Performance Development Swim Coach in Stirling

Post

The post holder will be responsible for a designated group of performance swimmers while contributing to the delivery of the High‑Performance training groups (HP1 & HP2) within the University of Stirling and Scottish Swimming. They will play a central role in planning, delivering and evaluating training programmes, supporting competition preparation and ensuring coaching practice aligns with agreed technical frameworks and pathway standards.

Responsibilities

• Plan, deliver and review high‑quality training sessions for an allocated group of performance swimmers in line with agreed programme objectives.
• 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.
• Collaborate 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.
• 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.
• Liaise 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.
• 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 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.

Qualifications

• Hold a recognised swimming coaching qualification (equivalent to UKCC Level 2 minimum or equivalent).
• 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 Requirements

• 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

• Degree in sport or coaching related subject.
• Regular attendance at swimming, coaching, leadership or other relevant sports conferences, seminars and workshops.
• Solid understanding of the Scottish and British competitive swimming pathways, programmes, competitions and development systems.
• 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.
• Experience of working within the Higher Education sector.
• 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.

Job Details

• Full‑time position.
• Fixed term for 3 years.
• Work is expected to be undertaken in the UK.
• Membership of the PVG scheme required. Offer of employment subject to satisfactory outcome of the process.
• Not eligible for sponsorship. Applicants must have existing right to work in the UK.

Equal Opportunities

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. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and are committed to providing equal opportunities throughout the hiring process.

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.

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