Limerick Swim Club Head Coach

Limerick Swimming Club & Swim Ireland Performance

Vacancies: Head Coach, Limerick Swimming Club

Remuneration commensurate with experience and qualifications

Following the appointment of the current Head Coach to the role of National Centre Assistant Head Coach (Limerick), Swim Ireland and Limerick Swimming Club (LSC) are seeking an exceptional coach to lead one of Ireland’s most successful swimming clubs and play a pivotal role in the performance swimming pathway. Employed by Swim Ireland and seconded to LSC, the successful candidate will lead the club programme while working closely with National Centre Limerick to identify, develop and prepare athletes for progression through Ireland’s performance system.

Founded in 1986, Limerick Swimming Club has a proud history of developing swimmers who progress to National Programmes, National Centre environments and international representation. Based at the University of Limerick Sports Arena, a 10-lane 50m Olympic-standard pool with movable booms to facilitate short-course training and a dedicated 4-lane 25m pool, alongside National Centre Limerick, the club occupies a strategically important position within the Swim Ireland Performance Pathway.

Working within one of Ireland's most successful swimming environments, the successful candidate will have a direct influence on the future development of Irish swimming talent, helping athletes transition successfully from age-group swimming through to senior performance and international competition.

Role Overview

Reporting jointly to Swim Ireland’s National Performance Director and the Limerick Swimming Club Committee, the Head Coach will lead the club’s swimming programme while working collaboratively with the National Centre Limerick coaching team to provide a clear and seamless athlete development pathway.

The successful candidate will create an ambitious, athlete-centred environment that supports progression through club, regional and national programmes, while ensuring Limerick Swimming Club continues to be a leading contributor to National Centre Limerick and the wider Swim Ireland Performance System.

Key Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will:

· Lead all aspects of the Limerick Swimming Club swimming programme, including coaching structure, staff management, annual planning, programme design, squad delivery and competition strategy.

· Develop an ambitious, athlete-centred performance culture that supports swimmers to progress from age-group swimming towards senior performance.

· Oversee squad structures, athlete progression and movement between squads, ensuring clear and appropriate development pathways across the club.

· Work with the Club Committee to deliver club objectives and uphold Swim Ireland standards in safeguarding, welfare and inclusion.

· Act as the primary pathway link between Limerick Swimming Club and National Centre Limerick, promoting an aligned coaching philosophy and clear athlete development pathway.

· Lead, mentor and develop the coaching team, promoting high coaching standards and a culture of continuous learning and development.

· Build strong relationships and communicate effectively with athletes, parents, coaches, volunteers, committee members and Swim Ireland Performance staff.

Person Specification

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

· Proven experience coaching competitive swimmers to Regional and National level.

· Strong technical knowledge of athlete development across the swimming pathway.

· Experience leading and managing programmes and coaching teams.

· Strong leadership skills, with the ability to create a positive, ambitious and athlete-centred performance culture.

· Excellent planning, organisational and communication skills.

· Ability to build strong relationships with athletes, coaches, parents and key stakeholders.

· A strong commitment to athlete-centred coaching and long-term athlete development.

What the Successful Applicant Will Benefit From

· Employment as part of the Swim Ireland Performance team.

· The opportunity to lead one of Ireland's leading swimming clubs within an integrated performance environment.

· Access to the National Centre Limerick performance environment.

· Collaboration with Swim Ireland's national coaching and performance staff.

· Ongoing professional development and mentoring opportunities.

· Opportunities to contribute to Regional Programmes, National Programmes and National Teams.

· The opportunity to play a significant role in developing the next generation of Irish international swimmers.

Additional Requirements

Applicants should understand that the role will require them to:

· Attend competitions, training camps and other programme activities as required to support Limerick Swimming Club, National Centre Limerick, Regional Programme, National Programme and National Team athletes.

· Work flexible and unsocial hours, including early mornings, evenings and weekends, in line with the demands of the swimming programme.

· Operate as a key member of the Regional and/or National Programme and, where required, undertake duties as National Team staff.

· Maintain an appropriate Swim Ireland coaching qualification and remain in good standing with the Swim Ireland Register of Aquatic Professionals, including all relevant safeguarding and compliance requirements.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

We particularly welcome applications from female candidates and from 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.

Informal Enquiries

Informal enquiries may be directed in the first instance to:

Andrew Reid, National Performance Director, [email protected], and/or

Nigel Laffan, Chairperson Limerick Swimming Club, [email protected]

How to Apply

Please submit applications through Factorial and upload the following:

· Cover letter, including a personal statement addressing the role requirements, 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: Close of business Friday 18th September 2026.

This is a full-time position employed by Swim Ireland and seconded to Limerick Swimming Club, with a preferred start date of 1st October 2026, offered as an initial fixed-term contract to 31st August 2028.