Sevenoaks SC inviting applications for Head Coach

Sevenoaks Swimming Club is seeking an ambitious, inspirational Head Coach to lead one of the South East’s most successful competitive swimming programmes into its next phase of growth.

We are a large, successful and friendly Swim England affiliated performance club with 300+ swimmers and a proud track record of county, regional and national success. We are looking for a dynamic leader who can build on this foundation, drive excellence, and develop swimmers and coaches in a positive, high-performance environment.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced coach to take ownership of a well-established performance pathway and shape the future of a leading South East club.

About the Club

Sevenoaks Swimming Club is recognised as one of the leading clubs within the South East region and we have high aspirations for future success. Recent achievements include:

• Kent County Championships Top 5 finishing Club with a consistently high number of qualifiers
• Top 3 finishing Club in the Kent Junior League with an exceptional junior team
• Regular top 10 club at South East Regional Championships
• Multiple national medals across British, English and Welsh Championships
• Swimmers selected for county, regional, national and international pathways

We combine a strong performance culture with a welcoming community ethos and a commitment to long-term athlete development.

The Club is Swim England Club Affiliated with an active Masters section, a strong Water Polo section as well as a thriving learn to swim programme.

The Role

The Head Coach will provide strategic leadership and technical direction across the entire club pathway. You will be responsible for delivering a modern, high-quality training programme while fostering a positive and inclusive club culture.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead coach of the Youth Performance squad, developing swimmers to regional, national standard and beyond
• Design and implement the club’s coaching philosophy and long-term performance strategy
• Lead, mentor and manage the coaching team across all squads
• Oversee athlete development pathways from Learn to Swim through to elite performance
• Oversee the management and development of the club’s Learn to Swim programme
• Work collaboratively with the representatives from water polo & masters sections to develop and deliver successful programmes
• Plan squad structures and coordinate pool allocation
• Organise training camps, clinics and performance initiatives, in co-ordination with the committee
• Attend targeted competitions and manage the club competition calendar
• Develop the club, working closely with the committee to support sustainable growth
• Work collaboratively with swimmers, coaches, the committee and parents to sustain a positive environment and club ethos
• Engage positively with volunteers and act as an ambassador for the club within the wider swimming community

Candidate Profile

We are seeking a leader who combines technical excellence with strong people skills.

Essential:

• Swim England / ASA Level 3 Senior Swimming Coach qualification (or equivalent) 
  • (Level 2 coaches actively working towards Level 3 will be considered)
• Proven experience developing swimmers to national level
• Strong leadership and team management ability
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• A modern understanding of performance coaching and athlete development
• Ability to inspire swimmers, coaches and volunteers
• Commitment to a positive, inclusive club environment

Desirable:

• Strength & conditioning / sports science knowledge
• Experience managing large coaching programmes
• Talent identification and long-term athlete development expertise

Contract & Salary

• Full-time employed position
• Competitive salary
• Professional development support available
• Offers of appointment are subject to satisfactory references, DBS clearance and a current Swim England Safeguarding in Aquatics attendance certificate.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your coaching philosophy and what you would bring to the club.

Applications and enquiries should be directed to the Club Chairperson, Russell Bowra, at chair@sevenoakssc.org

We are recruiting as applicants apply, therefore an appointment may be made before the closing date which is 19 March 2026