Director of Swimming and Aquatics Manager
Are you an elite-level aquatics coach driven to build a nationally competitive swimming squad, while possessing the commercial mindset to make that programme self-sustaining?
Bede’s is seeking a dual-role Director of Swimming & Aquatics Manager to transform our schools into a premier performance hub. This role is a rare and exciting blend of high-performance sports leadership and strategic facility management. You will be responsible for elevating our elite swimming programme to attract top-tier student-athletes, while intelligently optimising our pool time to drive revenue through internal swim schools, premium holiday camps, and community partnerships. Ultimately, you will turn our aquatics infrastructure into a beacon of swimming excellence that funds its own ambition.
Key Responsibilities
In this role, you will be responsible for the day-to-day operational and strategic management of Bede's aquatics facilities across the Trust
On the poolside, you will design and implement elite training cycles, prepare our top-tier athletes for regional and national championships, and foster an uncompromising culture of high-performance athletic excellence across the Trust.
You will actively utilise the performance swimming programme as a strategic recruitment tool, working alongside the Admissions team to attract student-athletes.
A key part of your remit involves designing and executing a Matrix Timetable that expertly balances the priorities of the School’s curriculum, our internal Swim School, preferred external clubs, and highly profitable commercial lettings.
Beyond the poolside coaching, you will drive the commercial sustainability of the department. You will support the Swim staff in maximising daytime hours with grassroots classes, launch holiday swim clinics, and manage operational costs
By ensuring the aquatics department runs as a professional, self-sustaining department, you will create a unified aquatics culture from learn to swim to the elite level, all while maintaining strict adherence to health, safety, and safeguarding protocols
The Ideal Candidate
The successful candidate will be a highly qualified swim coach who possesses the commercial acumen required to run a self-sustaining aquatics centre.
We are looking for an ambitious leader whose technical credibility, tactical knowledge, and proven track record can put Bede's athletes on regional and national podiums. You must also understand the mechanics needed to fund and grow that success, bringing a proactive approach to our facility usage. You must be self-motivated, building strong relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, from learn to swim, highly driven swimmers to our external community partners.
Your communication style should inspire confidence and reflect Bede's premium brand value in the community. You will be a highly organised professional who can manage and maintain an unwavering dedication to safeguarding, pool plant safety, and operational excellence.
Requirements
Essential: Recognised elite coaching qualification, an entrepreneurial mindset with an understanding of revenue generation, and a proven track record of developing high-performance swim programmes
Desirable: Experience managing a commercial swim school, holiday camps, or a leisure facility. High-level understanding of pool plant operations and NPLQ.
Location: Bede’s Trust (Upper Dicker / Eastbourne)
This is a Full Time, Permanent position, 52 weeks per year, 40 hours per week, with a working rota to be discussed at interview.
Offering an attractive salary between £37,000 -£40,000 per annum (dependent on experience)along with a range of staff benefits including:
A fantastic holiday allowance of 30 days plus bank holidays (full time equivalent)
A generous company pension with salary exchange options
Employee Assistance Programme
Retail Discounts
Aviva Digital GP app - swift and convenient access to a GP via video consultation
Free use of School gym & pool facilities/discounted nationwide gym membership,
Refer a Friend Scheme
Beneficiary Nominations (Death in Service),
Complimentary Lunch provided
Free onsite parking at the Senior School.
We welcome applications from all sectors of the community as we aspire to attract staff that match the social and cultural diversity of our community. We consider the most important factor to be the right skills, abilities and attitude for the job which will ultimately improve the well‑being and education of the pupils.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact recruitment@bedes.org . Please note that we are unable to accept CV’s, applicants must add their full education and employment history to their application.
Application Closing Date: Monday 9th November 2026 at 8am.
Bede’s Trust is committed to building a truly inclusive school and cultivating a culture of equality, diversity and kindness. We believe that a diverse staff body reflects and supports the diversity of our pupils and wider society. We are an equal opportunity employer and in recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of your education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expressions, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, colour, religion, disability, sexual orientation and beliefs.
Bede’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and an Enhanced DBS check .
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Director of Swimming and Aquatics Manager in Herstmonceux employer: BEDE
Bede’s offers a vibrant and supportive environment for music educators, where you can inspire the next generation of musicians in a thriving Music Department. With competitive hourly rates, generous benefits including a pension scheme, access to gym facilities, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, Bede’s is dedicated to fostering both professional growth and personal well-being. Join us in a role that not only values technical excellence but also nurtures a genuine love for performance among students.
