Swim Ireland – National Performance Systems Lead

Ireland Active; Dublin; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Swim Ireland is seeking a National Performance Systems Lead to align the technical direction from pathway to podium and to serve as National Head Coach for major competitions. The role collaborates with the National Performance Director and a growing Performance Team to implement Swim Ireland’s Performance Plan, connecting National Teams, Centres, Regional Programmes and clubs across Ireland.

The ideal candidate will have World Championships/Olympics coaching experience, a long-term development

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.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership across the Performance pathway and collaborate with coaches to implement a nationally aligned system.
• Serve as Swim Ireland’s National Head Coach for designated international competitions.
• Support National Centre programmes in Dublin, Limerick and Bangor.
• Develop strong relationships with key clubs and coaches across Ireland.
• Ensure consistent standards, expectations and performance behaviours across the pathway.
• Contribute to development and monitoring of performance standards and benchmarks.

Skills

Olympic coaching

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

High-performance team

Job description

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.

Swim Ireland

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.

The role will lead and align the technical direction of Irish swimming from pathway to podium and will serve as Swim Ireland’s National Head Coach at the Olympic Games, World Aquatics Championships and European Aquatics Championships across the Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032 Olympic Cycles.

This is a unique opportunity to work collaboratively with the National Performance Director and an ambitious Performance Team to lead the implementation and ongoing evolution of Swim Ireland’s Performance Plan, connecting National Teams, National Centres, Regional Programmes and Club Performance Environments within a unified framework designed to create best in class environments and deliver sustained international success for Ireland.

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.”

Our Work Is Guided By The Following Core Principles

• 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‑representated 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.