Lead Watersports Instructor (Level 3) in Kingston upon Thames

We are Places for People Group, a social enterprise that believes it’s people that make a community. We build homes and deliver services so everyone in the community can thrive. At Places Leisure, part of Places for People, we are changing lives by creating active places and healthy people for communities to thrive, and we want to be the UK's leading health and wellbeing enabler.

About Albany Outdoors

Albany Outdoors is a unique, community‑embedded outdoor water sports centre. We are looking for an experienced Level 3 Watersports Instructor / Coach to play a key leadership role in delivering safe, inspiring, and accessible activity on the water. Working closely with the General Manager, you will lead the delivery of paddle sport, sailing and Dragon Boat sessions in a dynamic river environment, ensuring the highest standards of safety, care and professionalism in line with AALA and National Governing Body requirements. You will support and develop instructors and volunteers, model positive leadership, and help create welcoming, inclusive experiences for schools, community groups and corporate teams.

Your Role

In this role, you lead the daily operations of the water sports centre, acting as senior on‑site when needed and supervising instructors to ensure high‑quality delivery. You teach and facilitate outdoor learning in line with NGB standards, oversee safe daily activity delivery, and act as Fire Marshal, Health & Safety representative and first‑aider. You support training and development for staff and volunteers, prioritise safeguarding at all times, and use resources efficiently to maximise impact. You also handle administrative tasks such as bookings and staff scheduling, prepare staffing plans aligned to programme needs and embed a culture of self‑evaluation to drive continuous improvement.

Desired Qualifications (or working towards)

• Paddle UK Coach or Leader (Level 2 or Level 3)
• BDRA Level 1 Coach
• RYA Dinghy Instructor or Senior Dinghy Instructor
• RYA Powerboat Level 2
• Archery GB qualification
• ASI Level 1 Instructor Award
• Relevant First Aid qualification (outdoor / remote preferred)

About You

You hold a recognised Level 3 Youth Work or Children & Young People qualification and at least one nationally recognised outdoor activity qualification. You have experience engaging and building strong relationships with young people, supporting their personal and social development, and you’re confident leading teams in outdoor education to deliver high‑quality sessions. You’re well‑organised, an effective communicator and comfortable using digital tools. Ideally, you also bring experience embedding equality and diversity in practice and working with corporate clients to deliver excellent customer experiences.

Benefits

• Real Living Wage foundation alignment
• Bonus scheme for all colleagues at 2%
• Full Health & Fitness membership for you, a nominated adult and up to 4 juniors
• Flexible working (including part‑time, shift work and more)
• Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave
• Lots of opportunity to access ongoing personal learning and development
• Access to our Company Pension scheme
• Cashback plan for healthcare costs – up to £500 saving per year
• Discounts of up to 50% on activities, centre shop and cafes
• Extra perks including huge discounts and offers from shops, cinemas and much more

Next Steps

If you meet the criteria and are ready to make the next step in your career, apply through our simple 5‑minute application process. Upload a CV and a supporting statement that demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the role. If you have any questions, please email the recruitment team. We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application or interview experience, please let us know. We’re happy to work with you to ensure you have the opportunity to perform at your best.

Safeguarding

At Places for People, safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. We are committed to creating safe communities for our customers and colleagues by protecting children, young people, and adults at risk from harm, abuse and neglect. We follow robust safeguarding policies and procedures, ensuring all employees, volunteers and contractors uphold the highest standards of safeguarding and accountability. Our recruitment process includes pre‑employment checks, including DBS checks where applicable, to promote a safe and secure working environment. By joining Places for People, you are expected to contribute to our safeguarding culture, following our policies and reporting concerns to protect those in our communities.

Armed Forces

We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant. Places for People will guarantee an interview for any candidate who is serving or has formerly served in the Armed Forces, as a reservist, armed forces veteran (including the wounded, injured and sick), cadet instructor and military spouse/partner and who meets the essential criteria for the vacancy.

Disability Confident

We are proud to be a member of the Disability Confident scheme certified as Level 2 Disability Confident Employer. Disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for a vacancy will be guaranteed an interview. The Equality Act 2010 (Disability Discrimination Act 1995 for NI) defines a disabled person as someone who has a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long‑term negative effect on their ability to do daily activities.

Neurodivergent

Neurodiverse individuals have highly valuable skills, and we recognise that a traditional interview process sometimes works against them and doesn’t allow them to self‑advocate. Neurodiverse applicants who meet the criteria for a vacancy will be guaranteed an interview.