Swim Ireland Performance Swimming
Vacancy: National Centre Assistant Head Coach (Limerick)
As part of our Performance Strategy for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic cycle and beyond, Swim Ireland Performance is seeking a talented, motivated, and ambitious swimming coach to take up the role of National Centre Assistant Head Coach in Limerick.
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 National Centre Head Coach and will work in close collaboration to lead and deliver a world-class high-performance programme at the University of Limerick Arena, located on the University of Limerick campus. This programme operates in partnership with the Sport Ireland Institute to ensure an integrated, athlete-centred performance environment.
The UL Sport Arena features a 10-lane 50m Olympic-standard pool with movable booms to facilitate short-course training, alongside a dedicated 4-lane 25m pool. Strength and conditioning, physiotherapy, and nutrition services are fully integrated into the daily performance environment, and additional Sport Science and Sports Medicine (SSSM) support is available as required from the Sport Ireland Institute. Athletes within the Centre are undergraduate or postgraduate students studying at the University of Limerick.
Swim Ireland Performance also works in close partnership with Limerick Swimming Club, which operates from the same facility and plays an important role within the local and regional performance pathway. As part of this relationship, Swim Ireland employs and seconds the Limerick Swimming Club Head Coach, further strengthening the connection between the National Centre and the club environment.
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.
The Assistant Head Coach will operate in accordance with the Swim Ireland Performance Plan, contributing to the development and preparation of Ireland’s 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, we will 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:
- Commitment to a long-term performance programme aimed at recurrent, sustainable success
- Dedication to developing a system that enables athletes to consistently reach their full potential
- 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:
- Knowledge and experience in developing, organising, and delivering coaching programmes that maximise athlete potential
- Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to establish credibility with athletes and partners
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to support short- and long-term programme development
- A desire to contribute to the evolution and success of the Swim Ireland Performance programme, with the National Centre (Limerick) 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 enquiries may be directed in the first instance to the National Centre Head Coach (Limerick) via +353 86 809 4761 or johnszaranek@swimireland.ie
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 click on the following link: National Centre Assistant Head Coach (Limerick)
- Please include 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: 12:00 GMT on Friday 17th July 2026
This is a full-time position, with a preferred start date of 1st September 2026, as part of an initial fixed-term contract to 31st August 2028.
National Centre Assistant Head Coach (Limerick) Job Description