Job Title: Head Coach

Location: Durham Climbing Centre, Durham, UK
Position Type: Full-Time 37.5 hours per week including evenings and weekends / 5 days per week

Salary: £27,414 - £29,341

About Durham Climbing Centre:

Durham Climbing Centre offers high quality climbing experiences for people of all ages and abilities in the North East. As indoor climbing continues to rise in popularity, we are excited to expand our team to help foster a welcoming, safe, and energetic environment for climbers. From beginners to seasoned athletes, we aim to inspire climbers at all levels. As we continue to grow, we’re looking for a Head Coach to lead our coaching team and elevate the experience for both our athletes and our coaching staff.

Role Overview:

We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Head Coach to take on a leadership role within our team. The ideal candidate will have extensive coaching experience, with a particular focus on children' s climbing development. This role is integral to ensuring our coaching team operates at the highest standards and that every athlete—regardless of age or skill level—receives the best possible training and guidance. The Head Coach will be responsible for leading and mentoring the coaching team, creating lesson plans, overseeing program delivery, and ensuring a culture of excellence in both coaching and athlete development. You will be expected to carry out any other duties that may reasonably be required in line with your main duties.

Reporting to: the Centre Manager 

Essential Requirements:

• Proven experience in climbing coaching, preferably in a leadership or head coach role.
• Experience working with children in a coaching capacity
• Knowledge and training in Safeguarding
• Strong knowledge of climbing techniques, rules, strategies, and coaching methodologies.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to educate and inspire diverse groups of athletes.
• Experience leading, mentoring, and motivating a team of coaches.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail in planning sessions and managing teams.
• Ability to motivate athletes and coaches, instilling a growth mindset and passion for the sport.
• A commitment to promoting a positive team culture focused on respect, integrity, and excellence.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage with athletes, parents, and other staff members.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team to achieve organisational goals.
• Relevant coaching qualifications such as a Mountain Training Development Coaching Award, Climbing Wall Instructor (CWI) or equivalent climbing qualifications.

Desirable:

• First Aid at Work certification.
• A background in working with children and young athletes, including understanding their developmental needs.
• A proactive and solution-focused approach to problem-solving.
• Experience in a supervisory or leadership role within the leisure or sports industry.
• DBS clearance for working with children.
• Experience with EPOS systems and
• Experience with social media management
• Knowledge of risk management and compliance in a climbing or leisure environment.

Why Join Us?

Growth Opportunities: Ongoing training and career development, with a focus on personal and professional growth.

Supportive Work Environment: Work in a friendly, collaborative environment that values professional development.

Work-Life Balance: Flexible working hours with the possibility of day shifts, evenings, weekends, and school holidays.

Employee Benefits:

• Performance-based bonus opportunities
• Employee plus one loyalty programme
• Free climbing during non-working hours.
• Complimentary tea, coffee, and fruit.
• Pension scheme and annual bonus scheme.
• 28 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays).
• Discounted climbing shoes, chalk, and accessories.
• Staff meals on Camp Days

How to Apply:

If you’re an experienced coach with a passion for climbing and the ability to lead and inspire a team, we’d love to hear from you! Please email [email protected] to request the full Job Description and Application form. Please complete and submit with your CV and a cover letter explaining your relevant experience, coaching philosophy, and why you would be a great fit for the Head Coach role at Durham Climbing Centre.

 

We are also seeking...

Job Title: Climbing Wall Staff
Location: Durham Climbing Centre, Durham, UK
Position Type: Full-Time & Part-time contracts available 

Salary: Starting at £25,012 

Role Overview:

We are seeking a Climbing Coach & Receptionist to join our vibrant team. This combined role involves coaching climbing sessions for both children and adults, leading classes like NICAS, holiday camps, and GCSE P.E. sessions, as well as working at the front desk to welcome customers, handle bookings, and assist with daily operations. You will be an integral part of the team, offering high-quality coaching while ensuring that every guest has an exceptional experience. You will be expected to carry out any other duties that may reasonably be required in line with your main duties.

Reporting to: Supervisor

Person Specification:

• A passion for climbing, with a strong desire to share your knowledge and enthusiasm with others.
• Strong communication skills and a friendly, approachable manner.
• Experience working with children and managing groups in a busy environment.
• Previous customer service experience with a focus on creating positive experiences.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, multi-tasking role.
• Basic IT skills and proficiency 
• Attention to detail and a commitment to delivering the best possible service.
• Flexible, reliable, and able to work a range of hours, including evenings and weekends.

Desirable:

• First Aid and Food Hygiene certifications.
• A DBS Check for working with children.
• Experience in a similar climbing wall or leisure setting.
• A CWI or higher, and NICAS inducted.
• DBS clearance for working with children
• Previous experience using booking software or managing customer memberships
• Previous experience in hospitality or service industry

Why Join Us?

Supportive Work Environment: We offer a friendly and positive team atmosphere, where you’ll have the chance to grow professionally.

Ongoing Training: We provide continuous development opportunities to help you further your coaching career and climbing knowledge.

Work-Life Balance: Enjoy 28 days annual leave and a flexible working rota to balance your passion for climbing and your personal life.

Employee Benefits:

• Complimentary climbing during non-working hours.
• Employee plus one loyalty programme
• Free tea, coffee, and fruit
• Pension scheme and annual bonus scheme.
• Mental Health & Wellbeing Days.
• Discounted prices on climbing shoes, chalk, and accessories.
• Free meals on Camp Days 

How to Apply:

If you’re enthusiastic, organized, and passionate about climbing, we’d love to hear from you! Please email [email protected] to request the full Job Description and Application form. Please complete and submit with your CV and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you’re a great fit for this role.

 

Closing Date: 6th June
Salary: £27,414 - £29,341