About Smash Padel
Smash Padel is one of the UK's fastest-growing padel operators, with ambitious plans to expand our network of centres and bring padel to more communities across the country. With multiple thriving venues and exciting growth ahead, we're looking for passionate leaders who can create outstanding experiences for our customers, develop high-performing teams and help grow participation in one of the world's fastest-growing sports.
At Smash Padel, our centres are more than just places to play. They are welcoming community hubs where people of all ages and abilities can learn, compete, socialise and enjoy the game. Guided by our values of Love the Journey, Progress over Perfection, Own It and People First, we're committed to creating inclusive environments where both our customers and colleagues can thrive.
About the Role
To lead and develop the coaching programme within the centre, ensuring an exceptional experience for players of all ages and abilities whilst driving participation, programme growth and coaching excellence.
The Head Coach is responsible for the overall delivery, quality and development of the coaching programme and coaching team, supporting player development pathways and helping grow participation within the local community.
Job Responsibilities
Coach Leadership
- Lead, develop and inspire the coaching team to deliver outstanding coaching experiences.
- Create and maintain a coaching culture aligned to the Smash Padel values.
- Provide coaching support, mentoring and development opportunities for coaches.
- Support recruitment, onboarding and performance management activities for coaching team members.
- Conduct performance reviews and regular coaching observations.
Programme Development
- Design, implement and continually improve a comprehensive coaching programme.
- Ensure programmes cater for players of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.
- Develop coaching pathways from beginner through to advanced players.
- Ensure all programmes are delivered to a consistently high standard.
- Monitor participation levels and identify opportunities for programme growth.
Player Experience & Community Engagement
- Create a welcoming and inclusive coaching environment.
- Build strong relationships with players, parents, schools, community groups and local organisations.
- Promote participation opportunities across all sections of the community.
- Support customer retention through exceptional coaching experiences.
- Champion the Smash Padel inclusive approach to participation
Commercial Performance
- Support occupancy, participation and revenue targets through coaching programmes.
- Develop initiatives that increase programme participation and court utilisation.
- Work closely with the General Manager, Centre Manager and Marketing team to promote coaching programmes and events.
- Support the creation of content that promotes Smash Padel programmes and coaching services.
Operations & Compliance
- Ensure all coaching activities are delivered safely and in accordance with company policies.
- Maintain safeguarding, health & safety and welfare standards.
- Support operational requirements during events, competitions and centre activities.
- Ensure equipment and coaching resources are maintained and used appropriately.
Performance & Reporting
- Monitor coaching programme performance and participation trends.
- Provide regular updates and reports to the COO.
- Analyse programme performance and implement actions to improve outcomes.
- Contribute to centre business planning and growth initiatives.
Job Requirements
Essential
- Relevant coaching qualification in Padel, Tennis or another participation sport.
- Good standard of IT literacy.
Desirable
- Sports or Leisure Management qualification.
- First Aid qualification.
- Safeguarding qualification.
Experience
Essential
- Experience coaching and developing players within a sporting environment.
- Experience leading, motivating and developing a team.
- Experience delivering high-quality customer experiences.
- Experience working with participation targets and programme growth.
- Experience of performance management and team development.
Desirable
- Experience working within padel, racket sports, leisure or hospitality.
- Experience managing community programmes and participation initiatives.
- Experience delivering coach education and mentoring programmes.
Knowledge & Skills
Essential
- Strong leadership and communication skills.
- Excellent coaching and player development knowledge.
- Ability to motivate, inspire and develop others.
- Strong organisational and planning skills.
- Commercial awareness and customer focus.
- Ability to work under pressure and deliver targets.
Desirable
- Knowledge of long-term athlete development principles.
- Understanding of participation growth strategies.
- Knowledge of digital marketing and customer engagement.
- Understanding of safeguarding and welfare best practice.
Benefits
Financial & Security
- Workplace pension via NEST
- You contribute 5%, and Smash Padel contributes 4% on your behalf
- Generous quarterly bonus scheme (role-dependent, subject to qualification)
Family Support
- Enhanced maternity leave
- Enhanced paternity leave
- Flexible working options
- Dependency Leave
Time Off & Flexibility
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Birthday day off
- Option to carry over up to 5 days of unused annual leave into the following year
Learning & Development
- Personalised on-site professional training and development
- CPD delivered by our Coach and Education Manager
- Investment in your coaching qualification
- We cover the cost of LTA Level 1, 2, and (coming soon) Level 3
Work Environment & Perks
- Full range of Adidas-branded uniforms provided
- Opportunity to develop your padel skills alongside top coaches
- Chance to lead and deliver accessible padel sessions in the local community
- Work from Home Budget (role-dependent, subject to qualification)
Team Culture
- Off-site conferences twice a year
- Monthly social budget (for coffee, cake, pizza, or team catch-ups)
- Christmas parties and team celebrations
Pay: £36,000.00-£46,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Employee mentoring programme
- Enhanced maternity leave
- Enhanced paternity leave
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
