Director of Operations
Fulltime, permanent
Horizons work to enhance the lives of people with an intellectual disability and/or autism; working in partnership with them, their families and local communities to provide a broad range of person‑centred services and supports. We provide services in Cork city and county through a network of over 70 locations.
We believe everyone should be ambitious, dream about their future and reach their horizons.
About the Role
The Director of Operations is a key leadership role in Horizons and will work alongside the Chief Operations Officer and Director of Nursing to lead the organisation in progressing a number of key priorities including de‑congregating large centres, developing new and existing service models, and advancing the development of the governance framework. The postholder will operate in a challenging environment, steering the operational and strategic development of the organisation and implementing its progressive vision for individualised, rights‑based service delivery.
The position offers an exciting opportunity to be part of a dynamic Executive Management Team (EMT) of one of the largest health and social care services for people with disabilities in Ireland and the largest organisation across Cork city and county.
Salary
Aligned to the General Manager salary scale. The 7‑point salary scale, as per the HSE pay scales, is as follows:
€85,747
€87,912
€91,342
€94,798
€98,226
€101,663
€106,660
New appointees to any grade start at the minimum point of the scale. Incremental credit will be applied for recognised relevant service in Ireland and abroad.
Qualifications and Experience
Essential:
Minimum Honours Degree (Level 8) and/or Postgraduate qualification (Level 9/10) in a relevant professional or health management discipline.
At least four years of experience managing a substantial service within the health or social care fields, at a senior grade.
Experience managing a large team and maintaining budgets.
Experience implementing change management within regulatory frameworks.
Successful delivery of large‑scale projects in health and/or social care.
Desirable:
Level 9 qualification in management, Project Management or Lean Management.
Evidence of ongoing professional development.
Experience at both practitioner and management levels.
Experience delivering change‑management programmes.
Knowledge Requirements
Sector strategic issues and trends.
Public sector macro‑economic environment and implications for the organisation.
Governance and standards – legal, regulatory, statutory and governance management procedures, systems and processes.
Resource management and organisational structure, systems, roles and processes.
Service planning and development.
Sector structures, representational systems and key stakeholders.
Change management and best‑practice models for service delivery.
Implementation of the ‘Time to Move On from Congregated Settings’ policy.
Full drivers licence and access to own vehicle is essential.
What We Offer
Salary in line with the HSE consolidated pay scales.
Supervision appropriate to experience levels.
Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
CPD is actively encouraged; regular training and supervision provided.
A flexible and supportive work environment.
Membership of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme.
Subsidised canteen and onsite parking.
An opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives.
Application Process
Informal enquiries can be made to Lorraine Egan, Chief Executive Officer at Horizons.
Completed application forms must be returned no later than 12 noon, October 28th 2025.
Please also attach a high‑level CV.
Applicant's key achievements will be shortlisted against the job description.
Visit our website at (please see the official careers page for the full application).
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