Role title: Lead Coach

Salary: £32k per annum plus 5% pension contribution

Contract Type: Full time, 37.5 hours per week, Fixed term until August 2029

Location: Edinburgh Schools Kayak Club

Reports to: Edinburgh Schools Kayak Club Board & Senior Development Manager

About the Opportunity

Paddle Scotland is seeking an enthusiastic, proactive, and forward-thinking Lead Paddle Sport Coach to play a key role in the development and long-term sustainability of Edinburgh Schools Kayak Club (ESKC).

This position offers an exciting opportunity for a passionate coach who recognises the wider positive impact that a thriving community sports club can have. In addition to delivering high-quality, engaging coaching sessions, you will collaborate with committee members, trustees, and volunteers to grow club membership, mentor upcoming coaches, and build a sustainable future where more people can enjoy and progress through paddlesport.

Key Responsibilities

Coaching & Club Development

• Expand club activity by offering more frequent coaching sessions to a broader group of young people.
• Help young paddlers build water confidence and turn paddlesport into a lifelong passion supporting personal wellbeing.
• Embed the Paddle Scotland Paddler Reference Points and Paddlesport Skills Booklets into the club's coaching environment.
• Inspect, maintain, and oversee all club equipment to ensure safety and readiness for sessions.

Membership Growth & Inclusion

• Help transition paddlesport participation levels into sustained club memberships to ensure future organisational stability.
• Champion Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) by identifying and removing barriers to participation in line with Paddle Scotland strategy.
• Present creative inclusion and community outreach initiatives to the board of trustees.

Volunteer Development & Mentoring

• Encourage existing members and newcomers to pursue coaching qualifications, leadership skills, and volunteer opportunities.
• Mentor members to foster a strong culture of safety, inclusion, and personal development within the club.
• Engage with parents and guardians to build strong support networks around young athletes.

Governance, Administration & Financial Sustainability

• Strengthen coaching administration and operational communications to streamline governance and reduce the load on volunteer board members.
• Help generate additional income streams and establish a self-sustaining activity model beyond the initial funding period.
• Ensure good governance principles are embedded across all club activities.

Candidate Requirements

Essential Criteria:

• Qualifications: BCAB Level 3 Coach award in sheltered water or above, a valid 2-day First Aid Certificate, and completion of (or willingness to complete) sportscotland CWPS Safeguarding training.
• Experience: Minimum 2 years of experience in the outdoor or paddlesports industry.
• Coaching Approach: Clear understanding of pedagogical coaching methods and how fun, engaging sessions drive long-term progression.
• Skills: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills across all age groups, strong organizational habits, and genuine empathy for the challenges facing young people.
• Events & Safety: Experience or strong interest in organising sporting events, and a clear understanding of safeguarding protocols.

Desirable Criteria:

• 5 or more years of experience in a similar sports coaching or leadership role.
• BCAB Level 3 Coach awards in Kayak, Canoe, and SUP, or BCAB Performance/Racing/Slalom Coach awards.
• Experience in managing equipment inventory and maintenance schedules.
• Demonstrated experience in athlete development across diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.

How to Apply

To apply for this role, please submit your CV and a brief cover letter explaining your suitability to hr@paddlescotland.org.uk.

Closing Date for Applications: 5 November 2026

Informal Enquiries: For an informal discussion regarding the role, please reach out to adam.burns@paddlescotland.org.uk.

Note: The successful candidate will be required to obtain a PVG Scheme membership through the club prior to commencing employment.