Senior Competitive Swim Coach - #1169261

Key accountability (Main purpose of this job)

The Senior Competitive Coach is responsible for leading the competitive swimming programme through athlete development, squad management, programme planning, competition preparation, and coach development. The role ensures the delivery of a safe, inclusive, and high-performance environment that supports athlete progression and programme success.

Senior Competitive Coaches lead designated performance squads, oversee athlete progression, contribute to programme planning, and support the development of coaching staff.

Responsibilities (Key areas of Responsibilities)

The Senior Competitive Coach leads performance-level squads and contributes to programme leadership and athlete development.

• Lead high-performance and senior competitive squads.
• Develop and implement season plans, training cycles, and competition preparation plans.
• Monitor athlete progression, attendance, and performance outcomes.
• Mentor and support Junior and Mid Competitive Coaches.
• Contribute to programme planning, squad structure, and athlete pathway development.
• Lead championship preparation and competition delivery.
• Support coach education and departmental initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with the Head Coach and Aquatics Director to achieve programme goals.

Key expectations

• Leads competitive and performance-level squads.
• Takes ownership of season planning, training cycles, and athlete development pathways.
• Analyses swimmer performance and implements progression strategies.
• Coaches athletes at major competitions and championship meets.
• Collaborates with the Head of Aquatics on programme design and squad structure.
• Mentors junior coaches and contributes to staff development.
• Supports strength and conditioning, goal-setting, and performance planning initiatives.

Requirements

• Minimum 7 years' competitive coaching experience.
• Proven success coaching athletes to national-level standards.
• Demonstrated ability to lead performance squads and mentor coaches.
• Strong technical knowledge of competitive swimming and athlete development.

Qualifications & Certifications

• Valid aquatics programming certification.
• Certified Water Safety Instructor (or equivalent).
• Current First Aid certification (or equivalent).
• Lifeguard certification (required).
• Experience with Meet Manager and Team Manager software (preferred).

Skills & Attributes

• Strong coaching and technical knowledge of competitive swimming.
• Ability to plan and deliver structured training programmes.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong leadership and team collaboration abilities.
• Organised, proactive, and able to manage multiple responsibilities.
• Commitment to athlete development and safeguarding.

Additional Expectations

• Flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and during school holidays.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and high-performance environment.
• Active contribution to the growth and success of the aquatics programme.