The Health Service Executive (HSE), Ireland’s largest employer and statutory health body, is seeking an exceptional leader for the position of Chief Executive Officer. This pivotal role offers the opportunity to lead an organisation delivering public health services to Ireland’s entire population while managing over 148,832 staff and a budget of approximately €26.9 billion.
About the Role
The Chief Executive Officer will lead Ireland’s national health service through significant transformation and improvement initiatives. Working closely with the HSE Board, you will be responsible for delivering the ambitious Corporate Plan 2025-2027 and Annual National Service Plan, underpinned by HSE’s core values of Care, Compassion, Trust and Learning. This fixed-term executive position represents one of the most significant leadership opportunities in Irish public service.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership: Carry on, manage and control the administration and business of the HSE while implementing Board-determined strategic goals
- Financial Management: Oversee the effective allocation and management of Ireland’s largest public service budget (€26.9bn in 2025)
- Operational Excellence: Ensure appropriate systems, processes and practices are in place to achieve HSE’s statutory objectives
- Performance Management: Establish and maintain internal performance management and accountability frameworks across all HSE operations
- Board Relations: Provide comprehensive information and financial reporting to the HSE Board on performance and policy implementation
- Stakeholder Engagement: Assist and provide critical information to Accounting Officers from the Department of Health and Department of Children, Disabilities and Equality
- Service Delivery: Lead the delivery of health and personal social services to improve, promote and protect public health and welfare across Ireland
Required Qualifications
Essential Requirements
- Proven executive leadership experience managing large, complex organisations with substantial budgets
- Demonstrated expertise in healthcare administration, public service delivery, or similar statutory body management
- Strong understanding of governance frameworks, particularly in public sector or healthcare environments
- Exceptional strategic planning and implementation capabilities
- Outstanding stakeholder management and communication skills
- Experience in performance management and accountability systems
Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced degree in Healthcare Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field
- Previous experience in Irish public service or healthcare sector
- Knowledge of Health Service Executive (Governance) Act 2019 and relevant healthcare legislation
- Track record of delivering transformation and improvement in large-scale organisations
- Experience working with boards and government departments
What We Offer
- Competitive Executive Package: Appropriate to Ireland’s most senior health service leadership role
- Significant Impact: Lead meaningful change in Ireland’s health services affecting the entire population
- Professional Support: Access to Executive Search function and comprehensive transition support
- Strategic Influence: Shape the future direction of Irish healthcare through Corporate Plan 2025-2027
- National Recognition: Lead Ireland’s largest employer and most critical public service
- Fixed-Term Opportunity: Defined tenure allowing focused delivery of strategic objectives
Ready to Apply?
This exceptional opportunity requires a visionary leader ready to tackle long-standing healthcare challenges while building on HSE’s significant achievements in improving mortality rates and life expectancy. The successful candidate will join at a pivotal time to drive ambitious improvements in Ireland’s health services.
Application Deadline: Thursday, 18th September 2025 at 3:00 PM
For confidential discussions about this significant opportunity, contact Ms. Michelle Noone at [email protected]
