National Aquatics Competency Manager - Learn to Swim

National Aquatics Competency Manager - Learn to Swim

Swim England, based in Loughborough, is looking for an experienced and collaborative National Aquatics Competency Manager - Learn to Swim to lead the operational development of Swim England's nationally recognised Learn to Swim programme.

About the Role

• Permanent; Full-Time (35 hours); Mon-Fri
• Minimum 2x days a week onsite at SportPark, Loughborough
• National travel required - c. 1x day a week

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in evolving one of the most established learn-to-swim frameworks in the country - helping shape its future direction, commercial approach and sector impact.

Working closely with colleagues, partners and the wider aquatics sector, you will support the review and development of the Learn to Swim framework, ensuring it remains relevant, inclusive and fit for purpose for today's communities. You will help drive collaboration across school swimming, water safety and competency initiatives, contributing to the shared goal of enabling every person to enjoy swimming confidently and competently.

This role suits someone who combines sector knowledge with strong stakeholder leadership, commercial awareness and a passion for driving meaningful change in aquatics participation.

Key Responsibilities

Programme Leadership and Development:

• Lead the review and ongoing development of the Learn to Swim framework, supporting the creation of a modern programme aligned to the needs of the aquatics sector.
• Work collaboratively to shape a refreshed commercial approach that meets the needs of leisure operators, swim schools, clubs and participants.
• Oversee the development of programme resources and content to support education, awareness and participation outcomes.

Partnership and Sector Engagement:

• Build strong relationships with leisure operators, swim schools, local authorities and national partners to maintain the prominence of the Swim England Learn to Swim programme.
• Represent Swim England within national forums, working groups and sector networks.
• Collaborate with the Aquatics Competency Manager - School Swimming to ensure a connected and holistic approach to swimming competency.

Team Leadership and Collaboration:

• Provide functional line management and support to two Aquatics Competency Development Leads.
• Work alongside regional field-based teams, providing technical leadership while drawing on local insight to inform programme development.
• Collaborate closely with Business Engagement Leads to strengthen partnerships and sector relationships.

Operational Support and Delivery:

• Provide guidance and support to partners delivering Learn to Swim across community and commercial environments.
• Contribute to wider organisational priorities and strategic projects as required.
• Carry out duties within the scope and spirit of the role while adhering to organisational policies and values.

Skills and Experience

• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to influence, collaborate and build strong working relationships.
• Strong understanding of the learn-to-swim landscape, including leisure operators and swim schools.
• Commercial awareness and understanding of partner needs within the aquatics sector.
• Experience working within community sport, leisure or physical activity environments (minimum 5 years).
• Proven ability to turn strategic conversations into action and impact.
• Experience leading or developing national programmes or frameworks.
• Knowledge of customer journey design or digital programme development.
• Experience working with governing bodies, national partners or sector-wide initiatives.

How to apply

Please click the apply button to be redirected to Swim England's recruitment portal.

This vacancy may require the following qualifications: