Job Title: Head of Information Technology
Location: FAI HQ, Abbottstown, Dublin
Direct Reporting Line: Director of Football Infrastructure, Facilities & Technology
Commencement Date: TBC
Duration: Permanent / Full Time
Work Model: Hybrid
Introduction
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) is the national governing body for football in Ireland, driving the growth, promotion, and development of the game at all levels. We are passionate about inspiring participation, supporting talent, and celebrating the power of football to unite communities across the country. With a proud history and an ambitious vision for the future, the FAI is committed to fostering excellence on and off the pitch, ensuring the game is inclusive, accessible, and a source of national pride.
Purpose of the Role
This role leads the ICT operations and strategic technology direction of the FAI, ensuring the organisation has a secure, resilient and future-ready technology foundation. The Head of ICT leads infrastructure, cybersecurity, systems integration, digital workflows and major transformation programmes such as HRIS, LMS, CRM, ERP and access control modernisation. The role is responsible for developing a long-term ICT strategy to future-proof systems, reduce operational risk and enable scalable digital growth across all areas of the organisation. Reporting to the Director of Football Infrastructure, Facilities & Technology, the Head of ICT delivers ICT services support organisational excellence and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
* Own the strategic leadership of the ICT function, ensuring the organisation remains secure, resilient and technologically future-ready.
* Develop and implement a long-term ICT strategy that upgrades systems, enhances digital capabilities and supports organisational growth.
* Lead all ICT infrastructure including networks, hardware, cloud services and core enterprise systems.
* Lead the integration and optimisation of HRIS, CRM, LMS and ERP platforms to deliver seamless data flow and operational efficiency.
* Drive the modernisation of digital access control systems across FAI sites, ensuring security and operational integration.
* Redesign and implement a robust on/off-boarding and identity lifecycle management process to improve security and governance.
* Lead the ICT component of major organisational programmes, including HR system transformation and digital learning environments.
* Improve the organisation's cybersecurity posture by implementing governance frameworks, policies, monitoring and incident readiness.
* Deliver systems that are scalable, interoperable, and architected for long-term sustainability and risk reduction.
* Lead the responsible adoption of AI and automation technologies to enhance efficiency and ensure ethical and secure use across the organisation.
* Manage vendors, budgets, procurement and contract performance to deliver value-for-money ICT solutions.
* Develop and maintain ICT governance and security practices aligned to ISO 27001 principles.
Person Specification
* A proactive, solutions-focused leader with excellent communication and organisational skills.
* Able to collaborate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders at all levels.
* Committed to continuous improvement, service excellence and a forward-thinking approach to ICT.
Experience and Qualifications
Essential:
* A recognised qualification in ICT, Computer Science, Information Systems or a related field.
* Minimum 7-10 years' experience in ICT roles, with at least 3 years in a senior ICT leadership position.
* Experience operating in SME-scale organisations with responsibility for ICT strategy and technical operations.
* Strong cybersecurity experience including governance, risk assessment, incident readiness, and security architecture.
* Demonstrated experience delivering systems integration projects including HRIS, CRM, LMS, ERP or identity management platforms.
* Experience developing multi-year ICT strategies that upgrade and future-proof technology environments.
* Experience evaluating or implementing AI-driven technologies, automation tools, or data-driven decision-support systems.
* Strong understanding of ISO 27001 controls and their application within ICT governance and cybersecurity.
Desirable:
* Experience within sport, public sector or other multi-site operational environments.
* Professional certifications such as ITIL, CISSP, CCNA, PMP or similar.
Skills & Professional Knowledge
* Deep technical expertise across networks, cloud platforms, enterprise systems and security frameworks.
* Strong project management capability with experience leading organisation-wide digital transformation initiatives.
* Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a strategic and future-focused mindset.
* Knowledge of data governance, compliance, GDPR security principles and cybersecurity best practices.
* Strategic ICT planning and future-proofing.
* Cybersecurity management and governance.
* Digital transformation and systems integration.
* Stakeholder engagement and leadership.
Competencies
Core Competencies:
1. Innovation & Continuous Improvement (Progress)
Thinks creatively and with an open mind to identify new opportunities for growth and improvement. Embraces change positively and contributes to building a better future for Irish football.
2. Drive & Commitment (Passion)
Demonstrates energy, enthusiasm, and pride in everything they do. Takes initiative, delivers results, and strives to make a meaningful impact on the game and the organisation.
3. Collaboration & Teamwork (Togetherness)
Works effectively and respectfully with others to achieve shared goals. Supports, challenges, and motivates colleagues to perform at their best, recognising that success is achieved together.
4. Communication & Influence (Togetherness / Passion)
Communicates clearly, openly, and respectfully with colleagues and stakeholders. Builds positive relationships, inspires trust, and represents the FAI with professionalism and integrity.
5. Accountability & Professional Excellence (Progress / Passion)
Takes ownership of performance and upholds high standards in all tasks. Acts responsibly, follows through on commitments, and contributes to the FAI's vision of continuous progress and excellence.
Our Benefits
We are proud of the range of benefits we can provide:
* Two premium level tickets to each home international game
* Sick pay scheme and family friendly leave
* Opportunities to work at international matches
* Company pension
* Life assurance
* Bike to work scheme
* Free onsite parking
* Employee assistance programs
* Hybrid working arrangements and flexible hours working arrangements
* Discounted access to the National Aquatic Centre and gym complex
Application Details
Closing date for receipt of applications is close of business on 17th December 2025.
Shortlisting and interviewing process will take place thereafter.
The Football Association of Ireland is an equal opportunities employer and promotes Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I).