Head Coach Vacancy

Contract type: self-employed 

Qualification: Swim England senior swimming coach certificate (level 3) or equivalent (exceptional level 2 candidates will be considered) 

Working hours: part-time (typically up to 15–20 hours per week, depending on programme requirements) 

Location: Clitheroe, Lancashire 

Hourly rate: competitive, based on experience 

Closing date: 20 July 2026

About the club 

Clitheroe Dolphins is a proud, community-focused competitive swimming club in the Ribble Valley. 

After a successful tenure, our current Head Coach will step away from coaching at the end of the season. This creates an exciting opportunity for a new Head Coach to lead the club into its next chapter. 

We continue to grow our membership, supported by a strong pipeline of young swimmers and a committed team of volunteers. The club has a strong track record of performance — our swimmers consistently achieve success at county and regional level, with several progressing to national championships. 

This success reflects the strength of our coaching and our ability to support swimmers to reach the highest level their talent and commitment allow — whether that’s their first gala or competing on a national stage. 

We’re proud of that balance. We combine genuine performance ambition with a supportive, inclusive environment where swimmers are encouraged to enjoy the sport, build confidence and develop over the long term. This is an exciting moment to join the club and shape what comes next.

The role 

We’re looking for a Head Coach who will work with our Club Committee to oversee all poolside activity and ensure high-quality coaching across the club. 

Together, we’ll shape and deliver a programme that helps every swimmer reach their full potential — from those early in their journey to those competing at higher levels.

What this role includes 

•  leading our coaching structure and swimmer development pathway 
• coaching our performance squads 
• working closely with the committee, volunteers and parents to maintain a positive, inclusive club culture 
• helping shape how the club develops as we continue to grow 

What you’ll deliver 

Leadership and programme development 

• plan and deliver a progressive training programme aligned with Aquatics GB’s Optimal Athlete Development Framework (OADF) 
• develop and refine our squad structure to support long-term swimmer progression 
• prepare an annual competition calendar suitable for all levels, from development to performance 
• set clear expectations for performance and support swimmers working towards county, regional and national targets 

• lead coaching for our top squads, delivering high-quality, engaging and technically strong sessions 
• support, mentor and develop our coaching and teaching team, encouraging continuous learning and consistent standards 
• facilitate regular communication with coaches and teachers to ensure alignment, a shared approach and safe delivery of training sessions 
• ensure smooth and well-supported progression between development and performance squads 

• work collaboratively with our Club Committee, providing input to committee decisions and updates on programme delivery where appropriate  
• build positive relationships with swimmers, parents, volunteers and partners  
• support swimmers at key galas and team events as agreed to provide constructive feedback 
• uphold and promote all club policies, including Swim England Wavepower and safeguarding standards 

What we’re looking for 

- Swim England level 3 (or strong level 2 with relevant experience) 

- strong technical knowledge and a skills-focused approach to coaching 

- experience in strength and conditioning/land training, or an understanding of how to integrate it into a swim programme is desired

 - excellent communication, organisation and time-management skills

 - the ability to lead, motivate and work effectively within a team 

- a strong commitment to swimmer welfare, inclusivity and a positive club culture - willingness to support wider club events and activities 

What you’ll get 

- the opportunity to shape a growing and ambitious club 

- a supportive committee and engaged volunteer base 

- flexibility to bring your ideas and make a real difference 

- a welcoming, community-driven environment 

What success looks like 

In this role, success means strengthening our pathway, developing our coaches, and helping more swimmers achieve their full potential — including at county, regional and national level. 

Apply now

 Send your CV and a short covering statement to the club secretary at [email protected] before 20 July 2026. 

To ensure a smooth transition, the new Head Coach would ideally start from 24 August 2026.