Head Coach

Overview

We’re building a joyful, high‑performance environment where swimmers of all ages progress confidently—from post Learn to Swim through performance squads and Masters—while feeling supported, safe, and inspired. As Head Coach, you’ll set the vision, lead the coaching team, and turn potential into personal bests. This role will also provide an opportunity to liaise with and learn from University of Stirling / National Centre performance coaches.

• Lead the programme:
  Own the seasonal plan and daily coaching standards across all squads
• Develop people:
  Grow and mentor assistant/coaches; build a positive, learning‑led culture
• Win well:
  Prepare athletes and teams to compete confidently at the right meets, peaking at the right time
• Strengthen the club:
  Partner with the Committee, parents, pool partners, and the local community to help the club thrive
• Keep everyone safe:
  Champion safeguarding, welfare, and inclusive practice every session

Programme & Performance

• Design and deliver an integrated, evidence‑based training programme (macro/meso/micro cycles) that develops technically excellent, physically robust, and psychologically confident athletes across the pathway
• Plan the meet calendar, selection criteria, taper strategies, and competition logistics to maximise PB rates and championship qualification

Coaching Team Leadership

• Set clear coaching standards, run regular coach huddles, and lead in‑house training and mentorship so every coach grows in confidence and capability
• Create individual development plans and encourage attendance at relevant National Governing Body development opportunities

Club Development & Operations

• Review and refine squad structures, criteria, and progression pathways to ensure fairness, clarity, and headroom for growth
• Coordinate coaching cover, across training and competitions; work effectively with volunteer Team Managers to ensure safe, smooth meet delivery
• Partner with the Club Committee on strategy, budgeting inputs, facilities relationships, and community engagement

Safeguarding, Welfare & Governance

• Model and ensure best practice in safeguarding and welfare, equality, diversity & inclusion, and athlete‑centred coaching at all times
• Operate in line with Scottish Swimming governance documentation, the Club Constitution, Codes of Practice, and District rules

First 90 days

• A clear training philosophy and seasonal plan communicated to swimmers, parents, and coaches
• Agreed squad criteria and meet calendar; baseline testing and attendance routines in place
• Coaching team 1:1s completed, development plans agreed, and a simple quality‑assurance rhythm launched (session plans, deck feedback, video review)

By 12 months

• ≥85–90% average training attendance in performance squads; improved retention across development squads
• High PB conversion at target meets; uplift in district/ national qualifiers appropriate to club size
• Positive welfare audit results; high parent/athlete satisfaction (survey) and strong volunteer engagement
• A confident pipeline of developing coaches ready to step up

Skills, experience & qualities

• Proven track record planning and delivering age‑group and youth programmes that progress athletes appropriately across the pathway
• Experience leading/mentoring coaches and coordinating competition programmes
• Strong communication with athletes and parents; calm, organised, and values‑led
• Current Safeguarding training (e.g., CWPS), Emergency First Aid; willingness to keep CPD current
• PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) membership (or willing to obtain) prior to start

Nice‑to‑have

• Experience collaborating with schools, learn‑to‑swim providers, and performance centres
• NPLQ or teacher/coach rescue qualification; technical skills in video analysis and athlete monitoring

• Location:
  
  Stirling University (Primary), The Peak Stirling, Wallace and Stirling High Schools
• Schedule:
  
  4–5 evenings/2-3 Mornings + meets; planning/admin time
• Commitment/
  
  Contract:
  
  Self‑employed
• Compensation:
  Competitive

• Reports to:
  
  Club Chair/Committee
• Direct reports:
  Development Lead Coach /Coaches; coordination with Team Managers and Welfare Officer
• Key partners:
  Scottish Swimming;
  Active Stirling;
  Club Committee