SOLAS is the state agency responsible for Further Education and Training (FET) in Ireland. We drive the responsiveness, innovation, transformation, sustainability and success of the FET and apprenticeship systems. We do this by setting strategy, channelling investment, leading implementation, and ensuring accountability across FET providers, with an overriding focus on the needs of their learners and apprentices.
The Board of SOLAS wishes to appoint an individual to the position of Chief Executive Officer, to lead the organisation in delivering transformative ambitions of the National Further Education and Training (FET) Strategy 2025–2029, while shaping and driving future strategic direction for the sector beyond this strategy. This is an exciting opportunity for a strong and inspiring leader with credibility in leading complex organisations through growth and change.
The Role
The CEO will provide visible leadership, ensuring SOLAS remains at the forefront of responding to Ireland’s evolving skills needs, fostering innovation, inclusion, and excellence in FET. The CEO will build and sustain effective relationships with Government, ETBs, industry, and communities, championing the value and impact of FET nationally and internationally. Beyond delivering the current strategy, the CEO will play a pivotal role in developing and implementing future strategies, ensuring SOLAS adapts to emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities in education, skills, and workforce transformation.
The CEO will ensure robust governance, compliance, and performance management, upholding the highest standards of probity and value for money. The CEO will inspire and empower staff, fostering a high-performance, learning-oriented culture aligned with SOLAS’s mission and values.
The Person
The personal qualities of the ideal candidate will include a passion, drive and commitment to improve the quality and experience of learners in the FET sector and with a strong focus on service with exceptional communication, interpersonal, negotiating and influencing skills.
Closing date: 12pm (noon), Wednesday, 12th November 2025.
Contact
Limited to enquiries at sean.mcdonagh@lansdownesearch.ie or for a confidential discussion.
Please call Seán on +353 87 796 1062.
Further details available at: www.solas.ie
SOLAS is an equal opportunities employer. Canvassing will disqualify.
Seniority level
Executive
Employment type
Contract
Job function
Business Development and Sales
Industries
Professional Training and Coaching, Education, and Technical and Vocational Training
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