At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop swimmers to reach their full potential in a high-performing environment.
- Company: Join GLL, the UK's largest leisure operator and a values-driven social enterprise.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working options, and extensive learning support.
- Other info: Be part of a community-focused team with opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on athletes' lives while advancing your coaching career.
- Qualifications: Level 2 Coaching Award and proven experience coaching at regional/national levels required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
GLL is looking for a Head Coach for the Barnet Training Scheme, to work in Barnet. We are looking for an ambitious Head Coach with a proven track record to take over the leadership of the Barnet Training Scheme. As our new Head Coach, you will have the unique opportunity to work alongside the existing lead for the first year to ensure a smooth transition before taking full oversight of the program. This is an exciting role for a Head Coach dedicated to developing all swimmers to reach their full potential within a high-performing squad environment.
GLL works in partnership with Barnet Copthall Swimming Club, providing training facilities, water time, and coaches. The scheme provides for all levels of competitive swimming with 2 performance groups, 4 development groups, 5 competitive/development/fitness groups, and a High-level Masters Group all based at Barnet Copthall Leisure Centre. We also have 4 competitive/development/fitness groups based between Finchley Lido and New Barnet Leisure Centres.
The Club had 12 swimmers at GB Aquatics Next Generation Championships in 2025 and had 18 swimmers at the Swim England Summer Championships.
What you'll do:
- Develop and oversee seasonal training plans and squad structures with clear progression criteria.
- Lead, plan, and deliver high-quality coaching sessions for Performance groups.
- Oversee and develop all coaches in the program to ensure a consistent coaching approach.
- Manage the competition calendar and support athletes at galas, meets, and championships.
- Communicate effectively with swimmers, parents, and the Committee, providing required reports.
What you need:
- Minimum ASA/UKCC Level 2 Coaching Award or Swim England Swimming Coach Certificate.
- Proven experience coaching swimmers to regional and national standards.
- Experience as a Head Coach working with club committees and pool operators.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
- Good knowledge of long-term athlete development principles.
This is a Full-time, permanent position. Hours of work will be negotiated with you in line with the needs of the service; flexible working may be possible, but working from home is not possible in this role. We are an accredited Living Wage employer with industry-leading rates of pay. We can offer a career, not just a job, with extensive Learning & development support available. A uniform will be supplied and must be worn.
GLL is Values Driven, not Profit Driven. We work hard to benefit the communities we operate in. As a staff-owned organisation, you will be given the opportunity to join the Society and have a stake in your business.
Additionally, GLL offers employees a range of employment benefits:
- Access to a pension scheme.
- Health Assurance and access to Counselling services.
- Access to the tax-efficient Ride to Work bicycle purchase scheme.
- Free annual eye tests.
- Discounted nationwide (over 200 centres) inclusive leisure centre membership for you and your partner.
About GLL:
As the UK's largest leisure operator and charitable social enterprise, we offer a range of careers for everyone in our local communities. We manage over 400 facilities across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, including public sport and leisure centres, elite sporting venues, libraries, and children's centres. Our people are from the communities we serve and help us make real changes in their local area.
We are an inclusive employer. We seek and welcome diversity in our teams. All pay rates are subject to skills, experience, qualifications, and location.
Head Coach in Belfast employer: GLL
GLL is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for the Head Coach role at the Barnet Training Scheme. With a commitment to employee development and a values-driven culture, GLL provides extensive learning support, competitive pay, and a range of benefits including discounted leisure memberships and health assurance. As a staff-owned organisation, you will have a stake in the business and the chance to make a meaningful impact in your community while working alongside passionate colleagues in a high-performing environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Coach in Belfast
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Communities
Dive into your local sports scene! Attend community games, coaching sessions, and meet-ups. Building relationships with coaches and team managers can help you uncover job opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Leverage Internships and Volunteering
Even though you’re after a full-time role, don’t underestimate internships or volunteering in sports organisations. These positions not only give you hands-on experience but can also lead to permanent openings. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to make your face known in the industry!
✨Visit Sports Job Fairs
Keep an eye out for sports job fairs and career expos specific to the recreation management field. These events are goldmines for meeting hiring managers from organisations like GLL. Bring your A-game and be ready to chat about how you can contribute to their team!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out openings on our site! Our listings will often include positions at excellent organisations in sports recreation management, including GLL. Applying directly through our platform increases your chances of getting noticed by recruiters. Let's get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Coach in Belfast
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.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, focus on any relevant internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs related to sports and recreation management. Make sure to quantify your achievements – did you increase team participation by a certain percentage or successfully lead a project? Numbers speak volumes!
Tailor Your CV for Sports Management:Use a CV format that emphasises your skills in leadership, teamwork, and event coordination. Don’t forget to include specific training or certifications that relate to sports management, as these can set you apart from other applicants. We love seeing candidates with relevant qualifications!
Express Your Long-Term Goals:In your application, we want to see your career aspirations in sports management. Don’t hesitate to include how you envision your future in this industry and how joining GLL aligns with those goals. We’re looking for candidates who are not just a perfect fit for the role but are also excited about growing with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at GLL
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with GLL, 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.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
This role is all about managing resources and people, so be ready to discuss your leadership and organisational skills. Prepare some examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a project, particularly in a sports or recreation setting. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to make your answers concise and impactful.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect case studies or scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. You might be asked how you would handle a tricky situation, such as resolving a conflict between team members or managing a crisis during a major event. Think through these scenarios and practice how you’d articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Demonstrate Enthusiasm for Team Collaboration
In the sports and recreation management field, teamwork is essential. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you work within a team and foster a collaborative environment. Share success stories where teamwork led to a positive outcome, emphasising how you built relationships and encouraged participation among team members to achieve a common goal.
