About DCA
Dundee City Aquatics formed on 1st January 2007, through the merger of City of Dundee and Dundee Arnhall swimming clubs. Our Club is dedicated to fostering excellence in swimming and personal growth, welcoming swimmers of all levels to our vibrant community. Our athletes have achieved regional and national success, and we strive to be the heart of progressive swimming through collaboration, innovation, and dedication. Our mission is to provide every swimmer with opportunities to pursue excellence, developing not only their skills in the pool but also life-enhancing qualities. We emphasize:
Integrity and discipline in training and competition.
Teamwork and sportsmanship in all interactions.
Confidence and resilience to succeed beyond the pool.
Our philosophy prioritizes individual growth alongside team success. We encourage swimmers to set challenging yet achievable goals, respect officials and competitors, and demonstrate a strong work ethic. We nurture each swimmer's potential, from beginners to those aspiring to world-class levels, in an atmosphere of care and consideration.
The role
We are looking for an experienced and visionary Head Coach able to lead and strengthen our swimming programme, and to build a positive, inclusive and high performing culture where everyone can thrive.
This is an exciting opportunity to shape the club’s future and to inspire our swimmers and coaching team. As Head Coach, you will be expected to provide strategic and practical leadership across these key areas:
1. Performance Leadership:
Design, deliver and regularly review annual training plans to support swimmer development and performance goals.
Develop a competition strategy targeting national qualification and agreed performance benchmarks at target meets.
Prepare swimmers to progress through junior, Scottish and British level competitions.
Support swimmers participating in regional and national programmes, helping them balance these commitments with their development at DCA.
Deliver a performance education programme that equips swimmers with racing skills, lifestyle habits, mindset and personal accountability needed to succeed.
2. Programme & Pathway Development:
Lead and regularly review the Club’s development pathway, from entry level to performance, ensuring opportunities for progression at every stage.
Define, communicate and consistently apply clear, objective squad progression criteria that underpin decisions about swimmers’ development.
Play a key role in shaping and delivering the Club’s long-term strategy and aspirations.
3. Club Culture & Leadership
Lead, mentor and develop the wider DCA coaching team, providing focused support to and working collaboratively with Squad Lead Coaches.
Establish and maintain technical standards across all squads.
Foster a professional and supportive coaching culture built on high expectations, shared learning and collective accountability.
Lead regular meetings with the coaching team and create opportunities for continuous professional development.
Build and maintain strong working relationships with Scottish Swimming, the Midlands District and other relevant governing bodies.
Represent DCA within regional and national coaching networks, sharing good practice and strengthening the club’s profile.
Work collaboratively with the Club’s Management Committee to support effective governance, strategic alignment and operational delivery.
Embed mental health awareness, emotional wellbeing, inclusion and high welfare standards throughout training, coaching practice and swimmer development.
Requirements
The successful candidate will:
Hold a Scottish Swimming Level 3 Senior Coach qualification, or SSCQ qualification with relevant experience and a commitment to working towards Level 3.
Have expertise in swimmer development and structured performance planning, as well as experience of preparing swimmers for high-level competition environments.
Combine strong technical expertise with confident and effective leadership of swimmers and coaches.
Have. experience of successfully leading a multi-squad programme.
Lead with passion, energy, clarity, and a strong sense of purpose
Uphold the highest standards of safeguarding, welfare, and swimmer wellbeing, ensuring these principles are embedded across the coaching programme.
The appointment will be subject to appropriate PVG Scheme membership, satisfactory references, verification of qualifications and confirmation of eligibility to work in the UK.
Key Information and Next Steps
Basis of engagement: Self Employed contract for services
Hours: Anticipated commitment of approximately 20 hours per week, including early mornings, evenings and competition weekends
Hourly rate: £18.50 per hour (except for gala attendance, remunerated separately)
Accountable to: DCA Management Committee
Location: DCA training sessions take place at Olympia Leisure Centre, Harris Academy, and St John’s RC High School, Dundee
Application process
To apply, please send to dcaclubsecretary@gmail.com a CV and supporting statement (max 500 words) demonstrating how you meet the requirements of the role, including:
Your experience in performance planning, performance coaching, and leadership of a multi-squad programme.
Evidence of successfully developing swimmers from junior to national level and preparing them for competition
Your motivation for applying for this role, and the distinctive approach, knowledge, qualities and skills that you will bring to this role.
Applications will be shortlisted against the requirements set out in this advert, based on the evidence provided in the CV and supporting statement.
Key dates
Application closing date: Monday 19th October 2026 at 5.00 pm. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered.
Interview date: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview to be held on Friday 23rd October 2026.
Contact us/ more about us
Email: dcaclubsecretary@gmail.com
Facebook: /DundeeCityAquatics