Executive Director

SOLAS, the Further Education and Training Authority of Ireland, was established on 27 October 2013 and its mission is to fund, co-ordinate and monitor a range of Further Education and Training (FET) provisions that is responsive to the needs of learners and employers. It is an agency of the recently formed Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. SOLAS works in close collaboration with Education and Training Boards (ETBs) across Ireland on provision of high-quality further education and training, equipping learners with relevant skills and knowledge, and providing a pipeline of talent into employment and to the Irish economy and society. The Executive Director will be an integral part of the senior leadership team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, and play a major role in driving operational performance and internal transformation within SOLAS, heading up the Support Division. This division is focused on supporting effective operations across the organisation and facilitating wider digital, funding, and people transformation roadmaps across the FET system. It will comprise individual Directorates covering People; Finance; IT & Digital; and Research, Future Skills Needs, Statistics and Risk. The successful candidate will be an innovative individual with the capacity to oversee delivery of key corporate services and internal change. The Executive Director will have senior leadership accountability and management responsibility for four SOLAS directorates, with an overall base of 75-80 staff : People IT & Digital Finance Research, Future Skills Needs, Statistics and Risk The successful candidate will Co-ordinate with the CEO the overall SOLAS budget, business plan and balanced scorecard. Deliver the Divisions contribution to the overall SOLAS business plan and balanced scorecard, and oversee the divisional budget. Manage the Division, its Directors and Teams in line with SOLAS values and ensure accountability for performance. Ensure excellent SOLAS corporate services provide a platform for the continued development of the organisation and the FET and apprenticeship systems it serves. Oversee the effective deployment of people and an organisational structure and culture across the organisation to ensure efficient and effective operations. Drive internal and external digital transformation in SOLAS and the sector to ensure that our systems evolve with rapid industrial and technological change (including challenges and opportunities around AI). Oversee a funding approach, and good overall financial management, to ensure that SOLAS and the FET and apprenticeship systems deliver value-for-money on state investment. Ensure a robust approach to risk and data management, and that this approach is used as a platform for further growth, transformation and accountability across the FET system. Attend all Board meetings, and sponsor and approve all Divisional Board Papers. Play a leading role in creating a high-performance culture, focused on the achievement of SOLAS Corporate Plan, through visible, effective and inspirational strategic leadership to the staff of SOLAS. As part of the Senior Leadership Team, ensure compliance with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies. Represent the interests of the organisation to government departments, employers, unions, providers, and the general public. The Individual : The successful candidate will have : A minimum of 7 years experience at a senior level management with a track record of achievement and delivery. Extensive senior management experience in a complex delivery environment demonstrating understanding of how to ensure effective & efficient corporate services and internal operations. Track record in driving transformation in organisations and understanding of change management techniques & approaches Ability in relating effectively with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders, including government departments, Board members, and staff representatives. An ability to take a system-wide approach and see connections, risk, and the potential for innovation in the wider environment. Ability to build and support complex cross-functional and inter-agency teams. Demonstrated achievement in the management of a varied and diversified portfolio in a devolved management structure. Exemplary public service values including the highest standard of professional integrity and operating with probity. Excellent written and spoken communication skills and expertise in the required influencing, negotiating and networking skills to operate at the most senior levels Understanding of the public sector funding environment, and the funding and financial management requirements and challenges in state agencies Knowledge of risk management and data governance practices, technology issues, regulatory requirements, and emerging trends and issues. Understanding of effective organizational design and people approaches to ensure a strong values & based culture & efficient & effective operations Experience in the development of ICT systems and technology-based solutions. A self- starter possessing the necessary interpersonal skills, resilience and ability to lead complex management teams. This is a permanent position for which the salary scale ranges from €166,473 to €190,435 per annum (inclusive of two long service increments) for a 35-hour week. Starting pay will be at the minimum point of the scale as per Government Circular E100 / 8 / 82. Exceptional circumstances may apply for candidates with current service in the Civil / Public service. SOLAS offers an excellent benefit package including a contributory pension scheme and the opportunity for further training and development. Please apply using the SOLAS Application Form, quoting reference number 573, CVs will not be accepted. Applications can be found on the SOLAS website, The closing date is 12pm (noon), Friday, 18 July 2025. A Blended Working policy is in place and an arrangement is available to request with this role, a minimum requirement of 2 days per week in the office (Castleforbes House, Dublin 1). One of the days being the SOLAS Anchor Day - Wednesday. Please note that as a public sector employee, you must reside in the Irish jurisdiction to avail of blended working, and in accordance with Department Public Expenditure and Reform (DPENDR) requirements, you must be available to attend in person if and when required. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in writing the application form could result in being excluded from the competition. SOLAS is an equal opportunities employer. In line with the Employment Equality Acts 1998 2015, SOLAS is committed to equality of treatment for all those who engage with its recruitment, selection and appointment processes. Candidates from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. Canvassing will disqualify. Skills : Executive Management Excellent communication skills Change Management Senior Leadership Risk Management Financial Management Benefits : Paid Holidays Cycle to Work Scheme Blended / Hybrid Working Work / Life Balance