National Place Manager

Organisation: Swim England
Salary: £40,000 - £42,000
Location: SportPark, Pavilion 3, 3 Oakwood Drive, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, Le11 3QF
Contract type: Permanent (Full time)
Closing date: 16 March 2026
Interview date: 26 March 2026
Job Description: - Permanent; Full-Time (35 Hours); Mon-Fri
- Minimum 1x Day a Week Onsite – SportPark, Loughborough
- National Travel Required - 2-3x a Week

About the Role

We are looking for a collaborative and purpose-driven National Place Manager to lead Swim England’s work within priority communities across England.

In this role, you will work across local ecosystems — including local authorities, Active Partnerships, community organisations and stakeholders — to embed swimming and aquatics into wider sport, health and community agendas. The focus is on tackling inequalities and supporting those who face the greatest barriers to participation, ensuring swimming contributes meaningfully to community outcomes and social impact.

This is a strategic, relationship-led role suited to someone who understands place-based working and enjoys connecting people, ideas and opportunities to create lasting change.

Key Responsibilities
Partnership & Ecosystem Development

- Build and maintain strong relationships with local authorities, Active Partnerships and community organisations within priority communities.

- Embed swimming and aquatics into local strategies relating to health, physical activity, regeneration and community development.

- Represent Swim England within local boards, partnerships and stakeholder forums where appropriate.

Place-Based Leadership

- Support the development of swimming and aquatics activity within local ecosystems, focusing on reducing inequalities and increasing access.

- Maintain and review asset mapping across priority communities to support strategic planning and decision-making.

- Work collaboratively with Swim England regions and colleagues to align national and local efforts.

Collaboration & Influence

- Engage and influence partners across the sport and physical activity landscape to strengthen swimming’s contribution to wider policy agendas.

- Communicate complex ideas clearly and help others understand the bigger picture of place-based work.

Additional Responsibilities

- Carry out duties within the scope and spirit of the role as required.

- Comply with organisational policies and procedures at all times.

Skills and Experience
Essential

- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

- Strong ability to build relationships and influence partners across sectors.

- Knowledge of the sport and physical activity landscape and wider policy agendas such as health, education, regeneration and community development.

- Experience working with local authorities, Active Partnerships or community organisations.

- Ability to connect ideas and communicate a clear vision to others.

- Minimum 5 years’ experience within community sport or physical activity environments.

Desirable

- Experience working within place-based or system-led initiatives.

- Understanding of inequality-focused programmes or community development approaches.
How to apply: Please click on the following link: https://sepeople.people-first.com/recruitment/campaignTable/campaign/recruitment%2Fcampaigns%2Fe3494c38-5d50-48e4-86cf-19c757e3afa0%2F/details