Deputy Head Coach

Grantham Swim Club (GSC), based in Lincolnshire, is looking for a Deputy Head Coach.

Responsible To: Head Coach, GSC

Location:Meres Leisure Centre, Grantham with travel to competitions, camps, schools, colleges and community events as required.

Hours:Part-time, up to 24 hours per week. Flexible working pattern including mornings, evenings and weekends where necessary.

Salary:Competitively rated depending on experience and qualifications plus performance-based bonus, restricted travel expenses, work phone and laptop. Pension contributions in line with government Nest Compliance.

Purpose of the Role

The GSC Deputy Head Coach will support the Head Coach in delivering a high-quality swimming programme that develops competitive swimmers at all levels, promotes athlete welfare, supports coach development, ensures effective session planning and preparation and actively promotes competitive swimming throughout the local community. The role will help strengthen recruitment pathways and enhance GSC’s profile within schools, colleges and community organisations.

Key Responsibilities

Coaching and Athlete Development:

• Deliver high-quality coaching sessions across designated squads.
• Assist in planning and implementing annual and seasonal training programmes.
• Monitor swimmer development and progression.
• Support athlete goal setting and performance reviews.
• Promote excellent attendance, discipline and commitment standards.
• Foster a positive, inclusive and athlete-centred training environment.

Session Planning and Preparation:

• Prepare and plan all assigned coaching sessions in advance to ensure safe, effective and progressive delivery.
• Develop session plans aligned with the club's annual, seasonal and squad-specific objectives.
• Ensure training activities are appropriate to the age, ability and stage of development of swimmers.
• Evaluate session outcomes and adapt plans based on athlete performance and progression.
• Work collaboratively with the Head Coach and coaching team to ensure consistency across all squads and pathways.
• Maintain appropriate records relating to training plans, attendance and athlete development.

Competition and Event Support:

• Attend competitions, championships, training camps and representative events as required.
• Provide coaching support, athlete supervision and performance feedback during competitions.
• Assist with competition planning, team selection and event preparation.
• Represent the club professionally at all local, regional and national events.
• Work closely with the Head Coach to balance competition attendance and coaching commitments.

Coach Development and Leadership:

• Support and mentor assistant coaches and volunteer coaching staff.
• Share good coaching practice and contribute to coach education initiatives.
• Assist with the recruitment, induction and development of coaching personnel.
• Act as a positive role model for swimmers, coaches and volunteers.

Community Engagement and Club Promotion:

• Act as a positive ambassador for GSC within the local community.
• Develop and maintain productive relationships with local primary schools, secondary schools, colleges and community organisations.
• Promote the benefits and opportunities of competitive swimming to young people, parents and educational establishments.
• Support recruitment initiatives designed to attract new swimmers into the club's development and competitive pathways.
• Attend school visits, sports fairs, open evenings, community events and promotional activities as required.
• Work with the Committee and Head Coach to increase awareness and participation in competitive swimming across the Grantham area.
• Identify and encourage talented swimmers to progress into the club's competitive programme.
• Support the club's communication, marketing and social media activities where appropriate.
• Assist in developing partnerships that enhance the club's visibility, membership growth and community impact.

Administration:

• Maintain accurate coaching, attendance and athlete development records.
• Contribute to programme planning, reporting and performance reviews.
• Support communication with swimmers, parents, volunteers and club officials.
• Assist with governance, compliance and operational requirements.

Safeguarding and Welfare:

• Promote a safe, inclusive and positive environment for all participants.
• Comply with Swim England WavePower safeguarding guidance and club policies.
• Maintain an enhanced DBS certificate and all required safeguarding qualifications.
• Report welfare concerns promptly and appropriately in accordance with club procedures.

Professional Development:

• Undertake continuous professional development to maintain and enhance coaching competence.
• Attend workshops, conferences and coach education opportunities.
• Maintain relevant coaching qualifications and professional memberships.
• Seek opportunities to contribute to regional and national swimming development programmes

Person Specification

Essential

Qualifications:

• Swim England Swimming Coach Certificate/ASA Level 2 Coaching Award (or equivalent qualification).
• Current safeguarding and child protection training.
• Enhanced DBS clearance suitable for regulated activity.
• First Aid qualification.
• NRASTC / Lifeguard qualification.

Experience:

• Coaching competitive swimmers.
• Planning and delivering structured swimming training sessions.
• Working within a club performance pathway.
• Communicating effectively with athletes, parents and volunteers.

Knowledge:

• Understanding of long-term athlete development principles.
• Knowledge of Swim England competition structures and regulations.
• Understanding of safeguarding, welfare and duty of care responsibilities.
• Understanding of effective session planning and athlete progression.

Skills:

• Excellent coaching and technical swimming knowledge.
• Strong organisational, planning and time-management skills.
• Ability to prepare, deliver and evaluate a structured training programme.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to motivate, inspire and engage swimmers of all ages.
• Ability to build positive relationships with schools, colleges, parents and community stakeholders.
• Effective team-working and leadership skills.
• Competence in basic administration and recordkeeping.

Personal Attributes:

• Professional, reliable and approachable.
• Positive and enthusiastic attitude.
• Flexible and adaptable.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and learning.
• Passion for developing swimmers and promoting competitive swimming.
• Strong ambassadorial qualities and commitment to representing the club positively.

Desirable

Qualifications:

• Swim England Level 3 Senior Coach qualification.

Personal Attributes

• Ability to develop innovative swimming programmes that increases participation and membership growth.
• Strong commitment to building community partnerships and promoting the sport of swimming.

Key Performance Indicators:

• Swimmer progression (including merit-based results) and retention
• Quality and consistency of coaching delivery
• Contribution to the achievement of the club's strategic objectives
• Effectiveness of session planning and preparation
• Athlete, parent and volunteer feedback
• Development and support of coaching staff
• Growth in club membership and recruitment
• Number and quality of school, college and community engagement activities delivered
• Compliance with safeguarding and governance requirements

Closing date for application – As above

How to apply

Please submit interest and related correspondence toChristian Gleave,  Chairman, via the apply button. Submit a covering letter expressing interest in the role and a personal CV.

Contact phone

07961614520