Head Swimming Coach

Chesterfield Swimming Club based in North Derbyshire is seeking a dedicated, enthusiastic, passionate and innovative Head Coach.  Our current swim programme consistently delivers success at County, Regional and National levels.  This is an opportunity for an ambitious and experienced coach to take on the leadership of the programme, build on that success and inspire our current group of fantastic swimmers. Our current Head Coach is leaving for an exciting opportunity elsewhere in swimming, having led our programme for the past 12 years. 

We are looking for a dedicated individual with a proven track record in competitive swimming and a commitment to helping our swimmers achieve their full potential.  We have a total of 16 swimmers who have qualified this year for British, National and Para Nationals.  Our programme provides a well-balanced timetable of early morning and evening training which is conducive to performance swimming.

We have around 200 swimmers in our learn to swim programme and around 112 swimmers in the competitive squads.  The club has a Learn to Swim Manager/Assistant Coach who reports directly to the Head Coach.  In addition, there are further part-time swimming teachers, coaches and a number of volunteer coaches that support the programme.  The Head Coach will be responsible for planning, delivering and leading the entire programme in conjunction with the other coaches.  Our swimming programme promotes competitive development in a positive environment inclusive to all members enabling the progression of swimmers from development to elite performance level.

We operate out of three local pools and have excellent relationships with the pool operators.

The candidate will ideally be a Level 3-qualified coach or hold the Swim England Senior Swimming Coach Certificate however the club would also welcome applications from an experienced Level 2-qualified coach/holder of the Swimming Coach Certificate already working towards Senior Coach and looking to take the next step in their coaching career.  We also require a recognised qualification in strength and conditioning/land training (or showing commitment to completing this). In addition, we will require a minimum of NRASTC qualification with a commitment to completing NPLQ as quickly as possible as per the requirements of our pool operator.

The club is run by a supportive and enthusiastic team of volunteers both on the committee and in wider supportive roles.  We run three successful open meets a year which provides an important contribution to the financial wellbeing of the club. We have a good and expanding team of officials.

The ideal candidate should:

• Be passionate, enthusiastic and ambitious both for themselves and their swimmers.
• Have experience and knowledge of developing swimmers to a national level.
• Have excellent all-round communication and time management skills.
• Be able to foster excellent relationships with swimmers of all ages and demonstrate an understanding of their wider lives and wellbeing.
• Be able to work collaboratively with swimmers, coaches, volunteers and parents in a positive and inclusive environment which reflects the club’s culture and ethos.
• Show an interest in continued professional development.
• Be able to manage, support and develop a team of coaches and teachers.

Responsibilities will include:

• Planning and delivering an annual training programme including land training.
• Being the lead coach for the National squad which currently includes 17.5 hours pool and 3 hours gym.
• Mentor and manage the coaching and teaching team.
• Prepare an annual competition calendar for all squads and lead coaches and team managers at swim meets.
• Plan and organise annual warm weather training camp and away meets supported by a sub-committee of parents.
• Work closely with the committee and other volunteers to ensure effective communication to all members.
• Liaise with parents on matters relating to club and swimmers’ development.
• Liaise closely with pool operators, Treasurer and wider committee to forecast and manage budgets.

The Role:

• This is a full-time position to cover pool and land coaching, planning, admin and attendance at competitions.
• A competitive salary based on experience with future salary increases being based on performance in the pool and contributing to the successful management of the club.
• Interviews are scheduled to take place the week beginning Monday 2nd September with a view to the successful candidate being in post as soon as possible after that.

How to apply

Please send a letter of application and CV to Fiona Critchlow, via the apply button, by the above closing date. 

For an informal chat contact Fiona via the same method or on the number below.

Contact phone

07905 336744