Lead Watersports Instructor (Level 3)

We are Places for People Group, we're a social enterprise that believes it's people that make a community. That's why we build homes and deliver services for everyone in the community to thrive. At Places Leisure we are changing lives by creating active places and healthy people for communities to thrive, and we want to be the UK's leading health and wellbeing enabler.

At Places Leisure (part of Places for People), we believe in creating active, healthy communities through inclusive, high-quality experiences.

More about Albany Outdoors

Albany Outdoors is a unique, community-embedded outdoor water sports centre, and we are looking for an experienced Level 3 Watersports Instructor / Coach to play a key leadership role in delivering safe, inspiring, and accessible activity on the water.

Working closely with the General Manager, you will lead the delivery of paddle sport, sailing and Dragon Boat sessions in a dynamic river environment, ensuring the highest standards of safety, care, and professionalism in line with AALA and National Governing Body requirements. You will support and develop instructors and volunteers, model positive leadership, and help create welcoming, inclusive experiences for schools, community groups, and corporate teams.

This is a role for someone who shares our commitment to People, Place and Purpose — where your expertise is valued, your judgement is trusted, and your work helps people of all ages build confidence, skills, and a lifelong connection with activity and the outdoors.

More about your role

In this role, you lead the daily operations of the water sports centre, acting as senior on site when needed and supervising instructors to ensure high‑quality delivery. You teach and facilitate outdoor learning in line with NGB standards, oversee safe daily activity delivery, and act as Fire Marshal, Health & Safety representative and first aider. You support training and development for staff and volunteers, prioritise safeguarding at all times, and use resources efficiently to maximise impact. You also handle administrative tasks such as bookings and staff scheduling, prepare staffing plans aligned to programme needs, and embed a culture of self‑evaluation to drive continuous improvement.

Desired Qualifications (or working towards):

• Paddle UK Coach or Leader (Level 2 or Level 3)
• BDRA Level 1 Coach
• RYA Dinghy Instructor or Senior Dinghy Instructor
• RYA Powerboat Level 2
• Archery GB qualification
• ASI Level 1 Instructor Award
• Relevant First Aid qualification (outdoor / remote preferred)

More about you

You hold a recognised Level 3 Youth Work or Children & Young People qualification and at least one nationally recognised outdoor activity qualification. You have experience engaging and building strong relationships with young people, supporting their personal and social development, and you're confident leading teams in outdoor education to deliver high‑quality sessions. You're well‑organised, an effective communicator, and comfortable using digital tools. Ideally, you also bring experience embedding equality and diversity in practice and working with corporate clients to deliver excellent customer experiences.

Benefits

We are a large, diverse and ambitious business, which will give you all the challenge you could wish for.

We know that there's always more we can do to make you smile, that's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package with each role, yours will include:

• We align with the Real Living Wage foundation
• A bonus scheme for all colleagues at 2%
• Full Health & Fitness membership for you, a nominated adult and up to 4 juniors
• Flexible working (including part time working, shift work and more)
• An opportunity to purchase additional annual leave
• Lots of opportunity to access ongoing personal learning and development
• Access to our Company Pension scheme
• Cashback plan for healthcare costs – up to £500 saving per year
• Discounts of up to 50% on activities, centre shop and cafes
• Extra perks including huge discounts and offers from shops, cinemas and much more.