Our client the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is seeking a Director of Antitrust (PO)
Division Overview
The Antitrust Division delivers the CCPC's administrative competition enforcement function as it relates to vertical and unilateral conduct. The Division investigates suspected breaches of competition law relating to anti-competitive agreements and concerted practices between firms at different levels of the supply chain (i.e. vertical conduct) and abusive conduct by firms with a dominant position in the market (i.e. unilateral conduct). These investigations are undertaken under the new administrative competition enforcement regime introduced by the Competition (Amendment) Act. As a result of new powers conferred by that Act, the CCPC – through independent adjudication officers – can impose administrative financial sanctions (fines) on businesses found to have breached competition law.
The Division operates a screening and case pipeline function to identify and review potential problems in markets which may require further action or investigation. The Division is also responsible for the CCPC's functions arising from the EU Digital Markets Act (Regulation (EU) /) ("DMA") and the European Union (Contestable and Fair Markets in the Digital Sector) Regulations (S.I. No. /).
The Antitrust Division represents the CCPC at European Commission Advisory Committee meetings and participates in European Competition Network (ECN) working groups.
The Role:
The CCPC is seeking to recruit a Director of Antitrust to lead the delivery of the CCPC's competition enforcement function as it relates to anti-competitive vertical agreements/concerted practices and abuse of dominance. This is an opportunity for an experienced professional, with excellent strategic leadership skills and proven expertise in the area of enforcement, to take on a senior management role in a dynamic and fast-paced national competition authority that is growing in ambition and purpose.
The Director of Antitrust will be responsible for leading a high-performing team in identifying and investigating potential breaches of EU and Irish competition law and referring cases to adjudication where appropriate. The Director will also lead the Division in its engagement with the European Commission in relation to the DMA. The Antitrust Division currently has a sanctioned headcount of 17 staff (including the Director), with additional legal support provided by the CCPC's Competition Legal Division and external legal services providers when required. As Director you will promote the Vision, Mission and Values of the CCPC. You will be responsible for leading and managing a dedicated team undertaking meaningful and impactful work, providing strategic direction to the Division and delivering on its annual divisional workplan. You will have the opportunity to represent the CCPC at national and international fora and conferences. This may include European Commission Advisory Committee meetings, and OECD and European and International Competition Network meetings.
Reporting to a Member of the Commission, the Director of Antitrust will work closely with the wider Senior Management team (i.e. Members and Directors) in the CCPC and will contribute to the development of the organisation through initiating, and constructive engagement in, cross-Divisional and organisation-wide projects.
The Successful Candidate:
The successful applicant will have a critical leadership role in managing for results and delivering enforcement
outcomes to a high standard in a challenging and dynamic environment. The post holder will be self-driven with experience of contributing effectively to the strategic direction of an organisation and the ability to motivate staff to meet ambitious targets and demanding deadlines. They will have a proven record of strong leadership, people and case management experience, strong analytical skills and an ability to oversee multiple complex investigations/projects. They will have the ability to provide strong contributions and communicate publicly on emerging competition issues internally, nationally and internationally.
In addition to the immediate appointment from this campaign, an order of merit may be established. This may be used to fill any future vacancies at the same level within the CCPC.
Key Responsibilities:
• Develop and drive the strategy and workplan of the Antitrust Division, providing strategic leadership and guidance to the team, managing risk and pro-actively contributing to the CCPC achieving its strategic objectives.
• Lead in developing and overseeing an effective competition issues screening process and strong case pipeline for investigations.
• Lead the Antitrust Division in conducting administrative investigations into potential breaches of EU and Irish competition law concerning anti-competitive vertical agreements/concerted practices and abuse of dominance contrary to Sections 4 and 5 of the Competition Act, as amended, and Articles and of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU.
• Lead and manage the Antitrust Division to ensure its operational effectiveness, setting high standards and implementing strategies to drive team performance, including implementation of project management tools to deliver successful outcomes in investigations.
• Monitor and develop capability and capacity across the Antitrust Division through effective delegation, coaching and mentoring and identification of learning/development needs.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders to advocate for necessary policy or legislative change to support the delivery of the CCPC's competition enforcement function.
• Build and maintain excellent working relationships with the Members of the CCPC, other Divisional Directors and staff, and key external stakeholders including government officials, other national competition authorities, other regulatory and enforcement agencies, and the European Commission.
• Develop CCPC positions on competition policy and emerging issues and represent the CCPC at national and international fora, conferences and media events.
• Promote the Mission, Vision and Values of the CCPC though self-management and team management and contribute to the development and achievement of the strategic goals of the organisation generally by participating in cross-divisional projects as and when required.
Essential:
Please note: In order to satisfy the shortlisting panel that you meet these criteria you must explicitly reference how you meet same in your CV. Failure to demonstrate these may prevent your application progressing to future shortlisting stages.
• A third level qualification (at Level 8 or above) in Law, Economics, Business or other related discipline.
• At least 4 years' demonstrable experience of leading and managing people/projects(s) in a legal, economic, regulatory, compliance and/or enforcement area.
• Knowledge of competition law and/or economics and experience in the area of enforcement.
• Strong legal/economic drafting skills including the ability to understand and analyse information and deliver clear, focused reports.
• Strong verbal communication skills including the ability to influence senior management and present complex information to multiple audiences with different backgrounds.
• Proven ability to lead and deliver on cases/projects within tight time frames.
Desirable:
• Relevant qualifications and/or experience above the essential requirements.
Application Process:
In order to apply for this opportunity, candidates must submit the application form for this opportunity before the closing date for applications.
The application from can be found here:
To apply for this role using the link on the CCPC careers page, please submit an up-to-date CV clearly demonstrating how your skills and experience meet the essential criteria. Additionally, please submit a cover letter explaining your motivation for applying for this position and what you would offer in the role (maximum words).
The closing date for applications is 3pm, Thursday 29th May,
Applicants should note that canvassing will result in your exclusion from the process.