Old Lions Cricket: Director of Cricket (Deadline – Feb 27)

https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4363070149/

Role Overview

Old Lions Cricket Club is seeking an experienced, progressive Director of Cricket (DoC) to lead and unify the club’s junior and senior cricket programmes. The DoC will be responsible for setting the cricketing vision, driving coaching standards, and building strong player pathways from junior cricket through to the 1st XI.

This is a dual-role position, combining:

• Director of Junior Cricket & Coaching
• Senior 1st XI Head Coach (non-playing)

The role is hands-on, leadership-focused, and central to the club’s cricketing identity.

To start on 1 April 2026.

Salary range: R120k-180k annual

Key Objectives of the Role

• Establish and embed a clear, consistent coaching philosophy across the club
• Develop coaches, players, and teams in line with Old Lions’ values
• Strengthen junior-to-senior pathways
• Improve performance, professionalism, and accountability at all levels

1. Junior Cricket Responsibilities

Coaching Programme & Oversight

• Design, implement, and oversee the junior coaching programme across all age groups
• Coordinate weekly coaching schedules in collaboration with the Club Captain and junior convenors
• Ensure appropriate coach-to-team allocation and session planning
• Drive high coaching standards, consistency, and best practice

Coaching Philosophy & Identity

• Develop and deliver a clear Old Lions coaching philosophy
• Create a strong, recognisable coaching identity across the junior section
• Ensure all coaches coach in alignment with club principles and age-appropriate development models

Coach Management & Accountability

• Mentor, and manage junior coaches
• Hold coaches accountable to performance, behaviour, preparation, and player development standards
• Conduct regular coach check-ins, feedback sessions, and reviews

Hands-On Coaching Role

• Coach one junior team during CGL season (October - March) within the age groups, including:
• One weekly practice session
• Saturday matches during the CGL season
• One off-season tournament
• Structured off-season coaching blocks

Player Development

• Identify and support talented junior players
• Guide player progression into senior cricket structures
• Work closely with senior coaches on transition players

2. Senior Cricket Responsibilities

1st XI Head Coach (Non-Playing)

• Serve as Head Coach of the Old Lions 1st XI
• Lead all team operations and performance planning
• Run and oversee:
• Two weekly 1st XI practices during the CGL season
• Matchday coaching, preparation, and tactical execution

Team Selection & Pathways

• Oversee selection of:
• 1st XI training squad
• Matchday teams
• Work collaboratively with selectors and club leadership
• Define and manage player pathways from junior and lower senior teams into the 1st XI

Jozi Cup

• Act as Head Coach of the Senior Jozi Cup team
• Align Jozi Cup objectives with broader senior and pathway strategies

Additional Roles & Responsibilities Cricket Strategy & Planning

• Develop a long-term cricket strategy for Old Lions
• Align junior and senior goals into one unified cricket plan
• Contribute to seasonal planning, calendars, and tournament participation

Performance & Culture

• Build a strong performance culture across the club
• Promote professionalism, discipline, and accountability
• Set behavioural and preparation standards for players and coaches

Talent Identification & Retention

• Identify high-potential players and coaches
• Assist with player retention strategies
• Support recruitment of key players where required

Communication & Leadership

• Act as the primary cricketing point of contact for the club
• Communicate effectively with:
• Club committee
• Parents (junior cricket)
• Players and coaches
• Represent Old Lions at cricket forums, meetings, and league engagements when required

Coach & Player Education

• Introduce ongoing coach education initiatives
• Support workshops, mentoring sessions, and best-practice sharing
• Encourage continuous improvement and learning

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Strong cricket coaching background (junior and senior levels)
• Proven leadership and people management experience
• Clear understanding of player development pathways
• Strong organisational and communication skills
• Passion for building cricket culture, not just winning matches
• Ability to commit to both junior and senior programmes

Time Commitment (Indicative)

• Junior coaching: 1 weekly session + Saturday matches (seasonal)
• Senior cricket: 2 weekly 1st XI practices + matchdays (Seasonal)
• Off-season planning, coaching blocks, and tournaments
• Ongoing coach coordination and programme management

Application process & dates

• Applications open 10 February and close 27 February 2026.
• Shortlisted candidates will be informed of status by 6 March 2026
• In person interview on either 10/11 March 2026
• Successful candidate will be informed of appointment by 13 March 2026
• Succesful candidate will begin role on 1 April 2026

Candidates to email CVs to [email protected] with reference: Director of Cricket Application