Academy Director: Swimming

Job Title: Academy Director, Swimming

Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE (with travel across assigned sites)

Reports to: CEO Middle East

Job type: Full time Salary : £45,000 - £55,000 per annum depending on experience

Triple Olympic Gold Medalist Tom Dean is launching the first UAE- based International Swim School at a British Academy in Abu Dhabi.

Inspired by his own experience learning to swim and progressing into an elite performance program and then Olympic success, Tom has created a Swim School program that has already proved successful in the UK, with over 4500 children already enjoying this unique approach to learn to swim and performance swimming.

We are looking for an exceptional Academy Director for Swimming to oversee the delivery, growth, and quality assurance of the TDSSI swimming programme - both in and out of curriculum . The Academy Director for Swimming will lead British Academy's swim squad and be responsible for nurturing and developing talented swimmers.

The Academy director for Swimming will drive participation, progression and performance of all swimmers, as well as delivering operational excellence. The Director will lead a team of swimming instructors and coaches to deliver exceptional aquatics experiences that align with organisational strategy, customer expectations, and regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities

1. Programme Leadership

• Lead the planning, coordination, and delivery of swimming lessons, competitive programmes, and community initiatives.
• Ensure alignment with Swim England/FINA/TDSSI standards and other recognised frameworks and best practices.
• Oversee termly curriculum planning and progression pathways.
• Support the development of talent pathways (learn-to-swim to competitive swimming).

2. Team Management & Development

• Line-manage site-based Swimming Coordinators and swim teachers.
• Recruit, train, and develop swimming instructors, lifeguards, and coaching staff.
• Deliver regular 1-2-1s, team meetings, and CPD training.
• Implement succession planning for key aquatics roles.

3. Quality & Compliance

• Ensure all swimming programmes meet health & safety, safeguarding, and compliance standards in line with UAE regulations.
• Carry out regular lesson observations and audits.
• Ensure staff qualifications (NPLQ, first aid, safeguarding, swim teaching) remain up to date.
• Lead on risk assessments and incident management related to aquatics.

4. Customer & Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as the senior point of contact for parents, schools, and community partners.
• Manage feedback, complaints, and escalations professionally.
• Develop partnerships with schools, sports councils, and federations to increase participation.

5. Business & Growth

• Deliver income and participation targets for swimming programmes.
• Monitor performance KPIs (retention, enrolment, attendance, progression).
• Drive marketing campaigns and community outreach to grow swim programmes.
• Provide regular reports to senior management on performance, risks, and opportunities.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Growth in swimming lesson enrolments and retention.
• Achievement of income and participation targets.
• Staff training and qualification compliance (100%).
• Customer satisfaction and parent feedback ratings.
• Reduction in incidents and high compliance in audits.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Minimum Level 2 Swimming Teacher/Coach (or equivalent international qualification).
• 5+ years of experience in aquatics management or multi-site swim programme leadership.
• Experience working in the Middle East or international leisure environments.
• Strong knowledge of health & safety and safeguarding
• Strong understanding of curriculum-based swimming and athlete development pathways
• Proven track record in leading teams and improving performance outcomes
• Experience in organising and officiating swimming competitions
• Knowledge of health and safety in aquatic settings, including NOP/EAP compliance
• Proven track record of staff management and programme growth
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.

Desirable:

• Valid lifeguard qualifications
• Experience in Competitive/Elite swimming programme management.
• Degree in Sports Management, Leisure, or related field.

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive salary (commensurate with experience).
• Medical insurance and annual leave entitlement in line with UAE labour law.
• Professional development and CPD opportunities
• High-quality CPD and leadership development
• Supportive and innovative school culture
• World-class aquatic and sports facilities

THE PROCESS

Please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your experience and suitability for the role to enquiries@tomdeanswimschool.com

Closing date for applications 12pm on 15th November 2025, but we reserve the right to make an early appointment for experienced and suitably qualified applicants. This job description is not all inclusive. We reserve the right to amend this job description at any time. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment. Offers of appointment are subject to satisfactory references and police clearance.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: AED220,000.00 - AED268,000.00 per year