Assistant Head Coach of National Centre (Dublin)

Swim Ireland Performance Swimming

Vacancy: Assistant Head Coach of National Centre (Dublin)

As part of our Performance strategy for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic cycle and beyond Swim Ireland Performance seek a suitably qualified experienced and driven swimming coach with a proven coaching profile to take up the role of Assistant Head Coach within the National Centre (Dublin) from April 2026.

We are seeking an individual with a clear long-term commitment to coaching at Performance level in Ireland.

Role Overview

The Assistant Head Coach will report directly to the Head Coach of the National Centre (Dublin) and will work in close collaboration to lead and deliver a world-class high-performance programme at the National Aquatic Centre located on the Sport Ireland Campus. This programme operates in partnership with the Sport Ireland Institute to ensure an integrated athlete-centred performance environment.

The National Aquatic Centre features a 10-lane 50m Olympic-standard pool with movable booms to facilitate short-course training alongside a dedicated 6-lane 25m diving tank. Strength and Conditioning services as well as the full suite of Sport Science and Sports Medicine (SSSM) supports are delivered through the Sport Ireland Institute situated on the same campus. Athletes within the Centre benefit from access to tertiary education opportunities at Dublin City University and Technological University Dublin both located within a short drive of the facility. The Centre is conveniently positioned approximately 11 miles from Dublin International Airport ensuring strong international connectivity.

Working alongside the Head Coach the Assistant Head Coach will form part of an integrated coaching team responsible for leading and managing a cohort of full-time high-performance athletes. The role encompasses oversight of daily training delivery implementation of coaching initiatives across the programme and contribution to the strategic direction of the Centre.

Performance support services are delivered through the Sport Ireland Institute and are jointly coordinated by the Head Coach and the Swim Ireland Head of Sport Science and Sports Medicine ensuring alignment between coaching practice and performance support provision.

The Assistant Head Coach will operate in accordance with the Swim Ireland Performance Plan contributing to the development and preparation of Irelands leading athletes for national and international competition at both junior and senior levels. A central objective of the role is to support the progression of athletes towards success at the 2028 and 2032 Olympic Games.

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 & Olympic podiums.

Our work is guided by the following core principles:

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:

1. Knowledge and experience in developing organising and delivering coaching programmes that maximise athlete potential

2. Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to establish credibility with athletes and partners

3. Excellent communication skills and the ability to support short- and long-term programme development

4. A desire to contribute to the evolution and success of the Swim Ireland Performance programme with the National Centre (Dublin) playing a central role

Key Expectations of the Role

Applicants must understand that they will:

Support the transition of athletes from club environments into Performance programmes capable of delivering international success

Attend swim meets and/or training camps as required to support National Centre Regional Programme National Programme and National Team athletes

Work unsocial hours including early mornings evenings and weekends as required

Operate as a key member of the Regional and/or National Programme and serve as National Team staff when needed

Coordinate and deliver education opportunities as required

Maintain their Swim Ireland Coach qualification in line with the Register of Aquatic Professionals

Informal Enquiries

Informal enquires may be directed in the first instance to the National Performance Director via or or to the Head Coach of National Centre (Dublin) via or

Equality Diversity & Inclusion

We particularly welcome applications from female candidates and from Black and minority ethnic candidates 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

Please submit the following to the Swim Ireland HR Manager via Cover letter including a personal statement addressing the role requirements and outlining how your skills experience and values align with the position

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

Closing date for applications: 1200 GMT on Friday 6th March 2026

This is a full-time position with a preferred start date of April 2026 as part of an initial fixed term contract to 31st August 2028.

National Centre (Dublin) Assistant Head Coach Job Description