The Department of Tourism and Hospitality at Munster Technological University (MTU) is a dynamic, multi-disciplinary department encompassing Culinary Arts, Tourism, Hospitality Management, Food Business, and Home Economics.
With approximately 500 students and a team of dedicated, industry experienced lecturers, the Department is recognised as a national leader in culinary, hospitality, and home economics education and is growing its influence on the international stage.
The Department is ambitious in its mission to expand its leadership role by developing innovative and challenging programmes that serve the evolving needs of the tourism, hospitality, food, and home economics sectors.
A strong focus on creativity, sustainability, and global perspectives underpins the portfolio, which is offered through full-time, part-time, and apprenticeship pathways.
This leadership role offers an exciting opportunity to shape the future of the Department.
The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in: Expanding and diversifying the programme portfolio, ensuring its continued relevance and alignment with industry needs.
Building research capacity within the Department, fostering interdisciplinary projects, and supporting staff and postgraduate student development.
Enhancing external engagement by strengthening links with industry, community, and policy stakeholders.
Driving internationalisation, including the development of partnerships, exchanges, and collaborative programmes that prepare graduates for a globalised sector.
The successful applicant will bring vision and adaptability to lead across the Culinary, Hospitality, Tourism, Food Business, and Home Economics teams.
They will be committed to advancing teaching excellence, research activity, and external collaboration, while supporting the Universitys broader transformation agenda.
The programme portfolio within the Department may also evolve as part of MTUs ongoing transformation process.
The appointee will manage and direct the staff of the Department including timetabling and evaluating staff performance.
The appointee will work with the Dean of Faculty to develop, agree, implement and manage Faculty and Department policy.
The appointee will carry out such duties as are assigned by the Dean of Faculty as appropriate, including but not limited to: Developing a rolling strategic and operational plan for the Department consistent with Faculty and University objectives and ensuring the staff are continuously advised on plans, policy and other necessary matters.
Providing overall management and administration of the Department, including managing the Department budget and maintaining records and making available information as required by Senior Management.
Playing a leading role in the development, implementation and maintenance of academic quality assurance arrangements.
Providing academic leadership and scholarship on existing and new courses, in course development and in course co-ordination.
Directing and supervising the work of members of staff of the Department, including evaluating staff performance and acting in an advisory capacity and as a professional support in academic matters to colleagues.
Advising on and participating in recruiting suitably qualified staff and managing, in consultation with the Dean of Faculty and other relevant members of University management, the development and implementation of a staff development programme for the Department.
Participating in appropriate activities, including external activities, necessary to the development and promotion of the Department, Faculty and the University; advising on and participating in the promotion and marketing of the Department, Faculty and University, its research, and its courses including the preparation of marketing literature and brochures and advising on student intake.
Teaching classes for up to 105 hours per annum and carrying out assessment, monitoring and evaluation of examination work and providing an academic and consultative support to students in their learning activities.
Working with the Central Management Team and other Heads of Department as required and participating in committees as required.
Liaising with awarding bodies, trade and professional organisations, government agencies, as required.
Qualification Requirements and Selection Criteria for role: Essential:
(i) A first or second class level 8 honours degree in Tourism, Hospitality, Food, Home Economics, Business or a related discipline from a recognised degree awarding authority.
OR
(ii) An equivalent relevant professional qualification obtained through examination.
AND
(iii) Not less than five years relevant professional experience in industry, research, or teaching subsequent to obtaining the above-mentioned qualification.
NOTE: In addition to the minimum qualifications, it may be necessary to introduce further shortlisting criteria.
Therefore, candidates may be shortlisted on the basis of qualifications and suitable experience based on details given in the application.
Candidates should note that they may be called for more than one interview.
A successful candidate will be required to submit a passport, documentary evidence confirming academic qualifications, and to undergo a medical examination.
Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance may also be required.
References will be sought in relation to the successful candidate.
MTU welcomes applications from non-EEA citizens.
However, employee permit regulations set by the relevant Departments must be strictly adhered to.
Any appointment offers to Non-EEA candidates is subject to the granting of a work permit by the relevant Government Department and/or relevant Immigration permissions/stamp.
Candidates may be required to produce documentary evidence to support any statements made by them on their application form or any supporting documentation.
Candidates should note that any inaccurate information will invalidate their application.
Application Process: Applications by MTU eRecruitment system only.
Applications will not be accepted in any other format or through any other channel of communication.
Please log on to apply for this position.
The information given in this document is of a general information nature only and should not be taken as contractual.
Closing date for receipt of completed e-applications is 1.00 pm on Friday, 19 September 2025.
MTU is an equal opportunities employer.
Skills: Qualifications relevant to the role Not less than 5yrs professional experience Background in delivery of programmes