Head Performance Swimming Coach

Borders Elite Swimming Team; Selkirk; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Part time

Job summary

A regional swimming organization in Selkirk is seeking a passionate Head Performance Swimming Coach to lead and develop the performance program. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape a pathway for athletes, fostering partnerships and supporting volunteer coaches to create a lasting impact in the swimming community. This unique role offers self-employed status with 35 hours per week, collaborating with local clubs and stakeholders to drive organizational growth and performance excellence.

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 2 swimming certification with a plan to achieve Level 3.
• 2+ years’ experience working with performance swimmers.
• Driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Lead coaching of the region’s top swimmers.
• Support and mentor volunteer coaches.
• Collaborate with local councils for funding.

Skills

Performance coaching

Communication skills

Change management

Team leadership

Education

Minimum Level 2 swimming certification

Lifeguard qualification

Job description

Borders Elite Swim Team (B.E.S.T)

Head Performance Swimming Coach – An Exciting Opportunity

Borders Elite Swim Team (B.E.S.T) is seeking an exceptional Head Performance Swimming Coach to lead the future of swimming in our region. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to shape a performance pathway, develop athletes to national and international level, and play a leading role in transforming the aquatics landscape in the Scottish Borders.

This role is unique – it is the only paid coaching position within the organisation, providing the successful candidate with the platform, authority, and responsibility to make a lasting impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Performance Coaching – lead the coaching of the region’s top swimmers, ensuring they are challenged, inspired, and supported to reach their highest potential.
• Pathway Development – work closely with feeder clubs to align coaching standards, ensuring swimmers progress smoothly from grassroots to performance level.
• Coach Development – support and mentor volunteer coaches, raising standards and creating consistency in delivery across the region.
• Partnership Working – collaborate with the local council to enhance the visibility of swimming and secure funding to sustain growth.
• Strategic Leadership – engage with Scottish Swimming and partner clubs to create robust business plans and drive organisational development.
• Charitable Transition – lead on the journey to achieve charitable status, exploring innovative models for long‑term sustainability, including a potential one‑club regional structure and expanding into wider aquatics beyond performance swimming.

Building a Support Network

The Head Coach will not work alone. They will be supported by a committed team of volunteer coaches, administrators, parents, and committee members. A vital part of this role will be to build and nurture this support network, ensuring strong collaboration across both coaching delivery and operational activities. The successful candidate will inspire and lead a small army of volunteers, uniting them behind a shared vision for a stronger future for aquatics in the Borders.

Why This Role is Different

This is more than a coaching role; it is a chance to build something lasting. With B.E.S.T you will be at the forefront of shaping the region’s performance programme, with autonomy to design and deliver a world‑class pathway. You will influence the local sport’s future, leaving a legacy for generations of swimmers. By forging strong partnerships and a dedicated support network, you will ensure swimming in the Borders has both performance and organisational foundations to thrive.

How to Apply

We would love to hear from you if you share our passion for swimming and have the experience to lead performance coaching at the highest level. Join B.E.S.T and be part of building something extraordinary.

Please use the online application process or email [e-mail].

Position Details

Organisation: Borders Elite Swim Team (B.E.S.T)

Job Type: 35 hours per week (Self‑Employed) – some weeks may be more or less due to competitions and club visits.

Location: Initially based at Selkirk Pool, with club visits and competitions.

Hours: Various poolside and administrative.

Closing date: 11th January 2026

Duration: One initial year to build and develop the programme, with a 3‑year contract following agreement.

Qualifications & Skills

• Minimum Level 2 swimming certification with a plan to achieve Level 3; ideally Level 3 or equivalent.
• Lifeguard qualification or plan to achieve one.
• Driving licence and access to a vehicle.
• 2+ years’ experience working with performance swimmers, ideally at British level or higher.
• Experience taking swimmers from club level to national level is ideal.
• Experience in setting up frameworks within a performance squad.
• Excellent communication skills, written, verbal, online, offline.
• The ability to lead and have people follow.
• Experience in change management and making change happen within the context of swimming.

Additional Responsibilities

Providing technical direction for the team, planning and delivering pool sessions, giving 1‑1 direction to swimmers, communicating with key stakeholders, addressing pool access with Live Borders, organising session cover using additional coaches, club visits and attending competitions (expenses covered). Attendance at appropriate competitions will also be required as part of the job role and will be inclusive of the full‑time status. The role involves engagement across all clubs in the area to develop a unified pathway and increase core clubs from three to six in a new format, supported by the management committee. The role also includes helping to develop and maintain relationships with our key stakeholders.