University Hospital Kerry and Cork University Hospital are seeking an experienced Operational Director to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight across key patient and client care services within HSE South West. This senior healthcare management opportunity offers the chance to lead service delivery improvements, support multidisciplinary teams, and contribute to the ongoing development of acute hospital services in Kerry and Cork.
The successful candidate will play a vital role in operational governance, service planning, workforce leadership, and the delivery of high-quality patient care within one of Ireland’s largest healthcare regions. This permanent whole-time position is suited to a healthcare leader with strong organisational, clinical governance, and stakeholder management experience.
Job Overview
The Operational Director will support strategic healthcare operations across University Hospital Kerry and Cork University Hospital while ensuring efficient service delivery aligned with HSE objectives. The role involves collaboration with senior clinical and administrative leadership teams to enhance patient pathways, operational performance, and healthcare outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide operational leadership across designated hospital services within HSE South West.
- Support the delivery of safe, effective, and patient-centred healthcare services.
- Lead service improvement initiatives and operational planning activities.
- Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and senior hospital management.
- Monitor operational performance indicators and implement quality improvement measures.
- Ensure compliance with HSE governance, regulatory, and healthcare standards.
- Manage resources effectively to support service efficiency and patient care outcomes.
- Contribute to workforce planning, change management, and strategic healthcare initiatives.
Required Skills & Qualifications
- Relevant senior healthcare management or operational leadership experience.
- Strong understanding of acute hospital operations and healthcare service delivery.
- Excellent communication, organisational, and stakeholder management skills.
- Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams within complex healthcare environments.
- Experience in operational governance, quality improvement, and strategic planning.
- Ability to manage competing priorities within a fast-paced healthcare setting.
- Knowledge of HSE operational frameworks and healthcare policies is desirable.
Salary, Benefits & Working Hours
Salary will be aligned with the Community Healthcare Network Manager 6011 pay scale and HSE employment terms. This is a Permanent Whole-time position within HSE South West, offering access to public sector benefits including annual leave entitlements, pension scheme participation, and ongoing professional development opportunities.
Working arrangements will support operational service requirements across University Hospital Kerry and Cork University Hospital.
Location & Employer Information
This Operational Director role is based across University Hospital Kerry and Cork University Hospital within HSE South West. The position offers the opportunity to contribute to healthcare leadership within two major acute hospital environments serving communities across Kerry and Cork.
University Hospital Kerry and Cork University Hospital operate within the Health Service Executive framework, delivering essential acute and specialist healthcare services while supporting patient-centred innovation and operational excellence.
Application Details
Reference: ODSW98478
Employer: HSE South West
Category: Patient and Client Care
Grade: Community Healthcare Network Manager 6011
Please ensure you download, save, and read the Job Specification, Applicant Information Document, and Digital Application Form before submitting your application.
For technical issues with uploading the application form, contact: shauna.broderick@hse.ie
Informal enquiries are welcomed:
- Ms Mary Fitzgerald, Hospital Manager, University Hospital Kerry
Email: UHK.GeneralManager@hse.ie
Tel: 066 7184163 - Jennifer Kearney, Chief Executive Officer, Cork University Hospital
Email: Jennifer.Kearney@hse.ie
Tel: 086 7872212
