Contract Time

This 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 Outline

Bangkok Prep seeks an inspiring and forward-thinking Whole School Head of Aquatics to lead one of the school’s flagship sports programmes. The post holder is responsible for the leadership, management and development of all aquatics programmes and services from EYFS to Year 13. This includes Learn 2 Swim, curricular swimming, competitive swimming, water polo and the school’s growing triathlon programme, 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:

1. Setting the strategic vision and multi-year development plan for Bangkok Prep Aquatics, in partnership with the Director of Sport.
2. Overseeing the whole school's aquatics programmes and services: Learn 2 Swim, curricular swimming, the Bulldog swimming programme, water polo and triathlon.
3. Managing, directing and developing the school's growing triathlon programme, building clear pathways from introductory aquathlon to competitive triathlon in Thailand and the region.
4. Supervising the daily operations of the Bangkok Prep pool facilities, staff, supplies and equipment in line with the PSOP and appropriate risk assessments.
5. Ensuring the quality and related safety of all programmes before, during and after school, including off-site open-water, cycling and running sessions.
6. Administering, supervising and promoting the Bangkok Prep Bulldog swimming programme.
7. Overseeing all squads from Learn 2 Swim to national level under the philosophy of Participation, Pathways and Performance.
8. Programming all Learn 2 Swim, training and competitions across both the Primary and Secondary pools and staff.
9. Modelling excellent assessment and data collection, using technology for performance analysis and tracking of individuals and groups.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. Leading and coaching the Heads of Primary and Secondary Aquatics and the triathlon coaches, and ensuring outstanding CPD drives professional improvement across the team.
13. Leading the team to plan and deliver the four showcase Swim Meets each year: Puppy Dash, Puppy Cup, Bulldog Dash and Bulldog Cup.
14. Communicating with the Swim Team, triathlon squad, school staff and parent community, and using the school's social media channels to celebrate student athletes and raise the profile of aquatics.

Key Qualifications/Experience:

Essential

1. A 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.
2. Current lifeguard qualification (e.g. RLSS NPLQ or equivalent), with CPR, First Aid and AED certification, or the willingness to gain these before starting.
3. Previous experience in a management or leadership position at a similar aquatic facility and programme, including leading a team of coaches.
4. 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.
5. An excellent understanding of the Learn 2 Swim model as a pathway to competitive squads, and of stroke technique at every stage.
6. An excellent understanding of competitive squad planning, delivery, analysis and assessment, including periodisation and long-term athlete development.
7. A practical understanding of multisport training and the ability to lead the triathlon programme, including open-water and transition skills and the safe management of cycling and running sessions.
8. A proven ability to manage a large, multi-disciplinary team in a fast-paced environment.
9. Exceptional leadership, management and interpersonal skills, with strong written and spoken English.
10. Pool operations - Aquatic Technical Operator / Pool Plant Operator or equivalent
11. A clear commitment to safeguarding and child protection.

Desirable

1. A triathlon coaching qualification (e.g. British Triathlon Level 2, Triathlon Australia or World Triathlon Level 1 or higher) or the willingness to gain one.
2. A Water Safety Instructor (WSI) or lifeguard trainer qualification, to deliver lifesaving training to staff.
3. Experience in an international school setting, including competitive programmes.
4. Experience working with a variety of curriculum to articulate swimming across the school.
5. Experience using TeamUnify, Hy-Tek Meet Manager and Team Manager, and electronic timing systems.
6. Experience working with national governing bodies such as the Thailand Swimming Association.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Leadership and strategy

1. Deliver outstanding aquatic sessions that inspire all students and coaches to improve.
2. Create a positive culture and outstanding learning environment where every student is valued and supported in developing.
3. Direct and supervise Bangkok Prep's aquatic programmes, including swimming, water polo and triathlon, and the management, leadership and organisation of the Learn 2 Swim programme.
4. Oversee the scheduling of all aquatic programmes and services, in cooperation with the Director of Sport, to deliver the best opportunities for students across Participation, Pathways and Performance.
5. Develop and manage the aquatics budget, including equipment, kit, competition entries and travel, in line with school procedures.
6. Lead the recruitment, induction, appraisal and CPD of aquatics and triathlon coaching staff, lifeguards and instructors.
7. 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 Swim

1. Assist with the coordination, development, delivery and evaluation of Bangkok Prep's curricular swimming programmes from EYFS to Year 11, with the Primary and Secondary PE Departments.
2. Ensure every student leaves Primary able to swim safely and confidently, with water safety and survival skills taught at every stage.
3. Oversee and deliver aquatic training sessions during non-term time Sport Camps.

Competitive swimming and water polo

1. Uphold the school's membership as a swimming club with the TSA so that students can represent Bangkok Prep at Thailand national swimming events.
2. Raise the profile and capacity of Bangkok Prep Aquatics by hosting a calendar of international competition for development and performance swimmers.
3. Use Meet Manager and coordinate with the Events Team to host large-scale competitions.
4. Oversee the development of water polo as part of the aquatics pathway.

Triathlon

1. Manage, direct and develop the school's triathlon programme, setting a clear pathway from introductory aquathlon and duathlon in Primary to competitive triathlon in Secondary.
2. Plan, coordinate and quality-assure triathlon training across swim, bike and run, including brick and transition sessions.
3. 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.
4. Build a competition calendar of school, national and regional triathlon and aquathlon events, and manage entries, travel and team logistics.
5. Create opportunities for Bangkok Prep to host its own aquathlon or triathlon event for local and international schools.
6. Build partnerships with triathlon clubs, coaches and the Triathlon Association of Thailand to extend provision for the most able athletes.
7. Grow participation in triathlon across the school, including families and staff, and track the programme's growth and results.

Facilities, technology and safety

1. Write, review and disseminate policies and procedures that relate to the swimming pool and aquatics programmes, including the PSOP, emergency action plans and regular emergency drills.
2. Take responsibility for supervising the day-to-day operation of the pools, including maintenance, water quality, security, safety and the staff working in them.
3. Take responsibility for the procedures for opening and closing the swimming pools.
4. 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.
5. Deliver or coordinate lifeguarding and lifesaving training for the PE team, coaching staff and other faculty.
6. Conduct lessons and training in a safe and friendly environment, and observe and enforce all rules and regulations of the facility.
7. Administer any first aid needed and follow Bangkok Prep procedures for follow-up and reporting.
8. Order equipment and swim meet and triathlon needs, including bikes, wetsuits and race kit where required.
9. Manage team kit with local suppliers and potential sponsors.

Communication and community

1. Communicate with other international schools in the region for hosted and away swim meets and triathlon events.
2. Liaise regularly with the Swim Team Parents to keep the aquatics community informed of updates and results.
3. Communicate with parents about their involvement in swim meets and triathlon events.
4. Communicate with the Events Team and C&D Team regarding schedules, results and awards.
5. Raise the profile of Bangkok Prep Aquatics and Triathlon through reports, adverts and celebratory posts in community communications and on the official School Sport social media platforms.
6. Other duties as assigned.

Bangkok Prep Commitment to Safeguarding Principles

Bangkok Prep is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years’ employment history.

Given the nature of aquatics and off-site triathlon training, the post holder will model and enforce safe practice in changing areas, one-to-one coaching, transport, overnight trips and digital communication with students