ABOUT THE RSD

Route Setting Development (RSD) is the route setting division of the Association of British Climbing Walls. Its mission is to continue to develop and professionalise the career and craft of route setting to create the world’s best setters.

It aims to work with the ABC, partners and industry leaders to provide aspiring and professional route setters with professionally recognised qualifications and workshops to take their skills to the highest levels of safety and quality in route setting.

ABOUT THE ABC

The ABC is a small but ambitious organisation set to improve the opportunities and experience of the climbing wall industry and everyone that engages with it. Working with our close network of sector partners we aim to raise the profile of indoor climbing in a positive way such that everyone feels welcome to give it a go and proud to be involved. 

Through our efforts to improve the safety and professionalism of our industry we look to further improve the experience of climbers and the quality of the workforce; creating habits and career pathways that keep people in the sport for life.

The ABC is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/ belief, sexual orientation or age. We will be conducting the first round of shortlisting through a ‘blind’ process.

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ABOUT THE ROLE

The RSD Manager role is a permanent role initially for one day [or eight hours] per week. There is scope for this to grow as the division grows for the right candidate. The level of this role requires a driven and entrepreneurial character who is able to work under their own initiative. 

The RSD Manager will report to the ABC CEO, who will provide supervision and reviews. This is a remote role, but flexibility to travel within the UK for events, meetings and the ABC conference will be required.

JOB PURPOSE

To run the RSD to a professional standard; to drive the organisation forwards so that its qualifications and involvement grow in status and relevance within the industry. This will involve being proactive about the RSD offer as well as looking after members, ensuring training is available for the route setting community and working with ABC management in the planning, co-ordinating and delivery of services to members.

The successful candidate will show a passion for the industry and recognise the need for professionalisation of the crafts within it. They will demonstrate an understanding of route setting, operating procedures and standards; ensuring that the integrity of the organisation and safety of its members is at the heart of every decision.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• To contribute positively to the development of the RSD as a business
• To drive the RSD to become a recognised leader in the route setting sector of the industry 
• To keep up to date with all current information and recommendations relevant to the climbing industry legislation and procedures particularly in the area of route setting
• To update, maintain and review existing RSD procedures and documentation in line with current information
• To review applications and approve new providers and members according to RSD standards
• To develop the membership programme as a business with agreed financial targets and income generation

EXPERIENCE

Business

• A proven leader with strong business knowledge and skills, ideally who has experience of launching a business or project
• Excellent communication skills 
• Ability to manage the business day-to-day while driving tangible change
• A good understanding of finances and an ability to create and work within realistic budgets
• Ability to self-motivate and prioritise own workload
• Experience building relationships and working within a remote team

Route setting/Climbing

• A good understanding of the climbing landscape and different organisations within it
• Experience of route setting in commercial climbing centre (boulder & ropes)
• RSA qualified (or willing and able to get RSD rope & boulder setting qualifications)
• Up to date knowledge of best practice in route setting, trends & industry innovations
• Understanding of Working at Height regulations

PERSONAL QUALITIES

• An entrepreneurial character with vision & ambition 
• Confident, self-starter who can work well off their own initiative to drive the RSD forwards 
• Understand the need to deliver a quality product/ service to ensure a professional experience for RSD members and suppliers
• Independent - able to thrive in remote working environment
• Strong organisational skills

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To apply, please fill in the application form and send it to admin@abcwalls.co.uk

Closing Date: 12th June
Salary: c. £29k pro rata