Head Coach

Carn Brea and Helston Swimming Club (CBHSC), based in the west of Cornwall, is seeking an inspiring and highly motivated Head Coach to build on the club's strong foundations. The successful candidate will bring fresh ideas, strategic thinking and a forward-looking approach. This is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact within a growing and developing club and to help shape its future direction.

About us

CBHSC is a friendly, inclusive and ambitious Swim England-Affiliated Club with approximately 150 swimmers. We offer a structured pathway supporting all swimmers from early development stages (Learn to Swim Stages 6-7) through to competitive pathways at county, regional and national levels. We pride ourselves on having a welcoming and supportive club culture as well as a dedicated team of volunteers, coaches and committee members. Our main ambition is to grow participation and performance across all levels through a strong focus on swimmer development and enjoyment. As such, our goal is to provide a high-quality, structured pathway that enables every swimmer to achieve their full potential.

The Role

As Head Coach, you will provide leadership across the entire swimming programme, shaping and delivering a clear development pathway aligned with long-term athlete development principles. You will plan, implement, review and continuously improve teaching and coaching programmes to enable all swimmers to fulfil their potential, while fostering a positive, inclusive and motivating environment. You will also lead our strong teaching and coaching team, who are supported by the committee and club volunteers. This is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact within a growing and developing club and to help shape its future direction.

Key responsibilities:

Programme Leadership and Delivery:

• Prepare the Club’s Annual Plan
• Design and deliver progressive, individualised training plans across the full annual cycle
• Oversee the club’s full swimmer pathway from development to competitive squads, ensuring alignment with long term athlete development principles
• Plan and co-ordinate the annual competition calendar, in discussion with key committee members

Coaching and Athlete Development:

• Act as Lead Coach for a competitive squad
• Provide technical feedback, stroke correction and performance analysis.
• Attend competitions
• Work with swimmers to develop and implement race plans and ensure that analysis and feedback is transitioned into the training environment
• Support swimmers in setting, achieving and reviewing short- and long-term goals
• Motivate swimmers to improve performance and facilitate swimmer recruitment and retention
• Implement and oversee an effective strength and conditioning/land training programme

Team Leadership and Management:

• Lead, mentor and develop the coaching team
• Organise and chair regular coaching team meetings
• Manage coaching rotas, hours and CPD opportunities including future developments in swimming
• Ensure effective squad management, including swimmer progression and recruitment

Club and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Communicate effectively with swimmers and their parents, committee members, coaches and volunteers to grow working relationships
• Work collaboratively with strength and conditioning/land training providers
• Build positive relationships with neighbouring clubs, the County and Swim England

Compliance:

• Adhere to Wavepower as well as other relevant legal requirements and policies including GDPR, Health and Safety, and Equality and Diversity
• Promote a safe, inclusive and athlete-centred environment.

Essential Requirements:

• Hold a Swim England Senior Coaching Certificate or equivalent ASA Level 3 Coaching Award, although applications will be accepted from holders of the Swim England Swimming Coach Certificate, who are currently working towards the new Senior Swimming Coach Certificate, or who have significant experience in a similar role.
• Valid enhanced DBS and Safeguarding certificates
• Experience of coaching swimmers competing at a regional/national standard

Skills and Experience:

• Proven ability to plan and deliver structured coaching programmes
• Strong technical knowledge of stroke mechanics, training principles and competition preparation
• Experience in leading and mentoring coaching teams
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent ICT and administrative skills

Personal Qualities

We are looking for someone who is:

• Energetic, enthusiastic and highly motivated
• A strong leader with the ability to inspire and develop swimmers and coaches
• Organised, proactive and a confident communicator
• Positive, forward-thinking and committed to continuous improvement
• A team player who thrives in a community club environment

Why join us?

This is a fantastic opportunity to:

• Lead and work alongside a knowledgeable, supportive, and collaborative coaching team
• Develop swimmers across all levels in a supportive environment
• Help shape the future of a growing Cornish swimming club
• Make a real difference in a community-focused setting

Location:  Carn Brea (Pool) and Helston, Cornwall

Approximately 10-16 hours pool-side coaching per week plus additional time for administration, planning and coach management. Attendance at weekend competitions will be required.

Competitive contract rates payable, dependant on experience. Additional financial support may be available for CPD and further coaching qualifications for the right candidate.

Closing Date: As above.  We reserve the right to close the application process early.

Interviews to commence WB 13th July 2026 and poolside assessment to follow.

How to apply

Candidates should apply to our Club Chair by using the apply button. Please include your CV, a covering letter outlining why you are interested in the role, and your previous experience by the above closing date.