Head of Aquatics

Job overviewReporting to: Director of SportDirect reports: Head of Primary Aquatics; Head of Secondary Aquatics and Swim Team; Triathlon Coaches; Learn 2 Swim instructors and lifeguards (through the Heads of Aquatics)Other key relationships: Primary PE Department, Secondary PE Department, Head Coaches, Events Team, C&D Team, Facilities and Estates, School Nurse, FOBP, Swim Team Parents, Thailand Swimming Association (TSA), Triathlon Association of Thailand, external clubs and partners, International Schools Head Coaches (FOBISIA, BISA, and regional schools)Contract TimeThis is a full-time position, 35 hours per week, during term time and school breaks. The regular work schedule is Monday to Saturday, with additional hours required for weekend swim meets, triathlon and aquathlon races, overseas fixtures, and holiday sport camps. Early-morning training sessions form part of the regular schedule for performance squads.During term time and school breaks, the amount of hours will be 35 hours a week.Position OutlineBangkok Prep seeks an inspiring and forward-thinking whole school head of aquatics to lead one of the school’s flagship sports programs. The postholder is responsible for the leadership, management, and development of all aquatics programs and services from EYFS to Year 13. This includes Learn 2 Swim, curricular swimming, competitive swimming, water polo, and the school’s growing triathlon program, alongside the safe operation of the Primary and secondary pools and the team that works in them.The Head of Aquatics leads under the school’s sport philosophy of Participation, Pathways, and Performance. Every child should learn to swim safely, find an aquatic sport they love, and have a clear route to compete at the highest level they can reach, whether that is a house gala, FOBISIA, Thailand national championships, or an international triathlon.Responsibilities will include:Setting the strategic vision and multi-year development plan for Bangkok Prep Aquatics, in partnership with the Director of Sport.Overseeing the whole school's aquatics programs and services: Learn 2 Swim, curricular swimming, the Bulldog swimming program, water polo, and triathlon.Managing, directing, and developing the school's growing triathlon program, building clear pathways from introductory aquathlon to competitive triathlon in Thailand and the region.Supervising the daily operations of the Bangkok Prep pool facilities, staff, supplies, and equipment in line with the PSOP and appropriate risk assessments.Ensuring the quality and related safety of all programs before, during, and after school, including off-site open-water, cycling, and running sessions.Administering, supervising, and promoting the Bangkok Prep Bulldog swimming program.Overseeing all squads from Learn 2 Swim to the national level under the philosophy of Participation, Pathways, and Performance.Programming all Learn 2 Swim training and competitions across both the Primary and Secondary pools and staff.Modelling excellent assessment and data collection, using technology for performance analysis and tracking of individuals and groups.Building a positive whole-school culture that retains students in aquatics from EYFS to Year 13, from Learn 2 Swim to national swimmers and triathletes.Collaborating with external clubs and partners so that athletes receive the right provision for their ability, while continuing to represent the school and lead in training.Leading and coaching the Heads of Primary and Secondary Aquatics and the triathlon coaches, and ensuring outstanding CPD drives professional improvement across the team.Leading the team to plan and deliver the four showcase Swim Meets each year: Puppy Dash, Puppy Cup, Bulldog Dash and Bulldog Cup.Key Qualifications/Experience:EssentialA Level 2 (or higher) swimming teaching or coaching qualification, e.g., Swim England/ASA/SEQ Level 2, Australian Swim Coach Licence (preferably Advanced or Performance endorsement), ASCA Level 3, or equivalent; or a degree in Physical Education or a related sports field.Current lifeguard qualification (e.g. RLSS NPLQ or equivalent), with CPR, first aid, and AED certification, or the willingness to gain these before starting.Previous experience in a management or leadership position at a similar aquatic facility and program, including leading a team of coaches.A minimum of 5 years' experience teaching and coaching swimming with children aged 3 to 18, with a proven track record in developing age-group swimmers.An excellent understanding of the Learn 2 Swim model as a pathway to competitive squads and of stroke technique at every stage.An excellent understanding of competitive squad planning, delivery, analysis, and assessment, including periodization and long-term athlete development.A practical understanding of multisport training and the ability to lead the triathlon program, including open-water and transition skills and the safe management of cycling and running sessions.A proven ability to manage a large, multi-disciplinary team in a fast-paced environment.Exceptional leadership, management, and interpersonal skills, with strong written and spoken English.Pool operations—Aquatic Technical Operator / Pool Plant Operator or equivalentA clear commitment to safeguarding and child protection.DesirableA triathlon coaching qualification (e.g., British Triathlon Level 2, Triathlon Australia, or World Triathlon Level 1 or higher) or the willingness to gain one.A Water Safety Instructor (WSI) or lifeguard trainer qualification to deliver lifesaving training to staff.Experience in an international school setting, including competitive programs.Experience working with a variety of curriculum to articulate swimming across the school.Experience using TeamUnify, Hy-Tek Meet Manager, and Team Manager and electronic timing systems.Experience working with national governing bodies such as the Thailand Swimming Association.Key Duties and Responsibilities:Leadership and strategyDeliver outstanding aquatic sessions that inspire all students and coaches to improve.Create a positive culture and outstanding learning environment where every student is valued and supported in developing.Direct and supervise Bangkok Prep's aquatic programs, including swimming, water polo, and triathlon, and the management, leadership, and organization of the Learn 2 Swim program.Oversee the scheduling of all aquatic programs and services, in cooperation with the Director of Sport, to deliver the best opportunities for students across Participation, Pathways, and Performance.Develop and manage the aquatics budget, including equipment, kit, competition entries, and travel, in line with school procedures.Lead the recruitment, induction, appraisal, and CPD of aquatics and triathlon coaching staff, lifeguards, and instructors.Be proactive in leading aquatics development with the Heads of Primary and Secondary Aquatics within BISA and FOBISIA, and work collaboratively with Heads of Aquatics across the region.Curriculum and Learn 2 SwimAssist with the coordination, development, delivery, and evaluation of Bangkok Prep's curricular swimming programs from EYFS to Year 11, with the Primary and Secondary PE Departments.Ensure every student leaves Primary able to swim safely and confidently, with water safety and survival skills taught at every stage.Oversee and deliver aquatic training sessions during non-term time at sport camps.Competitive swimming and water poloUphold the school's membership as a swimming club with the TSA so that students can represent Bangkok Prep at Thailand national swimming events.Raise the profile and capacity of Bangkok Prep Aquatics by hosting a calendar of international competition for development and performance swimmers.Use Meet Manager and coordinate with the Events Team to host large-scale competitions.Oversee the development of water polo as part of the aquatics pathway.TriathlonManage, direct, and develop the school's triathlon program, setting a clear pathway from introductory aquathlon and duathlon in Primary to competitive triathlon in Secondary.Plan, coordinate, and quality-assure triathlon training across swim, bike, and run, including brick and transition sessions.Lead the risk assessment and safe delivery of off-site and open-water training and racing, including safe cycling routes or venues, supervision ratios, and water-quality and heat-stress checks.Build a competition calendar of school, national, and regional triathlon and aquathlon events, and manage entries, travel, and team logistics.Create opportunities for Bangkok Prep to host its own aquathlon or triathlon event for local and international schools.Build partnerships with triathlon clubs, coaches, and the Triathlon Association of Thailand to extend provision for the most able athletes.Grow participation in triathlon across the school, including families and staff, and track the program's growth and results.Facilities, technology, and safetyWrite, review, and disseminate policies and procedures that relate to the swimming pool and aquatics programs, including the PSOP, emergency action plans, and regular emergency drills.Take responsibility for supervising the day-to-day operation of the pools, including maintenance, water quality, security, safety, and the staff working in them.Take responsibility for the procedures for opening and closing the swimming pools.Oversee the maintenance and operation of aquatic technology, including electronic timing systems (Colorado/Swiss Timing), underwater filming for stroke analysis and digital performance tracking boards.Deliver or coordinate lifeguarding and lifesaving training for the PE team, coaching staff, and other faculty.Conduct lessons and training in a safe and friendly environment, and observe and enforce all rules and regulations of the facility.Administer any first aid needed and follow Bangkok Prep procedures for follow-up and reporting.