National Performance Systems Lead

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.

The role will lead and align the technical direction of Irish swimming from pathway to podium and will serve as Swim Irelands 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 Irelands 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.

Working with the National Performance Director and other relevant members of the Performance Team the successful candidate will:

1. Support the implementation and ongoing development of Swim Irelands Performance Plan

2. Serve as Swim Irelands National Head Coach for designated international competitions

3. Support the ongoing evolution and success of National Centre programmes in Dublin Limerick and Bangor

4. Develop strong trust-based relationships with key clubs and coaches throughout Ireland

5. Ensure consistent standards expectations and performance behaviours are embedded across the Performance pathway

6. Contribute to the development and monitoring of performance standards and benchmarks relevant to international progression

7. Support National Centre coaches Regional Pathway Development Coaches and club coaches working with high-potential athletes

8. Promote the holistic development of athletes across technical physical tactical psychological and lifestyle domains

9. Promote and uphold Swim Irelands 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

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.

How to Apply

1. Cover letter including a personal statement addressing the role requirements and outlining how your skills experience and values align with the position.

2. Comprehensive CV relevant to the role including details for three referees one of whom must be your current employer.

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.