The Post
The post holder will take responsibility for a designated group of performance swimmers 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
Programme Contribution
- 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
Essential Criteria
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
Desirable Criteria
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 time
Fixed term for 3 years.
The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 02 August 2026.
Interviews are expected to take place on Wednesday 19 August 2026.
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.
About Us
As Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence and The Times Sports University of the Year 2020, sport is part of the DNA at the University of Stirling. The deliverables build on the philosophy of the first Chancellor, Lord Robbins, when he spoke of ‘education with a purpose’. Our impact, contribution and ambition is purposeful in everything we do, aligned to our status as one of the top sporting institutions in the UK.
2025/26 has been another great year for sport at the University of Stirling. The success, prowess and reputation of sport at Stirling is setting standards across the sector and the inspirational performances of our elite athletes on the world’s biggest sporting stages, is complemented by the buzz of activity in the new sports facilities. Engagement levels are high, feedback is excellent and sport is contributing significantly to the health, wellbeing and experience of students, staff and community.
We don't want to rest on our laurels, and we will continue to set the standards for everyone else to follow. It is within this context that we will always challenge ourselves and seek to really make impact.
The University
The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe. Driven by our mission to be the difference, we are addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society.
The University has more than 17,500 students globally and employs 1,500 staff, with more than 140 nationalities represented within our community. Our campus environment is ranked first in the UK and top 10 in the world, and our sports facilities rank first in the UK and second in the world (International Student Barometer 2024, wave two), reflecting our long-standing designation as Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence.
We were shortlisted for University of the Year 2024 at the Times Higher Education Awards and are proud holders of a Silver institutional award from the Athena Swan Charter, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality. We have an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings and are ranked top 30 in the UK for postgraduate teaching and learning (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2024). In recognition of our excellence in business education, we are accredited by AACSB International.
Eighty-seven per cent of our research has an outstanding or very considerable impact on society, with more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021), and we are ranked among the top 100 institutions in the world for our contribution to meeting 10 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. We have twice been recognised with a Queen's Anniversary Prize; for our Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and our Institute of Aquaculture (2019).
Alongside partners, the University spearheads the £214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal – which will deliver three major University-led projects: the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub, Scotland’s International Environment Centre, and the Intergenerational Living Innovation Hub. We are also a central partner in the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership.
www.stir.ac.uk @stiruni
Job Reference: SERV02101
