Head Coach in Walsall

Head Coach in Walsall

Walsall Freelance 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Swim England

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and inspire a talented coaching team while developing swimmers to reach their full potential.
  • Company: Chase Swimming Club, a competitive and inclusive club with a strong family atmosphere.
  • Benefits: Self-employed role with competitive fees and opportunities for professional development.
  • Other info: Flexible hours including early mornings, evenings, and weekends; dynamic environment.
  • Why this job: Make a lasting impact on young athletes' lives and progress your coaching career.
  • Qualifications: Swim England coaching certificates and proven experience in developing swimmers.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

Chase Swimming Club, based in Staffordshire, has an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and experienced Head Coach to lead our team within an established and successful club with excellent potential. We are a competitive club affiliated with Swim England. Established in the 1970s, the club provides swimming opportunities from Learn to Swim through to Masters level. We have developed swimmers who have achieved success at Club, County, Regional, and National levels. In 2026, Chase Swimming Club was proud to be awarded Top Club at the Staffordshire County Relay Competition, reflecting the strength and depth of our programme. The club has also developed a new squad structure for the 2027 season, which will be available for review by prospective candidates.

About the Role

We are seeking a motivated and forward-thinking Head Coach with proven experience in developing swimmers across age groups to at least regional level and beyond. As Head Coach, you will take overall responsibility for leading, developing, and inspiring the coaching team and swimmers, ensuring the club continues to progress and achieve its full potential. You will work closely with the Junior Coach, Committee, and wider volunteer team to deliver a clear vision aligned with the club’s ethos. You will play a key role in fostering a positive, inclusive environment where swimmers of all abilities are encouraged to enjoy and benefit from swimming while achieving their personal goals.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide leadership, direction, and support to the coaching team
  • Develop and implement a structured, long-term coaching programme aligned with athlete development principles
  • Lead the design of annual training plans and competition calendars
  • Oversee swimmer progression across squads, ensuring effective transitions
  • Review and implement the club’s new squad structure for the 2027 season
  • Set performance goals for swimmers aiming for County, Regional, and National success
  • Attend competitions (Open Meets, Counties, Regionals, Nationals) and club championships
  • Build strong relationships with swimmers, parents, and club stakeholders through effective communication
  • Monitor participation levels and implement strategies to encourage engagement
  • Ensure all coaching practices meet Swim England safeguarding (Wavepower) and Health & Safety requirements
  • Work with the Committee on governance, safety, and strategic development
  • Oversee risk management processes, including Emergency including EAP, NOP, and incident reporting

Skills and Experience:

  • Proven experience as a coach developing swimmers to at least regional level (national-level experience desirable)
  • Strong leadership and team management skills
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
  • High-level technical knowledge across all strokes, starts, turns, and finishes
  • Experience in planning and delivering cyclical training programmes
  • Understanding of training needs for sprinters, middle-distance, and distance swimmers
  • Knowledge of strength & conditioning, flexibility, and injury prevention (desirable)
  • Swim England Swimming Coach Certificate/ASA Level 2 Award minimum; Senior Coach Certificate/Level 3 Award desirable or willingness to work towards
  • Highly organised with strong administrative and planning skills
  • Flexible and reliable, including attending early mornings, evenings, and weekends

Working Hours

This is classed as a part-time role. All senior sessions to be attended, including ad hoc Junior and Academy sessions for review of the squads. All session times and locations of training are available on our website. This would include early mornings, evenings, weekends, competitions, and associated administration/planning.

Message from the Committee

We are excited to welcome a new Head Coach to lead our talented and dedicated coaching team. Chase Swimming Club is a high-performing, welcoming, and inclusive club with a strong family atmosphere. Our swimmers, coaches, and supporters are passionate and committed, and this role offers a fantastic opportunity to make a lasting impact on the club’s future success while progressing your own coaching career. You will receive full support from the Committee, opportunities for professional development aligned with both your ambitions and the club’s needs.

Additional Information

This position is offered on a self-employed basis. Remuneration includes fees for coaching sessions, Open Meets, and galas, along with approved expenses. Full details will be discussed with shortlisted candidates.

How to apply

Please submit the following via the apply button:

  • A comprehensive CV
  • Two references

Contact phone: 07912290045

Head Coach in Walsall employer: Swim England

Chase Swimming Club is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive environment where you can lead a passionate coaching team and inspire swimmers of all ages. Located in Walsall, the club not only boasts a rich history of competitive success but also provides ample opportunities for professional development, ensuring that your coaching career can flourish while making a meaningful impact on the lives of our athletes.

Swim England

Contact Details:

Swim England Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Coach in Walsall

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We think you need these skills to ace Head Coach in Walsall

Leadership Skills
Team Management
Communication Skills
Interpersonal Abilities
Technical Knowledge of Swimming Strokes
Training Programme Planning
Understanding of Swimmer Development

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