitment

• Lead and implement a structured Talent Identification (TID) programme across U16, U18, and U20 levels.
• Build and maintain a comprehensive player database, including performance metrics and development tracking.
• Establish strong networks with schools, clubs, and external scouts.
• Attend key fixtures and tournaments to identify emerging talent.
• Collaborate with the Head of Pathways. NPC and FPC coaching staff on depth charts and succession planning.
• Recruit, Manage and up skill a group of Talent ID Scouts/Spotters.

2. Academy Programme Leadership & Delivery

• Design and deliver a best-in-class Academy programme aligned to NHRU high-performance objectives which are aligned to NZR agreed values and objectives.
• Integrate academy players into NPC and FPC environments where appropriate.
• Lead the delivery of technical, tactical, physical, and mental development programmes.
• Ensure alignment of coaching methodologies across all pathway levels.

3. Stakeholder Engagement & Pathway Promotion

• Promote the NHRU player pathway across clubs, schools, and the wider community.
• Build strong, trusted relationships with:
  • Club coaches and administrators
  • Secondary schools
  • Players and their families
• Clearly communicate programme expectations, standards, and opportunities.
• Collaborate with Blues for aligned pathways into high-performance programmes.

4. Player Development & Welfare

• Deliver a holistic player development programme including:
  • Rugby performance
  • Education and career planning
  • Life skills and wellbeing
• Work alongside medical and S&C staff to manage:
  • Injury rehabilitation
  • Return-to-play protocols
• Ensure strong pastoral care systems are in place for all Academy athletes.
• Work collaboratively with the NZRPA personal development manager to align players personal development for future success.

5. Pathway Integration & Team Programmes

• Support the delivery and alignment of NHRU age-grade representative teams (e.g., U19/U20)
• Contribute to coaching appointments, player selection, and programme design.
• Ensure seamless progression from Academy to representative and NPC environments.

6. High Performance Alignment

• Work closely with:
  • NPC and FPC Coaching Group
  • Pathways staff
  • Strength & Conditioning and Medical teams
• Support the development of players capable of progressing to:
  • NPC & FPC
  • Super Rugby
  • National teams

7. Relationships with NZ Rugby & Super Rugby Franchises

• Maintain strong working relationships with:
  • New Zealand Rugby (NZR)
  • Super Rugby franchises (e.g., Blues)
• Contribute to national talent identification and reporting requirements.
• Advocate for NHRU players within national selection pathways.

8. Leadership & Culture

• Lead and contribute to a high-performance culture aligned with the Harbour Way and DNA framework.
• Provide leadership and direction to Academy staff/assistants and contractors.
• Drive accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement.

9. Staff Management & Development

• Lead Academy Performance working with staff including:
  • Strength & Conditioning
  • Medical providers
  • Specialist coaches
• Conduct performance reviews and support professional development where direct management is appropriate.
• Foster strong communication and collaboration across departments.

10. Health & Safety

• Ensure compliance with all NHRU health and safety policies.
• Promote a safe training and playing environment.
• Report and manage incidents, risks, and hazards appropriately.

11. General Responsibilities

• Contribute to organisational planning and reporting requirements.
• Participate in ongoing professional development.
• Undertake additional duties as required by the Head of Pathways.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

Internal

• CEO
• Head of Pathways
• NPC & FPC Coaching Staff
• Community & Rugby Participation Team
• Operations & Medical Staff

External

• New Zealand Rugby (NZR)
• Super Rugby Franchises
• Clubs and Schools
• Players and Families
• Regional Stakeholders

KEY AREAS OF AUTHORITY

• Budget management within delegated limits.
• Oversight of Academy programme delivery.
• Input into player selection and pathway decisions.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 5+ years’ experience in high-performance sport.
• Proven experience in player development and pathway systems.
• World Rugby Coaching Accreditation (desirable).
• Tertiary qualification in sport, management, or related field (desirable).

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and people management capability.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• High-level planning and organisational ability.
• Strategic thinking and decision-making.
• Strong understanding of high-performance environments.

Personal Attributes

• Values-driven leadership aligned to the Harbour Way.
• High integrity and professionalism.
• Passion for player development and community impact.
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, performance-focused environment.

Applications close on 1st May. 

Applications are to be submitted through SEEK, or sent to;

Grant Henson

Head of Pathways

[email protected] 

Article added: Monday 20 April 2026