Lead Training Instructor

Sutton Swim School•Campbell, CA

18d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the COO, Lead Training Instructors at Sutton Swim School (SSS) are responsible for delivering exceptional swim instruction across all age groups while serving as primary drivers of instructor development within the organization. This is first and foremost a leadership position. Lead Training Instructors build and carry forward the instructional culture of SSS by training instructors, developing trainers, and ensuring the knowledge and values of this school are passed on with consistency and intention. They lead by example in the water and on the deck, earning respect through technical excellence, steady presence, and genuine investment in the growth of every person on the team. WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE OFFER Sutton Swim School is not a typical swim school. We take the craft of swim instruction seriously, constantly refining how we teach, how we train, and how we show up for the families who trust us with their children. We believe water safety is one of the most important skills a person can carry through life, and we treat it that way. We believe great swimming is taught, not just demonstrated. Our approach is rooted in the idea that water safety is built in layers, and that the instructor's job is to build real skill and real confidence, not just the appearance of it. We are always learning, and we expect our Lead Training Instructors to bring the same orientation. These roles were created because SSS is growing. For the right people, there is a genuine path toward expanded responsibility in curriculum development, training program design, and organizational leadership. We are not offering titles. We are offering seats at the table as we build something worth being part of. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES This job description outlines the general nature and level of responsibilities. It is not intended to detail every task associated with the position.

Requirements

At least 6 to 7 years of swim instruction experience spanning infant, child, and adult populations.
A minimum of 4 years of experience in a supervisory, management, or instructor training role.
Demonstrated ability to train instructors and to develop other instructor trainers within a swim or aquatic education setting.
Availability to work at least 20 hours per week once training is completed, including Saturdays when the team needs coverage.
Willingness to enter the pool to substitute or to deliver hands-on coaching and quality assessment.
Emotional maturity and the ability to lead with composure across a wide range of personalities, ages and situations.
Strong personal alignment with SSS's Core Values: Safety First, Teamwork, Positive Attitude, and Lifelong Learning.
Instructional Range: You are equally confident teaching a six-month-old, a six-year-old, and a sixty-year-old. You understand that each population requires a fundamentally different approach and you shift between them without losing a step.
Leadership Through Example: You do not ask anyone to do something you would not do yourself. You earn respect by showing up consistently, getting in the water when needed, and holding yourself to the same standard you hold your team.
Training and Development: You know how to teach adults how to teach. You build the skills, confidence, and judgment of your instructors deliberately and patiently, and you prepare your strongest people to do the same for others.
Adaptability: When methods evolve or new research emerges, you engage with curiosity rather than resistance and help your team see change as progress rather than disruption.
Positive Reinforcement: You can address performance issues directly, instantly, and constructively without diminishing the person in front of you.
Documentation: You are meticulous about tracking instructor progress, training records, student advancement, and curriculum notes. Good records protect the team, support development, and reflect professional integrity.
Composure Under Pressure: In a busy pool environment with multiple personalities and competing demands, you remain steady. Your calm is contagious and your team looks to you to set the tone.

Nice To Haves

Certifications in areas such as WSI, CPR/First Aid, lifeguarding, or aquatic supervision are not required but are viewed favorably.
Familiarity with iClassPro is a strong plus.

Responsibilities

Embody and promote SSS's Core Values: Safety First, Teamwork, Positive Attitude, and Lifelong Learning.
Know, understand, and consistently apply all SSS policies, instructor standards, safety guidelines, and emergency procedures.
Teach swim lessons across all populations, including infants and toddlers, children of all ages, and adults, adapting technique and communication style to meet the needs of each learner.
Lead instructor training sessions and clinics outside of regular lesson hours, designing and delivering programming that builds instructor competency at every level.
Train trainers. Prepare senior instructors to carry the SSS methodology forward and develop the next generation of swim instructors with the same rigor and care you bring yourself.
Observe, evaluate, and coach instructors regularly, delivering feedback rooted in positive reinforcement and focused on long-term professional development.
Identify skill gaps across the instructional team and work with the COO to design and implement targeted improvement plans.
Substitute across any skill level, including advanced classes, entering the pool as needed to maintain lesson quality and provide hands-on modeling.
Adapt readily to new and evolving swim instruction methodologies and help the team integrate updated techniques with confidence and consistency.
Lead groups of people with varying personality types and experience levels, creating an environment where every instructor feels respected, supported, and challenged to grow.
Maintain thorough and accurate documentation of instructor progress, training outcomes, student advancement, and curriculum updates.
Model and implement discipline practices grounded in positive reinforcement, both with students and when developing instructors.
Collaborate with the COO and Deck Instructor to align lesson delivery, training initiatives, and quality standards across the school.
Welcome students, parents, and staff with warmth and professionalism, contributing to the kind of community SSS families want to be part of.
Maintain a minimum of 20 hours per week once the onboarding and training period is completed.
Be available to work Saturdays to support the instructional team and lesson schedule.
Participate in ongoing personal swim development, staff meetings, and continuing education as scheduled.
Perform other job-related duties as needed.