Head Coach

Naval Point Club Lyttelton; Lyttelton; On-site; NZD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Naval Point Club Lyttelton seeks a Head Coach to oversee planning, delivery, and evaluation of coaching programs across water sports at the Lyttelton club. The role is full-time and on-site, requiring leadership of training sessions, mentoring volunteers, and coordinating with club leadership to schedule activities.

You will promote best practices in safety and risk management, maintain equipment standards, and support events, regattas, and community participation while engaging with members and

Qualifications

• Proven coaching experience across multiple water sports and ability to design progressive training programs.
• Demonstrated leadership, mentorship of coaches and volunteers, and scheduling coordination.
• Strong water safety knowledge with current first aid/CPR or willingness to obtain.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with diverse participants and families.
• Organizational skills for program administration, reporting, and operations.
• Relevant coaching qualifications; higher-level credentials are an advantage.
• Experience in club or community sports and commitment to inclusive practices.
• Availability for flexible hours including weekends and evenings.

Responsibilities

• Lead training sessions and mentor assistant coaches and volunteers.
• Develop training plans and coordinate coaching schedules and resources.
• Promote safety and risk management on the water.
• Maintain equipment standards and support events and regattas.
• Engage with members, parents, and the wider community.
• Uphold the club’s values and culture.

Skills

Coaching leadership

Water sports coaching

First aid/CPR

Program planning

Safety & risk mgmt

Communication

Volunteer coordination

Flexible scheduling

Job description

Company Description

Naval Point Club Lyttelton is Christchurch’s premier water sports club, offering a wide range of activities including sailing, waka, ocean swimming, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, power boating, cruising, and racing. The club provides excellent all-tide launching facilities and secure boat storage to support members’ on-water pursuits. A welcoming wardroom offers a cosy space for socializing, training, and club events. Naval Point Club Lyttelton hosts regular water-based activities and community events, creating an active, inclusive environment for water sports enthusiasts of all levels.

Role Description

The Head Coach is a full-time, on-site role based at Naval Point Club Lyttelton in Lyttelton. This role oversees the planning, delivery, and evaluation of coaching programs across multiple water sports, ensuring safe, high-quality instruction for participants of varying ages and abilities. Day-to-day responsibilities include leading training sessions, mentoring assistant coaches and volunteers, developing training plans, and coordinating with club leadership on scheduling and resource use. The Head Coach will promote best practice in safety and risk management on the water, maintain equipment standards, and help organize coaching support for events, regattas, and club activities. The role also involves engaging with members, parents, and the wider community to encourage participation, support athlete development, and uphold the club’s values and culture.

Qualifications

• Strong coaching experience in relevant water sports (e.g., sailing, waka, kayaking, paddleboarding, ocean swimming) and the ability to design and deliver progressive training programs.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills, including mentoring coaches and volunteers and coordinating coaching schedules and activities.
• Comprehensive knowledge of water safety, risk assessment, and emergency procedures, with current first aid/CPR certification or willingness to obtain it.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work constructively with diverse participants, families, club staff, and community partners.
• Organizational and planning skills, including program administration, basic reporting, and collaboration with club management on events and operations.
• Relevant coaching certifications or qualifications in water sports or sport coaching; higher-level or national governing body credentials are an advantage.
• Experience working in a club or community sports environment and a commitment to inclusive, non-discriminatory practices that support participants of all backgrounds and abilities.
• Availability to work flexible hours, including weekends and evenings in line with training sessions, events, and seasonal demands.