Head Coach

Harpenden Swimming Club (HSC) based in Hertforshire is looking for a Head Coach.

HSC is a friendly and ambitious competitive swimming club,  proudly celebrating its 66th year.  We deliver high-quality coaching in a supportive and inclusive environment across all of our squads, from Development through to Performance Level. The Club operates a structured squad system and competes at local, county, regional and national levels. We are committed to inspiring swimmers to be the best through pool and land-based training that focuses on technique, skills and fitness. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real and lasting impact within a club that has strong foundations and genuine ambition for the future.

Role Overview

The Head Coach is responsible for working with the committee to set the performance targets in line with the strategic direction for the Club. They are responsible for overseeing the delivery of a full coaching programme for all squads, and supporting all swimmers to reach their full potential. 

Key Responsibilities

The Head Coach will be expected to: 

• Support the strategic direction and set the performance targets for the Club, leading the Annual Plan and SwimMark Action Plan.
• Design and manage a structured annual training and competition programme aligned to the British Swimming pathway supporting development of all swimmers.
• Lead and support the coaching team, development of coaching capability, and trainee development
• Look after the development of session planning, and cover within contracted hours.
• Oversee squad membership, swimmer assessments and progression to ensure appropriate squad placement across all squads, including land training.
• Attend competitions and training camps at all levels, working with the Meet Secretary to plan the calendar and submit entries.
• Engage regularly with swimmers, parents, the coaching team and the Club Committee to maintain strong communication throughout the Club.
• Work with Everyone Active to support the pipeline from the learn-to-swim programme into the Club.
• Uphold all Swim England policies, including Wavepower, Health and Safety procedures, Emergency Action Plan at all sites. And adhere to club safeguarding policies at all times.

Essential Requirements

The successful candidate must:

• Hold and maintain membership of the Institute of Swimming.
• Be committed to the safeguarding and the welfare of young people.
• Hold and maintain a minimum Swim England Swimming Coach Certificate/ASA Level 2 Coaching Award.
• Be able to build a strong rapport with swimmers at all levels through engaging and motivating sessions  
• Have strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and work effectively within a team.
• Have experience of coaching at county and regional level. 

Desirable Requirements:

• National-level coaching experience.
• Track record of athlete development within a competitive swimming club environment.

What you will get

Joining HSC means becoming part of a club with real ambition and a genuinely warm culture. Here’s what you can expect:

• A friendly, inclusive club environment where coaches and swimmers are valued and supported.
  • We pride ourselves on a positive culture. One where your ideas are heard and your contribution is recognised.
• A collaborative and supportive committee.
  • You’ll work closely with a committee that is actively invested in the Club’s growth and will back you in shaping its future.
• The opportunity to make a real difference.
  • With strong foundations already in place, this role offers genuine scope to influence both the performance pathway and the wider club experience.
• A competitive and flexible fee structure - See below.

Fees:

• Standard hourly rate: £25+ per hour (depending on experience).
• Admin fee: £1,200 per annum (paid monthly at £100) in recognition of session planning, team selection and other administration.
• Competition attendance: 2 hours pay per meet session
• Reasonable expenses reimbursed upon submission of invoices and receipts, including mileage at 25p per mile.

Other Terms:

• Three months' written notice required from either party to terminate the engagement.
• The Head Coach must notify the Club upon providing coaching services to other organisations or clubs.
• The role is subject to review no later than twelve months from the effective date.

HSC is a SwimMark-accredited club. We are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and adults. In this role you will be expected to champion this commitment at all times and actively promote and deliver effective safeguarding practices across all activities within the Club. This role is subject to an Enhanced Level DBS with Barred List check, and you will be required to attend the UK Coaching Safeguarding and Protecting Children course and any other courses specified by Swim England.

This overview of the role should not be taken as a complete or exhaustive list of responsibilities.

How to apply

Please send your CV and cover letter to Victoria Parrot via the apply button by the above closing date.

Before you are invited to interview with us, we would like you to confirm that there is no reason that you would not pass an enhanced DBS check