Performance Development Swimming Coach

Job Description

The Post

The post holder will take responsibility for a designated group of performance swimmers 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 Coaching Delivery & Athlete Development

• 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

Programme Contribution

• 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