Contract:                      Fixed-Term – 1 Year
Hours:                          40 hours per week (inclusive of any self-employed coaching hours)
Reports To:                  Head Professional
Location:                      Royal Tennis Court, Hampton Court Palace

About the Role
The Royal Tennis Court at Hampton Court Palace is one of the oldest and most prestigious real tennis clubs in the world. We are looking for an enthusiastic and talented Real Tennis Professional to join our team on a one-year fixed-term basis.
Professional office and operations are the primary responsibility of this role. Working alongside the existing professional team, the postholder will play a central part in the smooth running of the office and the delivery of an exceptional experience for members, potential members, and guests. This encompasses the full range of professional services – court bookings, tournament and event organisation and delivery, ball making, racket stringing, coaching, and marking.
Coaching sits alongside these operational responsibilities as an important and valued part of the role. Members benefit from access to a range of professionals and we want to ensure the postholder has genuine opportunity to give lessons and support member development on court.
We welcome applications from candidates at all stages of their professional career. Whether you are an established professional or an ambitious practitioner looking to develop your skills in an exceptional setting, we encourage you to get in touch.

Primary Responsibilities: Office & Operations
Working as part of the professional team, you will share responsibility for the day-to-day running of the Club’s professional office and the full range of services it delivers:
•     Court bookings – managing the court diary, arranging opponents, and maximising utilisation across all sections of the membership.
•     Tournament and event organisation – coordinating and delivering tournaments and Club events from planning through to completion, including support for flagship events such as the Champions Trophy.
•     Ball making – producing the required quantity and quality of balls to meet Club needs. Competency in this area is essential.
•     Racket stringing – providing a prompt and professional stringing service for members.
•     Marking – delivering a high standard of marking in support of member play and tournaments.
•     Merchandise – assisting with the sale of Club merchandise and reporting any low stock or new product ideas to the Club Manager.
•     Systems and administration – maintaining a working knowledge of Club office systems, including Xero accounts and the honour bar.
•     Court and Club environment – ensuring the court is always clean and fit for play, and maintaining a tidy Club environment at all times.
•     Reporting – keeping the Head Professional informed of issues, feedback, suggested improvements, and facility matters.

Coaching & Member Development
Coaching is an important part of the role and the postholder will have genuine opportunity to deliver lessons and support member progress:
•     Deliver individual and group lessons across a range of levels and formats, including Junior & Development Training sessions.
•     Bring your own coaching style and ideas, working within the RTC’s coaching ethos and complementing the wider professional team.
•     Support players of all abilities and contribute to a balanced programme of court usage across all sections.
•     Pro-actively identify opportunities to support member development and engagement with the game.

Professional Team
•     Proactively support and encourage all members of the Professional Team.
•     Contribute to the development of improved Tournament Pro performances.
•     Seek approval from the Head Professional for any holiday, tournament leave, or schedule alterations.

Club Life & Governance
•     Act as an ambassador for the Royal Tennis Court at all times, presenting yourself personably and professionally.
•     Engage with the Club’s Social calendar and assist with events as required.
•     Recognise all Palace departments and represent the RTC positively within that partnership.
•     Work towards the Club’s strategic objectives and understand the Board’s priorities.
•     Attendance at the Club AGM is recommended.

Working Hours
The role is contracted at 40 hours per week, including 1 hour break each day. Working hours are structured on a flexible and adaptable basis and include regular evening and weekend shifts, reflecting the nature of a busy members’ club. An open and flexible approach to shift changes is expected from all professionals.
Within the 35-hour contract, a proportion of hours will be designated for self-employed coaching activity (i.e. private lessons). These self-employed hours are carved out from within the contracted 35 hours and will be agreed with the Head Professional. This arrangement will be set out clearly in the accompanying contract documentation.
On occasion, extended hours will be required – particularly in support of Club tournaments and events. The postholder should be prepared to accommodate these commitments as they arise.

Person Specification
We are looking for someone who brings:
•     A genuine passion for real tennis and enthusiasm for sharing the game with players of all abilities.
•     Proven competency in ball making, or a demonstrable aptitude and commitment to developing this skill quickly.
•     Coaching experience or demonstrable potential, with a willingness to work within the RTC’s coaching approach.
•     Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage a varied and busy workload alongside colleagues.
•     A professional, personable manner and the ability to build strong relationships with members, guests, and colleagues.
•        Flexibility, reliability, and a positive attitude towards the full range of duties the role involves.
•        A passion to improve across all areas – including personal playing standard, professional skills, and the broader promotion of the sport – is essential.

How to Apply
To apply, please send your CV and a brief covering letter outlining your interest in the role and relevant experience to:
Nick Wood – nick.wood@royaltenniscourt.com
Further details of the contract will be discussed with candidates following an initial review of applications.
Deadline for applications: Wednesday 8th July 2026

We look forward to hearing from you.
Nick Wood
On behalf of
The Royal Tennis Court
Hampton Court Palace
East Molesey
Surrey
KT8 9AU