National Open Water Manager

Swim England; Loughborough; Hybrid; GBP 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Swim England in Loughborough is seeking a strategic and motivated National Open Water Manager to lead the development and delivery of open water swimming across England. This role sits at SportPark, Loughborough, with 2 days per week on site and a 35-hour week.

You will shape Swim England’s approach to open water swimming, drive participation, safety and sustainability, and work with clubs, venues and partners to create safe, inclusive opportunities nationwide.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of open water swimming landscape and safety considerations.
• Ability to develop and deliver a clear strategic vision for open water swimming.
• Experience influencing and building relationships across sport, environment, public health and government.
• Excellent communication skills to represent Swim England at national level.
• Experience influencing policy and working with government agencies and sector partners.
• Knowledge of health and safety, environmental regulation and water quality laws.

Responsibilities

• Lead Swim England as the national leadership organisation for open water swimming.
• Design and deliver participation programmes to grow open water swimming.
• Coordinate activity across competitive pathways: clubs, events, coaching, workforce.
• Support integration of participation, water safety and health initiatives.
• Develop and maintain guidance, frameworks and resources for clubs and coaches.
• Lead development and review of guidance for managed and non-managed open water environments.
• Represent Swim England at national forums, partnerships and policy discussions.
• Develop policy positions and advocacy materials to strengthen Swim England's voice.
• Build relationships with water companies, environmental agencies and venues.
• Engage with open water community to support growth and innovation.
• Promote Swim England values in all interactions.

Skills

Open water swimming knowledge

Strategic vision

Stakeholder management

Policy influence

Communication skills

Leadership

Job description

Swim England, based in Loughborough, is seeking a strategic and motivated National Open Water Manager to lead the development and delivery of open water swimming across England.

Based at SportPark, Loughborough (Minimum 2 Days per Week) 35 hours a week (Mon-Fri)

About the Role

This role will play a central part in shaping Swim England’s approach to open water swimming, driving participation, safety and sustainability across the sector. You will champion Swim England as the national authority, working with clubs, venues, partners and stakeholders to create safe, inclusive and accessible opportunities for open water swimming. Working collaboratively across the organisation and wider sector, you will lead the development of programmes, policy and partnerships that connect participation, performance and water safety. Your work will ensure a joined-up, high-quality approach to open water swimming that supports growth and long-term impact across England.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of Swim England as the national leadership organisation for open water swimming
• Design and deliver participation programmes and initiatives to grow open water swimming
• Coordinate activity across competitive pathways, including clubs, events, coaching and workforce development
• Support the integration of participation, water safety and health within open water swimming initiatives
• Develop and maintain National Governing Body guidance, frameworks and resources for clubs, coaches, leaders and event organisers
• Lead the development and review of guidance for both managed and non-managed open water environments, including coastal settings
• Represent Swim England at national forums, partnerships and working groups, advocating for the sport in policy and infrastructure discussions
• Develop policy positions, consultation responses and advocacy materials to strengthen Swim England’s role as the authoritative voice for open water swimming
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key partners, including water companies, environmental agencies, local authorities and venue operators
• Engage and collaborate with the wider open water swimming community to support growth and innovation
• Promote Swim England values in all interactions

Skills and Experience

Essential

• Strong understanding of the open water swimming landscape, including participation, environmental and safety considerations
• Ability to develop and deliver a clear strategic vision for open water swimming
• Experience influencing and building relationships across multiple sectors, including sport, environment, public health and government
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to represent an organisation confidently at a national level
• Experience of influencing policy and working with government agencies and sector partners
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and policy, including health and safety, environmental regulation and water quality
• Understanding of sports development principles, participation growth and the role of National Governing Bodies
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with knowledge of local authorities, environmental agencies and commercial operators
• Collaborative approach with the ability to work effectively across teams and partners

Desirable

• Open water swimming coaching or leading qualification (or willingness to work towards)