Vision
Our Vision is to be a world‑renowned trailblazing students’ body recognised for championing students and delivering the best university life experience. By taking an open, inclusive, and non‑judgemental approach, we will create an environment enabling students to foster lifelong relationships during their time in university.
Mission
Our Mission is to continuously improve the lives of students by welcoming them into a friendly, fun environment that gives a real sense of belonging. We are committed to supporting the ever‑changing needs of students in modern day society. As a team, we work together, listening, adapting, and ultimately improving our students’ university life experience.
Values
Student‑led and student‑centred; Committed to acting with integrity; Inclusive and welcoming; Professionally organised; Collaborative; Innovative; Representative of all in UL; Responsive to students’ needs; Adaptive to students’ demands.
Competencies
The five key behaviours and competencies we look for in our team are: Creativity; Teamwork & Collaboration; Self‑Management; Communications and Student Centred.
Role Purpose
The General Manager (GM) leads the day‑to‑day operations and strategic delivery of UL Student Life, operating within the framework set by the Board of Directors and in partnership with the elected Student Officers.
The GM ensures the organisation operates efficiently, sustainably, and in compliance with all governance, legal, and regulatory requirements, while supporting the student democratic mission.
The role acts as the critical bridge between governance and operations, enabling the Board to focus on strategy and oversight while ensuring high‑quality execution across all services, staff, and commercial activities.
Reporting, Accountability & Relationships
Accountable to the Board of Directors collectively
Line managed on a day‑to‑day basis by the Chair of the Board
Works closely with:
Student President and elected officers
Senior Management Team (SMT) and staff
Board sub‑committees (as required)
The GM is responsible for timely, accurate, and transparent reporting to the Board in line with the matters reserved for and delegated by the Board.
Engages with University of Limerick, auditors, commercial partners, sector bodies and other external partners as relevant.
Key Responsibilities
The duties of the post include but are not confined to:
Strategic & Operational Leadership
Work closely with the Board to develop organisational strategy for Board approval
Deliver the Board‑approved strategy, annual plans, and priorities
Develop operational plans and ensure effective implementation
Monitor performance and drive continuous improvement
Provide informed recommendations to the Board on strategic and operational matters
Ensure alignment between services, commercial activities, and student needs
Governance & Compliance
Operate strictly within the Scheme of Delegation, Schedule of Matters Reserved to the Board and the ULSL Constitution and Bye‑Laws
Ensure compliance with relevant legislation (e.g Companies Act, Employment legislation), financial and regulatory obligations
Maintain effective internal controls and governance processes
Escalate any matters outside delegated authority promptly
Financial Management
Oversee the budgeting process and present annual budgets for approval by the Board
Implement and ensure that robust financial controls are in place
With the Financial Controller, prepare and present Monthly Management accounts, comparing budget to actual, including variance analysis. Monitor financial performance and take corrective action where required
Ensure audited financial statements are approved by the Board and presented to UL Finance Department within 5 months after year end
Ensure financial sustainability and value for money
In conjunction with the Financial Controller, collaborate with the UL Finance Department on finance matters including the draw down of capitation payments, loan repayments, budget preparation, quarterly management accounts and audited financial statements.
People & Culture Leadership
Lead, manage, and develop all staff
Implement Board‑approved HR policies and organisational structures
Drive a high‑performance, inclusive, and values‑led culture
Foster strong collaboration between staff and elected student officers
Oversee recruitment, performance management and appraisal, staff development and succession planning
Student Democracy & Representation Support
Provide support to student officers, as well as a range of representative structures (Student Executive, Student Council, C&S Council, C&S Executive, etc)
Ensure effective operation of student democratic processes (elections, referenda, etc.)
Maintain neutrality and integrity in democratic processes
Empower the student voice to inform organisational priorities in collaboration with the Student President and Officers.
Service Delivery Oversight
Oversee the performance of all services and operations
Ensure services are financially sustainable, high quality and aligned to student needs
Support development of new initiatives and revenue streams
Monitor business performance and implement improvements
Risk, Compliance & Assurance
Manage day‑to‑day organisational risk
Maintain and operate the risk management framework
Ensure legal, regulatory, and contractual compliance
Escalate material risks, incidents, or reputational issues to the Board
Stakeholder Engagement & Communications
Represent UL Student Life operationally with the University of Limerick and other external stakeholders
Build and maintain strong strategic relationships
Protect and enhance organisational reputation
General Duties
The GM will undertake any additional duties consistent with the role’s purpose, as required by the Board, and will act at all times in the best interests of UL Student Life and its members.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Minimum level 8 NFQ in a relevant area, e.g. management, politics/public administration, human resources, finance, business or governance Essential
Hold a postgraduate certificate, diploma or relevant master’s degree at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (or equivalent) Desirable
Experience
Minimum of 7 years senior management / leadership experience in an organisation with a similar profile / working with similar stakeholders Essential
Experience managing budgets, finance, and operational delivery Essential
Proven people management and organisational leadership experience Essential
Experience working within a governance framework, within delegated authority from and reporting to a Board Desirable
Experience of managing successful organisational change Desirable
Knowledge
Understanding of governance frameworks / codes and requirements as they apply to UL Student Life Essential
Understanding of a students’ union structure/framework or similar representation organisation Desirable
Familiarity with public sector ethics and standards legislation Desirable
Knowledge of University governance framework and control environment of entities in receipt of public funds Desirable
Functional / Work‑Based Skills & Competencies
Strategic thinking with strong operational delivery focus Essential
High level of financial and commercial acumen Essential
Strong governance and risk awareness Essential
Excellent communication and influencing skills Essential
Ability to operate effectively in a politically sensitive, democratic environment Essential
Sound judgement and decision‑making within defined authority with an ability to work independently in the delivery of the strategic plan and purpose Essential
Ability to manage a range of projects to deadlines while managing competing priorities Essential
High‑Level Terms & Conditions
Role Title - General Manager
Reports to - Board of Directors (via the Chair)
Location - University of Limerick Campus
Contract Type - Full‑time, permanent
Salary €80,000 to €100,000 per annum depending on experience
Benefits
Flexible & Hybrid Working
A contributory pension scheme
Maternity & Paternity benefit
Annual leave of 26 days, exclusive of public holidays, company days and wellbeing days
Sick Pay & Income Continuance Scheme
Access to an Employee Assistance Programme
Discounted gym membership
Bike to Work Scheme
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