Overview
We are the industry-led cluster for the micro and nano-electronics sector, uniting companies, academia, research, and government. Established in 1999, MIDAS represents the entire value chain as the sector evolves to deliver integrated electronic and software system solutions. As a member of Silicon Europe, MIDAS connects Ireland into Europe’s leading clusters, while also advancing Ireland’s national semiconductor strategy. There is a significant window of opportunity for MIDAS to expand its scope and become one of Ireland’s national clusters of significance with the potential to drive economic growth, particularly in the indigenous sector.
The Cluster Manager would spearhead this effort, focusing on the following strategic priorities within our forward-thinking culture and values.
Our Strategic Priorities
* Ecosystem Building – connecting the semiconductor value chain across design, research, manufacturing, and emerging areas such as advanced packaging, photonics, and quantum.
* Talent Development – ensuring graduate pipelines, CPD for engineers, and outreach initiatives to future-proof the workforce.
* Enterprise Development – supporting Irish SMEs, start-ups, and indigenous innovation within the value chain.
* Policy Advocacy – representing the sector nationally and at EU level, ensuring strong alignment with government strategy.
Our Values
* Networking and Connectivity: Curating productive relationships.
* Collaboration: Working with members and stakeholders to achieve common goals, promoting and facilitating innovation.
* Advocacy & Outreach: Promoting microelectronics within the Ireland ecosystem. Representing and advocating for the interests of members and the industry.
* Learning: Providing educational resources and training opportunities.
* Diversity and Inclusion: Encouraging diversity and inclusion within the industry and the organisation.
Role purpose
The Managing Director will be the most senior executive in MIDAS Ireland and the first formal employee, reporting to the Board of Directors, driving the expansion of MIDAS’s scope and ensuring we become a nationally significant cluster with potential to drive economic growth in the indigenous sector.
The Managing Director will:
* Provide national leadership for Ireland’s semiconductor cluster;
* Represent the sector with government, international partners, and industry stakeholders;
* Drive delivery of the MIDAS 2026–2030 strategy in alignment with Ireland’s National Semiconductor Strategy;
* Act as Network Promoter for MIDAS Skillnet, ensuring industry-led training and upskilling meets sector needs.
This is a unique leadership role at the intersection of enterprise, research, and policy, pivotal to securing Ireland’s position as a global hub for semiconductor innovation, talent, and enterprise growth.
Key responsibilities
* Strategic Leadership & Development – Lead delivery of the MIDAS Ireland 2026–2030 Strategy across four pillars: Ecosystem Building, Talent Development, Enterprise Development, and Policy Advocacy. In collaboration with the Board and stakeholders, develop future strategies and plans. Position MIDAS as the recognised national cluster lead in semiconductors, aligned with EU Cluster Excellence standards. Expand membership base across the full semiconductor value chain. Build strong partnerships with industry bodies, academic institutions, research centres, and international clusters.
* Policy, Advocacy & National Representation – Represent MIDAS nationally and internationally on semiconductor strategy; align with national policies; act as policy partner to DETE, IDA, Enterprise Ireland, DFHERIS, and European stakeholders; influence government consultations and sector roadmaps.
* Talent Development & Skillnet Leadership – Act as Network Promoter for the MIDAS Skillnet; expand accredited programmes, apprenticeships, internships, and outreach campaigns; champion diversity and inclusion initiatives; strengthen collaboration with HEIs, Skillnets, and industry; support scaling of Irish SMEs and indigenous enterprises; lead access to funding initiatives (national, EU Chips JU, Horizon Europe) with Pillar Leads; support structured programmes for investor engagement, export development, and SME/MNC collaboration.
* Governance, Operations & Sustainability – Lead a professional cluster with governance, operational excellence, and financial sustainability; develop a stable funding base; ensure transparent financial management, risk oversight, and performance measurement; deliver operational excellence in line with Board expectations.
* People Leadership & Organisational Development – Build and lead a high-performing team; provide clear direction and accountability; foster a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative culture; ensure strong performance management and succession planning.
Essential Qualifications & Experience
* Proven senior leadership experience – 7+ years in industry, government, or association management.
* Strong understanding of the semiconductor/microelectronics sector or adjacent deep-tech/advanced manufacturing sectors.
* Experience in stakeholder engagement at senior levels (government, EU institutions, MNCs, academia).
* Experience in strategy implementation, cluster development, or sectoral policy.
* Track record in talent development or skills/education initiatives (preferably Skillnet, apprenticeship, or STEM programmes).
* Strong governance, financial management, and organisational leadership capabilities.
* Advanced qualifications in engineering, science, business, or policy.
* International experience in cluster organisations, industry associations, or EU policy engagement.
* Knowledge of the EU Chips Act, IPCEI, and European semiconductor landscape.
Core Competencies
* Strategic Thinking & Influence – Shapes long-term strategies aligned with national policy and influences decision-making across government, enterprise, and research.
* Stakeholder Leadership & Advocacy – Builds high-trust relationships across diverse stakeholders and represents the sector credibly.
* Delivering Results & Accountability – Sets ambitious but realistic goals and delivers them with transparency and impact.
* Enterprise & Innovation Orientation – Champions SME/start-up growth and globalisation; connects industry to research and innovation opportunities.
* Operational Excellence & Governance – Ensures transparent governance, performance management, and sustainable funding; leads a professional team with accountability.
* Communication & Representation – Excellent communicator; represents Ireland’s semiconductor sector nationally and internationally with authority.
Interview Process
Closing date: 21st of October.
Seniority level
* Executive
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Business Development and Sales
* Industries: Semiconductor Manufacturing
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at MIDAS Ireland by 2x
Location: Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland
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