Water Polo - Under 18 National Squad Assistant Team Manager

The National Squad Assistant Team Manager plays a key role within Scottish Water Polo (SWP) by supporting the Team Manager and a National Squad and its athletes across the water polo development pathways. The purpose of the role is to deputise and support the Team Manager to ensure that the squad operates within a consistent, safe, and well-governed framework that reflects Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water Polo standards.

The postholder will act as one of the primary points of contact and trusted support for athletes, offering guidance, helping them navigate team challenges, and ensuring they feel equipped, valued, and connected to the team. Success in this role is ensuring a collaborative approach with other National Squad Team Managers and Assistant Team Managers, sharing learning and best practices to foster a collaborative culture and ensure strong teams.

This role works collaboratively with Coach roles to ensure the efficient operation of the National squad and effective and clear communication with the squad athletes.

Assist in coordination and support of all coaches and squad members, providing updates, insight, and governance oversight on behalf of the squad. Support national team competition planning, working with other Team Managers, League Coordinators, Finance Managers, and the Wellbeing Protection Officer to avoid clashes and ensure compliance with safety and wellbeing protocols. Ensure all SS/SWP compliance requirements are met for domestic and international events (PVGs, international permits, medical consent forms, risk assessments, travel documentation, etc.). Ensure appropriate conduct and standard across all squad volunteers and athletes in line with SWP and Scottish Swimming policies e.g. Athlete Agreement, Team Manager Code of Conduct, Coaches Code of Conduct, Team Manager Handbook, event licenses and pool passes policy.

Act as a key point of contact, alongside Team Manager, for all National Squad athletes, offering guidance, problem-solving support, and a safe space to raise concerns or seek advice. Support recruitment activities for other roles required in the squad as necessary. Work with the Team Manager and Lead National Team Manager if required to support the Team Manager development programme, participating in communities of practice to enable consistency, training, qualification pathways, and succession planning across squads. Participate in volunteer working groups to support projects and operational needs as required by the squad or wider Team Managers network. Help manage squad concerns, complaints, and wellbeing issues, working closely with the Wellbeing & Protection Officer and Team Manager.

Work collaboratively with the Coaches who will identify the event and competition opportunities and contacts for the TMs to then lead all logistics for squad activities, including travel arrangements, accommodation, insurance, meals/dietary requirements and event planning. Help keep parents updated on all details of meets/camps and be the key responsible person for all team members whilst travelling or away. Attend pre and post meet briefings as required with/on behalf of TM. Help submit international permits and ensure all required paperwork is completed ahead of competitions. Support any liaisons, in line with the TM, with the SWP Finance Coordinator to ensure budgets, fees, and accounts are managed appropriately and in line with compliance standards. Support to ensure squad needs such as kit requirements, equipment, and facility access/pool passes are met. Support the TM in responding to enquiries from prospective players, parents, and clubs, signposting appropriately.

Work with TM to provide monthly reports to Lead National TM. Ensure competition reports are completed and submitted following events. Maintain clear collaborative communication channels across coaches, officials, and Scottish Swimming. Participate as a squad leader by creating squads’ annual development plans. To be point of contact, if required, for appropriate public relations, and pass team results onto relevant media contacts when necessary.

• Great organisational and communication skills.
• Reliable, trustworthy, and able to maintain confidentiality.
• Approachable, supportive, friendly and able to motivate volunteers.
• Strong problem-solving ability and calm under pressure.
• Understanding of sports competition structures (water polo preferred, but team sport experience essential).

• PVG Scheme membership.
• Completion of a Self-Declaration.
• Be a Scottish Swimming Member.
• Valid Child Wellbeing and Protection in Sport qualification.
• Attendance at relevant training.
• Minimum two years’ experience as a Team Manager.

• Child Wellbeing and Protection in Sport Workshop (renewable every 3 years).
• Online Team Manager Community on Hive Learning.