At a Glance
- Tasks: Coach performance swimmers and deliver high-quality training sessions.
- Company: Join the University of Stirling, a leader in sporting excellence.
- Benefits: Full-time role with professional development and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Diverse workplace committed to inclusion and athlete welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on athletes' journeys and foster a positive culture.
- Qualifications: Recognised swimming coaching qualification and experience in competitive environments.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The post holder will take responsibility for a designated group of performance swimmers while contributing to the delivery of the High-Performance training groups (HP1 & HP2). Working within the performance pathways of the University of Stirling and Scottish Swimming, the Performance Development Swimming Coach will play a central role in the planning, delivery, and evaluation of training programmes. This includes supporting competition preparation and ensuring coaching practice aligns with agreed technical frameworks and pathway standards. In addition, the role will contribute to the continued development of a high-quality, performance-focused training environment, fostering a positive and ambitious culture that strengthens the University’s reputation as a leading centre for athlete development.
The post holder will work in alignment with the Scottish Swimming national pathway, helping to provide clear progression opportunities and consistent support for swimmers at key stages of their development. Working collaboratively with the wider coaching and performance support team, the individual will assist in the design, implementation, and ongoing review of an integrated swimming programme that balances performance objectives with the academic commitments, lifestyle needs, and wellbeing of squad members. The post holder will report directly to the Head of Performance Swimming and will maintain close professional liaison with the Scottish Swimming National Coach to ensure strategic and operational alignment.
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We particularly encourage applications from women, who are currently underrepresented in the area of performance swim coaching. Our recruitment process is designed to be fair, inclusive, and focused on finding talented people from a wide range of backgrounds. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and are committed to providing equal opportunities throughout the hiring process.
Description of Duties
- Coaching Delivery & Athlete Development
- Plan, deliver, and review high‑quality training sessions for an allocated group of performance swimmers, in line with agreed programme objectives ensuring that session planning and delivery align with the overall programme set by the head coach.
- Assist in the delivery of training for the High-Performance groups (HP1 & HP2), supporting session delivery, athlete monitoring, and feedback processes.
- Apply Scottish Swimming pathway principles, long‑term athlete development frameworks, and evidence-based coaching practice.
- Support competition preparation, race execution, and post‑competition review processes.
- Maintain accurate training records and contribute to athlete monitoring and review documentation.
- Work collaboratively with the University of Stirling swimming coaching team to ensure alignment of technical, physical, and behavioural standards.
- Contribute to training camps, competition delivery, and programme activities as required.
- Support athlete transition points within the university and national pathway system.
- Multi-Disciplinary Working
- Work effectively within an integrated performance support environment, engaging with practitioners in strength & conditioning, sport science, medicine, nutrition, psychology, and physiotherapy.
- Contribute to multidisciplinary discussions regarding athlete development, training load, and performance planning, under senior staff guidance.
- Partnership & Pathway Alignment
- Liaise appropriately with Scottish Swimming staff, including the National Coach and performance team personnel, to ensure alignment with national performance priorities.
- Operate within agreed governance and performance frameworks.
- Professional Development
- Engage fully in a structured coach development programme, including mentoring, observation, reflection, and performance review.
- Maintain a reflective coaching log and contribute to agreed development objectives across the three‑year appointment.
- Actively seek feedback from senior coaches and practitioners to support progression.
- Undertake agreed CPD, education, and learning opportunities aligned to career progression within performance sport.
- Safeguarding, Welfare & Compliance
- Ensure all coaching activity is delivered in line with safeguarding, athlete welfare, equality, diversity and inclusion, and health & safety policies.
- Promote a positive, athlete‑centred, and inclusive performance culture.
- Maintain up‑to‑date safeguarding qualifications and comply with all relevant university and governing body policies.
Essential Criteria
- Qualifications
- Hold a recognised swimming coaching qualification (equivalent to UKCC Level 2 minimum or equivalent coaching qualification/experience).
- Commitment to personal learning and professional development.
- Skills, Training & Knowledge
- Sound technical knowledge of competitive swimming.
- Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with athletes, coaches, and support staff.
- Organised approach to planning, preparation, and review – Understanding of athlete‑centred coaching principles.
- Appropriate IT skills, competent with MS products.
- Experience
- Experience coaching competitive swimmers within a club, university or performance‑focused environment.
- Experience assisting with structured training programmes and session planning.
- Exposure to performance or pathway‑level athletes.
- Other
- Ability to work effectively within a team and accept guidance from senior staff.
- High standards of professionalism, integrity, and reliability.
- Strong alignment with athlete welfare and ethical coaching practice.
- Satisfactory PVG, Disclosure Scotland background checks, and verified relevant references.
Desirable Criteria
- Qualifications
- Degree in sport or coaching related subject.
- Skills, Training & Knowledge
- Regular attendance at swimming, coaching, leadership, or other relevant sport related conferences, seminars and workshops.
- Solid understanding of the Scottish and British competitive swimming pathways, programmes, competitions and development systems.
- Experience
- Experience working within a multi‑disciplinary performance sport environment.
- Familiarity with Scottish Swimming and Aquatics GB pathway structures.
- Experience assisting at regional or national performance camps or competitions.
- Exposure to performance or pathway‑level athletes.
- Experience of working within the Higher Education Sector.
- Other
- Current Driving Licence.
- Understanding of the barriers that can affect participation and progression for women and girls in sport.
- Experience acting as a role model or mentor for female athletes or coaches.
Additional Information
- Full time Fixed term for 3 years.
- The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 02 August 2026.
- Interviews are expected to take place on Wednesday 19 August 2026.
- There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.
- This role will require a membership of the PVG scheme.
- An offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory outcome of this process.
- This role is not eligible for sponsorship.
- Applicants require to have existing right to work in the UK.
The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.
About Us
As Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence and The Times Sports University of the Year 2020, sport is part of the DNA at the University of Stirling. The deliverables build on the philosophy of the first Chancellor, Lord Robbins, when he spoke of ‘education with a purpose’. Our impact, contribution and ambition is purposeful in everything we do, aligned to our status as one of the top sporting institutions in the UK. 2025/26 has been another great year for sport at the University of Stirling. The success, prowess and reputation of sport at Stirling is setting standards across the sector and the inspirational performances of our elite athletes on the world’s biggest sporting stages, is complemented by the buzz of activity in the new sports facilities. Engagement levels are high, feedback is excellent and sport is contributing significantly to the health, wellbeing and experience of students, staff and community. We don't want to rest on our laurels, and we will continue to set the standards for everyone else to follow. It is within this context that we will always challenge ourselves and seek to really make impact.
Performance Development Swimming Coach in Stirling employer: British Universities & Colleges Sport (Bucs)
British Dressage is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Meriden, West Midlands. With a strong commitment to employee development and a culture that values diversity, the Training & Education Coordinator will have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful educational initiatives while enjoying the flexibility of hybrid working. The organisation fosters a supportive atmosphere where employees can thrive, making it an ideal place for those passionate about advancing their careers in sports education.
Contact Details:
British Universities & Colleges Sport (Bucs) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Performance Development Swimming Coach in Stirling
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We think you need these skills to ace Performance Development Swimming Coach in Stirling
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sports:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sports and recreation shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in the industry and how it's shaped your career choices. Sharing specific experiences, like managing a team or organising an event, can really make you stand out.
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How to prepare for a job interview at British Universities & Colleges Sport (Bucs)
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with British Universities & Colleges Sport (Bucs), make sure to express your genuine love for sports and recreation. Share experiences that showcase your passion, whether it's managing a local sports team, organising events, or simply being an active participant in various activities. This helps them see you're not just a fit on paper, but also someone who truly cares about the field.
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