Job Overview
The Deputy Chief Operating Officer Cork University Hospital role is a senior leadership opportunity within one of Ireland’s largest acute teaching hospitals. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in operational management, service delivery, and strategic development across Cork University Hospital.
This permanent wholetime position offers the opportunity to influence hospital-wide performance, patient flow, governance, and transformation initiatives within HSE South West.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic and operational leadership across designated hospital services.
- Support the Chief Operating Officer in delivering safe, high-quality, and efficient patient care.
- Lead service improvement and performance management initiatives aligned with national and regional objectives.
- Ensure effective governance, risk management, and compliance with HSE policies.
- Drive patient flow optimisation and capacity management across clinical directorates.
- Manage budgets and resource allocation in line with approved public sector pay and financial frameworks.
- Collaborate with clinical and administrative leaders to deliver integrated care pathways.
- Contribute to workforce planning, service planning, and organisational development.
Required Skills & Qualifications
- Significant senior management experience within healthcare or a complex public service environment.
- Proven leadership capability in large-scale operational management.
- Strong financial management and service planning expertise.
- Demonstrated experience in change management and service transformation.
- Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and negotiation skills.
- Relevant third-level qualification at Level 8 or higher (management, healthcare management, business, or related discipline).
- Comprehensive understanding of governance, quality assurance, and regulatory frameworks within the Irish health sector.
Salary, Benefits & Working Hours
- Grade: General Manager 0041
- Contract Type: Permanent Wholetime
- Salary: In line with HSE General Manager pay scale (February 2026 consolidated salary scales)
- Annual leave and pension entitlements in accordance with public sector terms
- Access to HSE leadership development and professional training programmes
- Public service pension scheme and associated benefits
Location & Employer Information
This position is based at Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork, within the HSE South West health region. Cork University Hospital is a major academic teaching hospital providing a comprehensive range of acute services and acting as a regional centre for specialised and tertiary care.
Recruiting Organisation: HSE South West – Kerry and Cork
Advertisement Type: External
Category: Management / Admin / ICT
Application Details
This job opportunity is open to both HSE and non-HSE applicants.
- Reference: CUHMA92815
- Recruiter: HSE South West: Kerry and Cork
- External Application Link: Apply Here
Informal Enquiries:
Mr. Damian McGovern
Chief Operating Officer
Cork University Hospital
Email: Damian.mcgovern@hse.ie
Phone: 086 7872196
Proposed interview date: Candidates will normally be given at least two weeks’ notice of interview. This timescale may be reduced in exceptional circumstances.
Last Day to Apply: 10 April 2026 at 12:00 PM
