Job Summary
The Role
We are seeking a Contract Swim Manager to lead, develop, and oversee the Learn to Swim Programmes within Plymouth Active Leisure. This position requires a commercially focused individual with a genuine passion for swimming and a commitment to high quality delivery. Working closely with the Head of Aquatics, the post-holder will be instrumental in shaping the future of aquatics across the city, delivering sector-leading programmes that support Plymouth Active Leisure's ambition to be recognised nationally as a centre of excellence for aquatic participation, talent development, and lifelong engagement.
Key Responsbilities
Role Outcomes
· Lead the development and delivery of Plymouth Active Leisure's aquatics strategy, ensuring alignment with the Swim England MOU and positioning the organisation as a recognised national leader in aquatic participation, performance, and community impact.
· Maximise all opportunities to develop and grow the Learn to Swim programme across all our programmes.
· Manage efficient programming of water space and Increase participation through Sales and Retention
· To act all times in accordance with company policies relating to Safeguarding, Equality and Health & Safety.
· Consistently follow PAL’s health and safety policies, safe systems of work and operational procedures.
· Support the successful delivery of National Marine Park initiatives, including Swim Safe, whilst exploring and developing new community-based opportunities that increase participation, enhance customer outcomes, and contribute to Plymouth Active Leisure's KPI.
· Demonstrate commitment to Plymouth Active Leisure’s core values: Honesty, Empathy, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork.
Programme Leadership and Management
· Oversee the day-to-day running of the programmes and directly line manage the Learn to Swim Team
· Maximise pool space and timetabling to promote convenient entry points and retention.
· Ensure the highest level of customer service is consistently upheld across all aspects of the programme
· Develop an action plan to support recruitment and ongoing training with swimming teachers to support growth of the learn to swim programme.
· Identify positive stories and assist business development by writing case studies in promoting good practice within the organisation.
· Maintain high standards of safety, quality, and swimmer progress.
Commercial Focus
· Use KPIs effectively to drive continuous improvement and strengthen the commercial performance of the site’s programme
· Lead and manage sales targets, ensuring clear communication with all teams involved in the sales process, and consistently monitor net gain as the primary performance metric.
· To maximise commercial return through achieving income budgets and management of resources for expenditure
· Support the Head of Aquatics to Identify and pursue opportunities to establish new partnerships with educational institutions and external parties.
Monitoring & Reporting
· Provide leadership over Aquatics to lead and direct line management to the team of head swim teachers and swim teachers.
· Support the Head of Aquatics with reporting to key stakeholders.
· Deliver a high‑quality programme informed by customer feedback and best practice, using data from internal systems to drive continuous improvement.
Teaching Quality and Staff Development
· Monitor teaching quality through observations and feedback, highlighting professional development needs.
· Manage overall recruitment, induction, management, and development of employees in line with company policy.
· Regularly be on the poolside to observe the quality of the programme and provide feedback.
· Deliver and lead a consistent scheme of work that promotes high‑quality teaching and embeds best practice across the programme.
Person Specification
Essential Skills & Experience
· Passion for Swimming and a strong desire to help swimmers achieve their goals.
· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
· Willingness to adapt and support the programmes needs, including additional training sessions.
· Knowledge of safeguarding and health and safety in aquatic environments
· Excellent organisational and administration skills.
· An initiative-taker, driven, and innovative.
· Ability to prioritise workload and be initiative-taking.
· Effective written and verbal communication and relationship building capabilities.
· Be confident and willing to engage with the workforce and partners to complete tasks as required.
· Managing teams
Desirable experience
· In depth knowledge of the Gladstone & Go Learn systems
· Experience of working in data analysis
· Observation and Mentoring for your Aquatic Workforce CPD
· Level 3 Award in Education and Training
Essential Qualifications
· A level 2 or equivalent SEQ Level 2 Swimming Teacher
How to Apply
If you are ready for the next challenge and want to take our learn to swim programmes to the next level, we would love to hear from you!
Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to:
[email protected]
Closing Date: 6th September 2026 5pm
Please note we encourage early applications, as interviews may be held prior to the closing date should a suitable candidate be identified.
Pay: £36,799.00-£39,519.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee discount
- Free fitness classes
- Free parking
- Gym membership
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
