Job title: Lead Sports Coach – Swimming
Salary: C3 £32,061 - £33,699 pro rata
Hours: Various available
Contract: Permanent
Location: Leeds
This is an exciting opportunity to join one of the most successful swimming programmes in the country. You will play a key role in developing talented swimmers within a high-performing pathway.
As a Lead Sports Coach – Swimming you’ll thrive on developing athletes, delivering high-quality coaching, and helping swimmers reach their full potential.
It’s not just about delivering sessions — it’s about inspiring the next generation and shaping a successful performance pathway within the city.
Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.
About you
As a Lead Sports Coach – Swimming, you will bring to the role:
-
A Level 2 (or higher) Swim England or equivalent National Governing Body coaching qualification
- Strong experience coaching swimming across a range of ages and abilities within a structured programme
- Excellent communication and motivational skills to inspire swimmers and support their development
- Knowledge of long-term athlete development, competition pathways, and safeguarding requirements
- The ability to plan, deliver and evaluate progressive training sessions safely and effectively
About the role
This role offers a unique opportunity to be part of a thriving swimming pathway within Leeds. As a Swim England Performance Club and Local Council Swim Scheme, the programme provides a clear development journey from grassroots to national-level performance.
You will have a dual role of coaching our Age Group Development squad, focusing on talented 10–13-year-old swimmers, while also supporting our Performance Squads led by GB International coaches Russ Barber and Jamie Fowler.
As our next Lead Sports Coach – Swimming you’ll lead and deliver high-quality swim and land training programmes, working with swimmers competing at County, Regional, and National levels. You will also play a key role in mentoring other coaches, supporting talent identification, and contributing to programme development.
The role is integral to our Active Leeds team, where you will help create a positive, safe, and high-performing environment that enables participants to thrive and achieve their goals.
We are committed to continuous professional development and innovation, and we’re looking for a forward-thinking, ambitious and enthusiastic individual who will bring added value to our team in Leeds.
What we offer you
-
We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:
- a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
- membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
- flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
- a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
- a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further
How to apply
Please submit your CV and supporting statement
Read our guidance for further advice on completing your application.
If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact Russ Barber, Email:
[email protected]
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check against the Children’s barred list will be carried out on preferred candidates. Read our recruitment of ex-offenders policy.
We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.
This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.
If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Please ensure you are eligible before applying.
Job Description
Job Purpose:
-
To lead a structured programme for the athletes and customers level of ability within their relevant training scheme or class to support the long-term athlete development model.
- Coach progressive practises that will enable the athletes and customers to reach their goals and where appropriate develop world class technical skills.
- Prepare athletes and customers for their progression to reaching their goals and/or through to the next level of their relevant LCC training scheme.
- To provide a fun, safe and consistent sport/physical activity programme for all ages and abilities.
- Maintain a good and positive image of Active Leeds and Leeds City Council to customers and the public by providing a welcoming, helpful, and professional level of service.
- To encourage the development of sport/physical activity throughout the city, by ensuring learners reach their full potential.
- To manage the coaching programme and the delivery for athletes and customers within the relevant LCC training/activity scheme.
- To attend, support and be responsible for a group of athletes and customers at required events and competitions.
- To oversee, lead and mentor other coaches where required.
- When required support the programme manager in the talent identification process and programme development.
Responsibilities for Grade:
-
To instruct and lead individuals or groups in a sport/physical activity programme.
- To develop a training programme which includes progressive and measurable practises for competition-based athletes and when necessary, create individual training plans. Specific to the swim training scheme
- To use approved coaching practises to support the athletes in their development to achieve their full potential. Specific to swim training scheme
- To be able to work across different levels of the programme when required.
- Understand the rules, regulations, and competition laws of the relevant sport. Specific to the swim training scheme
- To be a positive role model, creating a fun and safe environment in which to motivate and encourage children and adults to participate in sport/physical activity under their care.
- To promote and support all Leeds City Council sport/physical activity programmes.
- To ensure the safety and control of the learners within the sport/physical activity lesson and to ensure that all relevant regulations applicable to the venues operation and activity are adhered to.
- To undertake administrative tasks in connection with the programmes of work i.e., session plans, class registers, monitoring and evaluation, parent / guardian feedback/customer, and recording information/records by which means required as part of the programme.
- To ensure the safe use and storage of any equipment required during and after a session.
- To comply with the commitments outlined in the Active Leeds service Values, focusing on individual needs, and ensuring standards are maintained.
- To attend training, meetings, assessments, and forums to continually develop good practice and meet Active Leeds and Leeds City Council codes of conduct. Furthermore, continue professional development to keep up to date with NGB requirements.
- To ensure good communication with Leisure Centre managers, the Business and Development teams when required.
- To work with the NGB when required, this may include attending or running camps, programmes and or competitions (specific to sport/discipline).
- To ensure safety and control of participants are in line with relevant regulations and centre’s operational procedures in terms of lifesaving and first aid as required
- To undertake any other duties, as directed by the line manager which may be reasonably required of you, commensurate with your grade and level of responsibility.
- Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade
- Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities as necessary to ensure up to date knowledge and skills
- Improve own practice through observation, evaluation, discussion with colleagues and development programmes.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues, knowing when to seek help and advice.
- Contribute to the overall ethos, work, and aims of the service by attending relevant meetings, training days/events as requested.
- Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures e.g., child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality, and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person
- Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding and promoting the values, standards, and equal opportunities of Leeds City Council.
- Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment or victimisation and any form of abuse of equal opportunities, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures.
- The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and this role will be expected to work within these parameters.
- The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.
Qualifications:
Level 2 or higher appropriate NGB qualification.
National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers and Coaches or equivalent. (Specific to Aquatic coaches’ disciplines)
PERSON SPECIFICATION: Method of Assessment will be through one or more of the following: Application Form, Test, Interview, and Certificate
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS: It is essential that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities: Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate on the application form that they meet all the essential requirements
Skills Required
-
Able to communicate effectively with children and adults.
- Able to provide explanation and demonstrate appropriate sport/physical activity techniques using a variety of equipment to aid learning.
- Able to adapt to the needs of individuals and different work situations.
- Able to deliver an appropriate sport/physical activity programme to children and adults.
- Able to work flexibly as part of a team.
- Able to understand and interpret instructions
- Able to demonstrate good organisational skills.
- Able to demonstrate excellent customer care skills.
- Able to lead in ensuring safety standards are followed in sessions and undertake necessary risk assessments.
- Able to inspire and motivate participants in sport/physical activity.
- Able to lead with session planning and implement progressive sport/physical activity sessions.
- Able to lead with accurately assessing/recording and evaluating participant progress using the appropriate resources provided.
- Able to provide information and advice to existing and potential customers regarding the sport/physical activity programme.
Knowledge Required
-
Hold an appropriate Level 2 or higher appropriate National Governing Body qualification
- Hold or willing to obtain before commencement of employment the National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers and Coaches or equivalent qualification.
- Knowledge of your NGB’s award scheme and pathways.
- Knowledge of Risk Assessments and Health and Safety guidelines.
- Relevant knowledge of Child Protection and welfare guidance.
Experience Required
-
Experience of coaching sport/physical activity to children and adults, through all stages of the framework, whether in groups or individuals.
- Experience of working within a structured competitive or council programme.
- Experience of using IT applications.
- Experience of administrating tasks associated with a sport/physical activity framework.
Behavioural & other Characteristics required
-
Willing to work unsociable hours including early morning, late evening and weekends.
- Willing to abide by Leeds City Councils Equal Opportunities Policy in the duties of the post, and as an employee of the Council.
- Willing to carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under the Council’s Health and Safety Policies
- Commitment to personal development and willing to attend relevant training to achieve this
- Must be able to attend monthly training sessions.
- Willing to abide by the council’s Safeguarding Policy.
- Willing to work in a professional and responsible manner.
- Must be able to work anywhere within the city boundary.
DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS: It is desirable that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role. Candidates are not required to meet all the Desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between acceptable candidates.
Knowledge Required
-
Knowledge of sport/physical activity framework and pathways.
- Knowledge of industry best practice for appropriate activity.
Experience Required
-
Experience of coaching within a sport/physical activity programme.
- Experience of working with sports/physical activity environment including coaching sports camps and holiday activities.
- Experience of administrating tasks associated with a sport/physical activity framework.
