Performance Development Swimming Coach: University of Stirling
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
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
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
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
Qualifications
Degree in sport or coaching related subject
Skills, Training & Knowledge
Regular attendance at swimming, coaching, leadership, or other relevant sport related conferences, seminars and workshops
Solid understanding of the Scottish and British competitive swimming pathways, programmes, competitions and development systems
Experience
Experience working within a multi-disciplinary performance sport environment
Familiarity with Scottish Swimming and Aquatics GB pathway structures
Experience assisting at regional or national performance camps or competitions
Exposure to performance or pathway-level athletes
Experience of working within the Higher Education Sector
Other
Current Driving Licence
Understanding of the barriers that can affect participation and progression for women and girls in sport
Experience acting as a role model or mentor for female athletes or coaches
Additional Information
Full timeFixed 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.
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