Sports sector jobs boost pre-2012

The 2012 games are boosting demand for sporting professionals

Demand for senior sport administrators, managers and technicians ahead of the 2012 Olympics is boosting sector salaries, a report has suggested.

At a time when the UK economy and wage demands are subdued the salary survey from Sport Recruitment International shows competition for top operators.

Amy Johnson of SRI said the games had "increased the popularity of jobs in the sports marketplace at all levels".

The recruitment agency surveyed 1,300 industry professionals about sport pay.

Those canvassed were employed in public sports, sporting goods, broadcast, agencies, rights holders, and the betting and gaming industries.

Shift in attitude

The survey found that chief executives can earn between £50,000 and £150,000, and performance directors' salaries range from £40,000 to £300,000 according to the size and resources of the organisation.

The SRI report says: "Sport has moved closer to the top of the agenda and there has been a dramatic shift in attitudes towards recruitment by the national governing bodies."

Relocation, ease of travel and increased emphasis on sport domestically are boosting the appeal of the UK, which is one of three nations seen as having top sporting administrators and executives, alongside Switzerland and Germany.

Ms Johnson added: "The strength of the sports market and London 2012 will not go away."

It comes as reports say the organising committee for London 2012, Locog, is negotiating with a number of advertising agencies over a long-term campaign to promote the positive legacy the Olympics will bring to the country after the Games have ended.