At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage daily operations and develop the swim school while ensuring high customer service levels.
- Company: Castle Point Borough Council is focused on enhancing community aquatic activities in Essex.
- Benefits: Opportunity for professional development through internal and external CPD training.
- Other info: Utilise advanced IT skills with Microsoft Office and Gladstone Plus2 systems.
- Why this job: Lead a dynamic team and drive growth in a community-focused swim academy.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing teams and knowledge of swimming instruction qualifications required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Castle Point Borough Council (Castle Point Active) in Essex is seeking a Swim Academy Lead to join the team. The Swim Academy Lead is responsible for the day‑to‑day management and long‑term development of the swim school and its teachers. This role aims to increase income and retain customers while delivering a high level of customer service.
Responsibilities
- Manage daily operations and long‑term development of the swim school to boost income and customer retention.
- Directly line‑manage the Swim Academy Instructor Team, including shift allocation, holiday/sickness cover and performance appraisals.
- Plan and deliver regular team meetings and internal CPD training for staff, whilst also planning external CPD training.
- Ensure all team qualifications are current and compliant with regulations.
- Work with wider teams, including the Customer Care and Business Support team, to ensure all administration tasks are complete in relation to the swim school.
- Drive income generation for the swim school and achieve growth KPIs.
- Strategically develop the swim programme in alignment with relevant business plans.
- Manage the scheduling and coordination of all classes on the Swim Academy Programme to maximise income.
- Enhance aquatic activities for the community, introducing and developing programmes including but not limited to Junior Lifeguard activities and advanced swim academies.
- Manage financial tasks, including working with wider teams to ensure customer fund collections and Direct Debits funds are taken successfully and ensuring employee costs remain within budget.
- Deliver swimming lessons when cover is needed, acting as a swimming instructor.
- Manage swimming lesson equipment, including maintenance, replacement, safety, and ordering new equipment.
- Ensure high levels of customer service, handle complaints and manage customer communications in regard to the Swim Academy.
- Lead the recruitment process for Swimming Instructors, arranging qualification training, conducting interviews, completing staff inductions and liaising with HR.
- Provide regular reports to the Recreational Leadership Team on Swim Academy performance, including but not limited to total swimmers, income, joiners, leavers, cancellations, and movement rates.
- Build and maintain strong internal relationships with the team and management, as well as external relationships with organisations including but not limited to the Swimming Teachers Association and local schools.
- Utilise advanced IT skills with Microsoft Office, Go Learn and Gladstone Plus2 systems.
- Assist with sales and tours, cross‑sell fitness services and contribute and develop customer journey planning and implementation.
- Provide cover for Duty Managers as needed.
- Analyse and interpret swim academy data to make strategic decisions on adding or removing classes to maximise sales and revenue.
- At the discretion of the leadership team, undertake other activities as, from time to time, may be agreed consistent with the grade and nature of the role.
Swim Academy Lead employer: Swim England
Join Castle Point Active in Essex, where you can enhance community engagement through aquatic programmes. Enjoy opportunities for professional development and work closely with local schools and organisations. The team is dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service and fostering a positive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Swim Academy Lead
✨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 Swim England. 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 Swim England. 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 Swim Academy Lead
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 Swim England 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 Swim England
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Swim England, 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.
