Location:IrelandCompany Type:Research & Technology SME (Global)The OpportunityThis is a rare and influential opportunity to step into a senior leadership role within a highly innovative, globally active water technology research and advisory business. The organisation operates at the intersection of research, data, technology, and strategic advisory, supporting infrastructure operators, global corporates, financial institutions, and innovation-led enterprises worldwide.AsChief of Staff, you will act as a strategic partner to the Founder/Owner, helping to drive focus, momentum, and execution across the business. This is a highly trusted role, positioned at the centre of strategy, priorities, and cross-functional coordination. Rather than owning a single function, you will work across all areas of the organisation to ensure that the Founder's vision is translated into clear plans, aligned teams, and measurable outcomes.This role is ideal for someone who enjoys operating at both strategic and tactical levels, thrives in an evolving SME environment, and wants to be deeply involved in shaping the direction and effectiveness of a growing, globally relevant business.Your ImpactYou will bring structure, clarity, and pace to the organisation. Acting as an extension of the Founder, you will help prioritise initiatives, unblock issues, and ensure alignment across research, advisory, data, and technology teams. You will play a key role in improving decision-making, driving accountability, and enabling sustainable growth — while protecting the entrepreneurial culture that defines the business.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Partnership & ExecutionAct as a close strategic partner to the Founder, supporting planning, decision-making, and executionHelp shape and drive the company's strategic priorities, translating vision into actionable initiativesTrack progress against strategic goals, ensuring follow-through and accountabilityPrepare briefings, business cases, and insights to support key decisionsBusiness Planning & PerformanceSupport the development of annual plans, OKRs/KPIs, and operating rhythmsMonitor performance across divisions, highlighting risks, opportunities, and dependenciesWork with functional leaders to align objectives, timelines, and resourcesDrive consistency in reporting, metrics, and management informationCross-Functional CoordinationAct as a connective tissue across teams, ensuring collaboration and alignmentLead or support high-impact, cross-functional initiatives and projectsIdentify and resolve operational bottlenecks that hinder executionEnsure priorities remain focused as the business scales and evolvesCommercial & Financial SupportPartner with the Founder, Financial Controller, and leadership team on budgeting, forecasting, and financial planningSupport commercial analysis, pipeline visibility, and performance reportingProvide insight into client profitability, resource allocation, and growth opportunitiesEnable informed decision-making through clear, concise analysis (without owning the P&L)Founder Enablement & GovernanceAct as a trusted sounding board, providing challenge, perspective, and supportHelp manage internal and external stakeholder interactions as requiredSupport board, investor, or advisory engagement through preparation and follow-upEnsure key decisions and actions are clearly communicated and executedCulture, People & Ways of WorkingReinforce a high-performance, collaborative, and intellectually curious cultureSupport leadership team effectiveness and ways of workingContribute to organisational design, role clarity, and talent planning as the company growsHelp embed scalable processes without introducing unnecessary bureaucracyAbout YouYou are a highly capable generalist with strong commercial instincts and a passion for making organisations work better. You are comfortable operating behind the scenes, influencing without ego, and bringing order to complexity. You enjoy being close to the action and take pride in helping leaders and teams perform at their best.You will bring:Experience in a senior, cross-functional role such as Chief of Staff, Strategy, Operations, Consulting, or similarA strong strategic mindset combined with excellent execution and follow-throughSolid financial and commercial acumen, with experience working alongside finance and leadership teamsExceptional organisational, prioritisation, and problem-solving skillsHigh emotional intelligence and the ability to build trust across all levelsExcellent written and verbal communication skillsQualification in Business, Finance, Strategy, or a related disciplineProject management experience is highly beneficialIndustry experience is desirable but not essentialAPPLY NOW#CplCorkFin