Main Purpose of the Job

The Assistant Coach will ideally have a pace bowling specialism/experience and, in collaboration with the Head Coach, will design and deliver high-quality coaching programmes, using evidence-based training methods to maximise player potential and contribute to team success in domestic competitions. In addition, the Assistant Coach will take the lead on delivering the 2nd XI programme, including the planning and delivery of training sessions, match-day coaching, and player management across all 2nd XI fixtures. This will involve working closely with pathway coaches, medical staff, and the Head Coach to ensure that senior players have match play opportunities and emerging players are prepared for progression to first team cricket.

We are seeking an individual with a passion for working with people and talent development who can add value to multiple environments and have a positive impact on those around them. The ability to influence, communicate effectively, and work independently and as part of a team are priorities for the role. Reporting into the Head Coach, the candidate will aid the transition of players from the Academy and influence coaching across the pathways in the region. There will be a need to have a flexible approach to working patterns, including domestic travel during the season with possible overseas training camps in winter.

Key Responsibilities

Coaching & Player Development

• Design, deliver, and review individual and group pace bowling sessions aligned with the team’s playing philosophy.
• Work closely with the Head Coach to prepare bowlers for match conditions, including tactical awareness, execution under pressure, and game-specific scenarios.
• Input into technical, tactical, physical, and mental skill development plans for each bowler.
• Monitor player workloads and collaborate with S&C and medical staff to prevent injury and optimise performance.

Match Preparation & Performance

• Analyse opposition batters and plan bowling strategies in collaboration with the Head Coach and team analyst
• Provide in-game tactical input and feedback to bowlers (note that the role will not be in attendance at all first team fixtures)
• Review match performances using video and statistical analysis tools, setting clear development goals

Pathway Integration & Talent Identification

• Support the identification and nurturing of emerging fast bowling talent in the Thunder Academy, EPPs and age-group programmes. This includes leading on Talent identification principles and assisting with selection.
• To deliver across the Academy, EPP, and County Age Group programmes in training and match play
• Provide mentoring and guidance to pathway coaches on best practices for developing fast bowlers, including delivery on coach development days

2nd XI Programme Leadership

• Lead on the planning, delivery, and review of the Women’s 2nd XI programme, including training schedules, fixture planning and match-day operations.
• Coach and manage the 2nd XI team during fixtures, ensuring alignment with the club’s playing philosophy and performance goals.
• Work closely with pathway and academy coaches to integrate developing players into the 2nd XI squad.
• Monitor and support individual player development within the 2nd XI, preparing them for progression to first team cricket.

Professional Standards & Team Culture

• Foster a high-performance environment that encourages resilience, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Uphold safeguarding, equality, diversity, and inclusion standards within all activities.
• Keep up to date with best practice and expertise across the fields of talent development and attend ECB CPD events and meetings to support the drive for a world leading player pathway.

• To take on any other responsibilities or tasks that are within your skills and abilities whenever reasonably asked.

Knowledge / Experience / Skills Needed

• Qualified to at least ECB Level 3 (or international equivalent) or currently undertaking the Level 3 qualification.
• Experience coaching fast bowlers in a high-performance cricket environment.
• Strong technical knowledge of fast bowling biomechanics, workload management, and injury prevention.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire athletes.
• Commitment to player welfare, safeguarding, and the holistic development of female athletes.
• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Safeguarding Children certification – a DBS disclosure is an impartial and confidential document that details an individual’s criminal record and where appropriate gives details of those who are barred from working with children.
• The ability to use initiative working as part of a team or independently as required.
• Excellent IT skills with competent ability using Microsoft Office programmes.
• Full UK Driving Licence and ability to travel independently to various venues across the country.

The post holder will be expected to work evenings and weekends as well as have flexibility to dovetail working arrangements in with fixture and training schedules that will change from year to year and across each season.