Oriam is actively recruiting for a Squash Lead Coach & Coordinator on a self-employed or coaching scholarship basis.
Oriam is seeking to engage with a dedicated coach/ coordinator to build a business at Oriam, building on the success of the current set-up. This role will coordinate and deliver squash coaching to various groups including children, students and community members who have an Oriam squash club membership. As a self-employed coach the successful person has the flexibility to shape the programme as they see fit, with guidance from colleagues at Oriam and Scottish Squash.
Oriam, Scotland’s Sports Performance Centre, based at Heriot-Watt University’s has a long-standing commitment to Squash in Scotland. Oriam’s eight high‑quality courts and its role as the national performance base for Scottish Squash create a unique environment where national athletes, development squads, and core programme activities all operate under one roof.
To make the most of the courts, Oriam introduced a dedicated squash club membership that unites student and community members into a single, structured club. The model provides flexible court access, a clear programme of coaching and social play, and a pathway into competitive teams across local and national leagues.
FTE & Working Pattern
Guaranteed year-round coaching on Monday nights for the Squash Club from 5-8pm each week (could swap to Thursday evenings if clashes with existing commitments)
Sport development duties, with workload agreed in advance with the role supervisor
Flexible additional hours, expected to increase in line with programme growth
Contract Type
Option 1: Self-employed contract, with mix of guaranteed work and incentivised income generation
Option 2: Coaching scholarship with significant discount on tuition fee for any Heriot-Watt University postgraduate degree. Morfe info on coaching scholarships here: Coaching Scholarship - Edinburgh - Scotland - Oriam
Hourly rates:
Club coaching & sport development: £20 per hour
Events: profit share arrangement
Squash lessons: 100% of lesson income, minus £5 per court per session payable to Oriam
What Oriam offers...
A flexible approach to creating a sustainable business
Exclusive access to squash courts
The opportunity to work at Scotland’s Sports Performance centre and base for Scottish Squash
The opportunity to make a real impact on the growth of the club and squash in the area
Mentoring support from existing colleagues
Key focuses of the role...
Coaching programme: Coordinate and deliver a coaching programme to Heriot-Watt University/ Oriam Squash Club members
Events & tournaments: Coordinate squash events at Oriam including member only and open tournaments for both junior and adults
Squash lessons: Deliver private individual squash lessons
Community kids programme: Create, coordinate and deliver squash coaching to kids and juniors
Squash camps: Coordinate and deliver squash camps
Squash Club Membership: Work with Oriam colleagues on the recruitment and retention of Oriam Squash Members
Squash Club Governance: Contribute to the overall governance of Heriot-Watt University/ Oriam Squash Club
Sport Development: Coordinate Oriam/HWU Squash Club involvement in national initiatives to raise the profile of the sport and the club such as Squash Stars and HiiT Squash
Education, Qualifications & Experience we are looking for...
These are the criteria on which the short-listing and recruitment selection will be made
Qualifications & Experience:
1. Scottish Squash Level 2 coaching qualification, or actively working towards completion
2. Squash coaching experience of at least two years, demonstrating progressive responsibility and impact
3. Experience in similar environments, ideally within club, community, or university sport settings
4. Experience with developing sport programmes
Professional Skills & Attributes:
1. Proactive professional approach with evidence of reliability, initiative, and high personal standards
2. Flexible availability to deliver sessions during mornings, evenings, and weekends in line with programme needs
3. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage confidently with players, parents, and colleagues
4. Excellent customer service, ensuring a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment
5. Good IT skills, including confident use of scheduling systems, communication platforms, and basic software packages.
For further information or to apply please contact Chris Sellar, Oriam Director of Delivery, on c.sellar@hw.ac.uk. CV and cover letter is required for application.
Deadline for applications is 7th September 2026