National Performance Systems Lead

Swim Ireland; Dublin; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Swim Ireland is seeking a National Performance Systems Lead to drive a nationally aligned performance system, working with National Centre Head Coaches and regional coaches to develop elite swimmers for European, World and Olympic competition.

The role requires leadership across the performance pathway, strong collaboration and a commitment to holistic athlete development, with travel across Ireland and internationally as part of the National Team.

Qualifications

• Experience coaching athletes at World Championships, Olympic Games or equivalent international level.
• Proven ability to develop athletes along a long-term performance pathway.
• Strong understanding of athlete development within swimming.
• Experience leading coaches, programmes and multidisciplinary performance projects.
• Ability to lead technical direction, coaching systems and performance standards.
• Understanding of performance support disciplines and integrated athlete support services.
• Experience designing or implementing high-performance systems, pathways or daily training environment models.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to influence and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong organisational and strategic planning skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead across the Performance pathway and implement a nationally aligned performance system.
• Collaborate with National Centre Head Coaches, Regional Pathway Development Coaches and club coaches to implement a unified approach.
• Promote holistic development of athletes across technical, physical, tactical, psychological and lifestyle domains.
• Uphold Swim Ireland’s values and commitment to a positive Performance pathway experience.
• Travel across Ireland and internationally as part of the National Team and National Programme domestic season plan.
• Shape the future direction of Performance Swimming in Ireland.

Skills

World Championships experience

Long-term performance pathway

Athlete development

Lead coaches

Technical direction

Athlete support services

High-performance systems

Communication

Stakeholder influence

Strategic planning

Job description

Swim Ireland Performance Swimming

Vacancy: National Performance Systems Lead

Remuneration Commensurate With Experience And Qualifications

As part of our Performance Strategy for the Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032 Olympic cycles, Swim Ireland Performance is seeking an exceptional, motivated and innovative leader to assume the role of National Performance Systems Lead.

Role Overview

Reporting to the National Performance Director, the National Performance Systems Lead will provide leadership across the Performance pathway and work collaboratively with National Centre Head Coaches, Regional Pathway Development Coaches, and club coaches to implement a nationally aligned performance system capable of consistently producing athletes and coaches who can succeed on the European, World and Olympic stage.

• Support the implementation and ongoing development of Swim Ireland’s Performance Plan
• Serve as Swim Ireland’s National Head Coach for designated international competitions
• Support the ongoing evolution and success of National Centre programmes in Dublin, Limerick and Bangor
• Develop strong, trust-based relationships with key clubs and coaches throughout Ireland
• Ensure consistent standards, expectations and performance behaviours are embedded across the Performance pathway
• Contribute to the development and monitoring of performance standards and benchmarks relevant to international progression
• Support National Centre coaches, Regional Pathway Development Coaches and club coaches working with high-potential athletes
• Promote the holistic development of athletes across technical, physical, tactical, psychological and lifestyle domains
• Promote and uphold Swim Ireland’s values, behaviours and commitment to a positive Performance pathway experience

Our Vision for Performance Swimming in Ireland

"Through a unified endeavour across Irish aquatics, power a dynamic system and an ever-evolving culture to develop and support identified aquatic talent, those who wear the Green Jacket with pride, and particularly those who are driven to stand on World and Olympic podiums."

• A commitment to a long-term Performance programme aimed at recurrent, sustainable success
• Dedication to developing a system that enables athletes to reach their full potential consistently
• Aspiration to deliver success at Olympic, World and European level
• A people-centred Performance programme focused on developing world-class athletes, coaches and practitioners
• A commitment to ensuring the Performance pathway is a positive and transformative experience for all involved

Ideal Candidate Profile

Applicants will ideally demonstrate:

• Experience coaching athletes at World Championships, Olympic Games or equivalent international level
• Proven ability to develop athletes along a long-term performance pathway
• Strong understanding of athlete development within swimming
• Experience leading coaches, programmes and multidisciplinary performance projects
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical direction, coaching systems and performance standards within a high-performance sporting environment
• Understanding of performance support disciplines and integrated athlete support services
• Experience designing or implementing high-performance systems, pathways or daily training environment models
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Ability to influence and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders
• Experience establishing, maintaining and reviewing high-performance standards
• Strong organisational and strategic planning skills

Key Expectations of the Role

Applicants must understand that this role:

• Demands a collaborative approach and a commitment to building trust across the Irish swimming community
• Requires significant travel throughout Ireland and internationally as part of the National Team and National Programme domestic season plan
• Involves regular interaction with clubs, coaches and performance stakeholders
• Requires the confidence to challenge, support and align performance environments in a constructive manner
• Will play a central role in shaping the future direction of Performance Swimming in Ireland

Informal Enquiries

Informal enquiries may be directed in the first instance to the National Performance Director, Andrew Reid, via [e-mail]

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We particularly welcome applications from female candidates and candidates from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds, who are currently under-represented within our Performance Team. Swim Ireland appoints strictly on merit.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in Ireland at the time of application.

All applications will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. Applicants may indicate their current salary and/or remuneration expectations during the application process.

Closing date for applications: 12:00 GMT on Friday 25th September 2026.

This is a full-time position, with a preferred start date no later than 1st January 2027, offered as an initial fixed-term contract to 31st August 2032.