Head of Aquatics

Job description / Role

Job overview

The British International School Jeddah (BISJ) is a prestigious co-educational international school in Saudi Arabia, with a proud 48-year history of excellence. It offers a vibrant and inclusive learning environment, a rich co-curricular programme, and an impressive record of outstanding student outcomes, with a strong emphasis on wellbeing.

Join a school where students are supported to flourish and thrive. An environment where students are empowered as lifelong learners with the skills, knowledge and attributes to excel. Innovative teaching within a robust British curriculum provides a stimulating environment for both educators and learners.

We are currently recruiting an exceptional and strategic leader for the role of Head of Aquatics.

This is an outstanding opportunity to design, manage, lead, and implement a world-class, whole-school swim programme that supports the development and performance of all students at BISJ, from 3 to 18 years old. This high-impact role is crucial to establishing BISJ as a leading school for aquatics on both a national and international level.

Key responsibilities

The successful candidate will drive the strategic development of aquatics across the whole school. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Programme development: Design, promote, and deliver all swim programmes—from Learn to Swim through to competitive performance talent pathways—ensuring the highest standards for all students (3-18).
• Performance leadership: Ensure BISJ has a succession of talented young swimmers who are continually developing to reach their full potential, while ensuring the programme is all-inclusive across all pathways.
• Staff and budget management: Manage all staffing, budgets, equipment, and resources for the entire Aquatics Programme, including recruitment, scheduling, and training of coaches.
• Compliance and safety: Develop and enforce all necessary health and safety protocols, risk assessments, and standard operating procedures, ensuring compliance with current regulations.
• External profile: Raise the performance and profile of the BISJ swim programme by building key relationships with management, parents, students, and relevant external organisations, including meets like SAIKAC and BSME.
• Facility management: Ensure all facility maintenance, security, and cleanliness standards are met, working closely with the Operations Department.

Qualifications and experience

• A bachelor’s degree in sport science, exercise science, business management, or a related discipline from a recognised institution.
• Minimum of five years in management of a significant swimming programme (covering both competitive and development pathways).
• Minimum of five years coaching experience.
• Ability to develop and manage swimming pathways across multiple levels (recreational, developmental, competitive).
• A minimal level of coaching qualification is required.
• Proven ability to use initiative, assume responsibility for tasks and projects, and to resolve problems.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to engage, enthuse, and inspire staff, students, and the wider community.
• A strong set of values that align with our BISJ vision and mission.

Preferred attributes

• A belief that positivity is as important as performance in the workplace and amongst the community.
• Have high levels of personal integrity and enjoy connecting with all members of our community.
• Be able to manage your own wellbeing and support others with theirs.

Why join BISJ?

• To work in a leading international school, with a diverse and motivated staff and student body.
• The opportunity to thrive in a culturally rich and diverse international community that celebrates differences and cultivates respectful, empathetic global citizens.
• To grow as a professional through a world-class professional development programme with leading global experts supported by a generous CPD budget.
• Supportive and collegial staff environment with an excellent remuneration and benefits package.
• A chance to live and work in the vibrant and welcoming city of Jeddah, recently rated the second best city for quality of life in the Arab world.
• Be part of a prestigious British international school with over 48 years of excellence, combining strong British educational values with a broad international outlook.

If you are a dynamic and strategic leader ready to elevate an aquatics programme and inspire future generations of swimmers, we would love to hear from you.

BISJ prioritises safer recruitment and child safeguarding, aligning with UK Keeping Children Safe in Education, the recommendations of The International Task Force On Child Protection, and other international standards. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will undergo thorough background checks, including written and verbal references; qualification verification; identity and police checks, including overseas checks.

Application process

We invite applications from around the globe, welcoming candidates already in Saudi Arabia (local hire) and international candidates who are looking to relocate (overseas hire).

Applicants must highlight and explain any gaps in employment, providing relevant details where applicable.

Applicants are required to provide three professional referees, including their most recent Head Teacher or Principal. References will be requested for shortlisted candidates prior to interview, in line with BISJ’s safer recruitment procedures.

The school reserves the right to make an earlier appointment should a suitable candidate be identified.

Data protection (PDPL)

In accordance with the Saudi Arabian Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL), BISJ will process applicants’ personal information securely and confidentially, using it solely for recruitment purposes and only sharing it with authorised individuals involved in the selection process.