Water Polo Australia is seeking a National Development Lead to drive the progression of Australia’s National Development Squad and future cycle categorised male athletes and strengthen the long-term performance sustainability of the Australian Sharks program.

This is a critical national pathway leadership role, responsible for preparing athletes for successful transition into the senior national team by embedding aligned coaching, performance planning, and development standards across the national system.

Working closely with the Men’s National Head Coach and national coaching network, you will play a central role in shaping the future of Australia’s Men’s National Team.

About Water Polo Australia

Water Polo Australia (WPA) is the national governing body responsible for leading and advancing water polo across Australia. WPA works in partnership with the Australian Sports Commission, Australian Institute of Sport, Australian Olympic Committee and World Aquatics to deliver aligned pathway and high-performance programs.

WPA is committed to building sustainable performance success through environments where athletes, coaches and staff can thrive.

The Opportunity

The National Development Lead is responsible for leading and aligning the national athlete development pathway, ensuring future cycle categorised athletes are systematically prepared for progression into the senior national team.

Central to this role is embedding the “Sharks Way” across the National Development Squad, National Age Group Programs and broader pathway environments, ensuring technical, tactical, physical, mental and team alignment with national performance expectations and Win Well principles.

You will work closely with athletes, coaches and performance environments nationally and internationally, supporting athlete progression across domestic and global development pathways, including National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), European and national institute environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, delivery and ongoing development of the National Development Squad, ensuring alignment with senior national team performance standards and Win Well principles.
• Oversee Individual Performance Planning and monitor athlete progression of future cycle categorised athletes, supporting readiness for transition into senior national team environments.
• Embed the “Sharks Way” across national pathway programs, ensuring consistency in technical, tactical, physical, mental and team expectations.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to national age group and pathway coaches, strengthening alignment across the national system.
• Support talent identification and athlete transitions across key development stages, including domestic, institute and international environments.
• Maintain strong relationships with athletes, coaches and performance environments nationally and internationally, contributing to long-term national program sustainability.

About You

You are a highly credible coach and pathway leader with a strong understanding of athlete development and high-performance systems.

You bring:

• Demonstrated experience coaching within high-performance or elite development environments
• Proven ability to develop athletes progressing toward international performance
• Strong understanding of structured athlete development and performance planning
• Ability to build trusted relationships and influence across coaches and performance environments
• Excellent communication, leadership and organisational capability
• A genuine commitment to athlete development and long-term performance success

Experience working within national pathway, institute or international environments will be highly regarded.

Why This Role Matters

This position plays a critical role in shaping the future of Australia’s Men’s National Team by ensuring future cycle categorised athletes are prepared, aligned and capable of succeeding at international level.

You will work alongside national coaches and performance leaders, contributing to a system focused on sustained international success and long-term athlete development.

If you are passionate about athlete development and want to contribute meaningfully to Australia’s national program, we encourage you to apply.