Vacancy: ClimbScotland Head Coach

ClimbScotland is looking for a holistic Head Coach that has experience of supporting athletes who are actively engaged and invested in progressing in competitive climbing, understanding of competition disciplines, formats and rules, and has the ability and experience to support and develop their age and developmental stage.

The Head Coach role will be an essential part of the ClimbScotland Pathway, key to supporting the organisation and delivery of our Squad programme as well as contributing to the development of the coaching workforce and opportunities in Scotland.

Hours: 0.5 FTE Contract (18.5hr/week)
Salary scale: £24,921 – £29,074 pro rata (depending on experience)
Location: Remote/hybrid working with occasional attendance at our Head Office in Perth
Closing date: 9am Monday 9 February 2026

The position is wholly supported by sportscotland investment, with the specific aims of:

Provide coaching and support as well as leading on the organisation of annual squad programme
Working in collaboration with partners to provide support and opportunities to squad members
Work closely with the Talent Development Officer and input into the future development and delivery of the performance pathway

The post holder will be part of the ClimbScotland team and will be expected to communicate and work collaboratively with the whole staff team as well as partner organisations, such as GB Climbing and Mountaineering Ireland.

Mountaineering Scotland is committed to being an employer that recognises and encourages equal opportunities, diversity, inclusion and respect in the workforce, with employment conditions and practices that ensure all staff and volunteers are treated equitably. We particularly welcome applications from those who are significantly underrepresented in our sector, such as women, people with disabilities (including hidden disabilities) and individuals from Black and Minority ethnic communities.

Essential skills and experience

Experience supporting athletes competing at national-level competitions (SBC, SYCC or equivalent)
Experience working with and supporting squad or team programme activity (ClimbScotland and/or climbing wall based)
Strong understanding of the national and international competition pathway
Very good, accurate understanding of the climbing level and standard expected across all categories (Youth E – Junior) in bouldering and lead
Complete understanding of competition rules and scoring systems
Ability to coordinate and supervise the work of a team
Experience relevant to talent athlete programme environments and competition climbing
Ability to review coaching and route-setting reports from academy sessions
Minimum of CWDI qualification to supervise indoor lead climbing
Mountain Training Development Coach – trained and assessed
Up-to-date First Aid certificate
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with strong attention to detail and good IT/social media skills
Effective and empathetic interpersonal skills that inspire confidence and trust
Ability to work flexibly in line with the ClimbScotland calendar
Willingness and ability to work away from home, including overnight stays in the UK and potentially internationally
Clean driving licence
Membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme (will be provided if not)
Child Wellbeing and Protection in Sport (CWPS) training (will be provided if not)

Desirable skills and experience

Sport coaching, sport science or related degree and/or higher education qualification
Fundamental 3 Coaching Workshop attendance
Physical Training Workshop attendance

The full job description and person specification can be downloaded below.

View full job description (PDF)