At a Glance
- Tasks: Coach and develop high-performance swimmers while delivering top-notch training sessions.
- Company: Join Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence, renowned for its elite swimming programme.
- Benefits: Full-time role with professional development opportunities and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace encouraging applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on athletes' journeys in a leading performance-focused setting.
- Qualifications: Recognised swimming coaching qualification and experience in competitive environments.
The predicted salary is between 37338 - 44962 £ per year.
As Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence, sport is not just something we do, it's who we are. The high performance swimming programme is currently recognised as one of the best in the world, and there is now the opportunity to apply for the Performance Development Swimming Coach role which will support delivery within the programme.
The post holder will take responsibility for a designated group of performance swimmers (HP3) while contributing to the delivery of the High-Performance training groups (HP1 & HP2). Working within the performance pathways of the University of Stirling and Scottish Swimming, the Performance Development Swimming Coach will play a central role in the planning, delivery, and evaluation of training programmes. This includes supporting competition preparation and ensuring coaching practice aligns with agreed technical frameworks and pathway standards.
In addition, the role will contribute to the continued development of a high-quality, performance-focused training environment, fostering a positive and ambitious culture that strengthens the University’s reputation as a leading centre for athlete development. The post holder will work in alignment with the Scottish Swimming national pathway, helping to provide clear progression opportunities and consistent support for swimmers at key stages of their development.
Working collaboratively with the wider coaching and performance support team, the individual will assist in the design, implementation, and ongoing review of an integrated swimming programme that balances performance objectives with the academic commitments, lifestyle needs, and wellbeing of squad members. The post holder will report directly to the Head of Performance Swimming and will maintain close professional liaison with the Scottish Swimming National Coach to ensure strategic and operational alignment.
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. Our recruitment process is designed to be fair, inclusive, and focused on finding talented people from a wide range of backgrounds. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and are committed to providing equal opportunities throughout the hiring process.
Description of Duties
- Plan, deliver, and review high-quality training sessions for an allocated group of performance swimmers, in line with agreed programme objectives ensuring that session planning and delivery align with the overall programme set by the head coach.
- 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.
- Work collaboratively 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.
Multi-Disciplinary Working
- 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.
Partnership & Pathway Alignment
- Liaise appropriately 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.
Professional Development
- 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 three-year 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 coaching qualification/experience).
- 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
- 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.
Additional Information
- Full time fixed term for 3 years.
- There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.
- This role will require a membership of the PVG scheme. An offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory outcome of this process.
- This role is not eligible for sponsorship. Applicants require to have existing right to work in the UK.
- 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.
Performance Development Swimming Coach: University of Stirling employer: Triathlonscotland
At sportscotland, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional development. With generous benefits such as hybrid working, 32 days of annual leave, and a commitment to equality and diversity, we empower our Performance Psychologists to thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact on Scotland's high-performance sport system.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Performance Development Swimming Coach: University of Stirling
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We think you need these skills to ace Performance Development Swimming Coach: University of Stirling
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 Triathlonscotland 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 Triathlonscotland
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Triathlonscotland, 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.
