Mazars Chartered Accountants | Chief Executive

The Position About Skillnet Ireland As the Government agency mandated to lead on workforce development, Skillnet Ireland partners with industry sectors, with Government departments and agencies, together with the training and education system to deliver a responsive, agile and joined-up workforce development proposition to Ireland's enterprise sector. Our dedicated team and our industry partner organisations are delivering substantial workforce development responses in the digital economy, in SME supports, in supporting the FDI sector, in workforce innovation and collaboration with the tertiary sector, climate action and in regional development. Skillnet Ireland operates via an enterprise-led ethos, partnering directly with industry groups to understand the needs of businesses and to address enterprise talent priorities. Skillnet Ireland also helps companies and sectors navigate the future of work, driving more successful and competitive businesses. By combining Government and private sector investment, the Skillnet Ireland approach incentivises enterprise-led talent development and drives quality and impact in the programmes delivered. Through its joint-investment model with industry, Skillnet Ireland will invest €90-100M in Ireland's workforce in 2024 supporting over 25,000 companies nationwide. The Skillnet Ireland enterprise-led approach to talent development has received international recognition as a best practice model from the OECD and the EU Commission amongst others. Skillnet Ireland was established by the Government of Ireland in 1999 and its stakeholders include Ireland's leading enterprise bodies, sectorial associations and employee representatives. Skillnet Ireland is funded through private sector investment, through the EU Commission and by the Government of Ireland (through Department of Further & Higher Education, Research, Innovation & Science) funding allocated from the National Training Fund. Our Organisational Values Growing Together: This is our commitment to personal and organisational development. It involves fostering a culture of innovation, embracing lifelong learning, and being agile in the face of evolving challenges, all in service of excellence. Partnering Together: This value signifies our dedication to fostering strong relationships, agility, and transparency in all interactions. It emphasises working collaboratively with integrity, internally and externally, to achieve results. Marking a Difference Together: This value revolves around our dedication to ethical leadership, service and stewardship, trust-building, honesty and kindness. Applicants will be experienced, established business leaders with an in-depth understanding of workforce development, both domestically and within a global business environment. Familiarity with Government and public sector organisations and their role would be an advantage. The individual must be truly passionate about helping Ireland to win on the international stage and driving talent development across critical national priorities including digitalisation and AI, sustainability, within the FDI sector and with SMEs throughout the regions of Ireland. S/he will be a results-driven, solutions oriented leader with first class communication and relationship skills, and committed to public service. The position will involve extensive domestic and international travel and a commitment to work outside standard hours. Role Summary The Chief Executive works in partnership with the Board to ensure that Skillnet Ireland implements to its fullest extent its mandate, with specific responsibilities stated in its Oversight Agreement with the Department of Further & Higher Education, Research, Innovation & Science. The role has responsibility for ensuring that Skillnet Ireland meets training objectives and reaches annual targets for participation in Skillnet Ireland training programmes as stated in its Annual Performance Delivery Agreement, as well as leading and managing a dedicated team of professionals in developing and promoting innovative, best practice programmes and initiatives. In addition, the Chief Executive will actively work to raise the profile of Skillnet Ireland through active liaison with industry, higher education and the wider workforce development system. Travel will be a key requirement of this role, international and domestic, as well as working outside of standard office hours. Key responsibilities Ensure that Skillnet Ireland comprehensively fulfils its mandate (as revised by Government in December 2022) to promote and facilitate enterprise-led training and upskilling as key elements in sustaining Ireland's national competitiveness. Work with the Board to effectively execute the specific responsibilities of Skillnet Ireland as defined within the Oversight Agreement with Government. Supporting the Board, its Chairperson and Committees in the discharge of their duties through the provision of sound advice, corporate governance reporting, risk management reporting, together with structured management information on the activities of Skillnet Ireland and progress against its Statement of Strategy. Lead joint investment of up to €100M (2025) annually, targeting the delivery of forward-looking, industry-led initiatives that address the workforce, productivity and talent challenges confronting Ireland's enterprise sector. Work in close collaboration with the Board of Skillnet Ireland and its stakeholder organisations across industry, Government and the training and education system on the development and implementation of the Skillnet Ireland Statement of Strategy. Responsible for the coordination and delivery of substantive actions assigned to Skillnet Ireland across Government policies and strategic action plans. Lead the agency's role in innovation through leading cutting-edge industry-academia collaborations, producing industry-led research, facilitating collaborations between firms and the tertiary education sector, to help deliver a coherent, joined-up innovation ecosystem for enterprise. Ensure the continued efficiency and effectiveness of Skillnet Ireland's work programmes and business operations, achieving good value for money for the public resources entrusted to the organisation. Primary executive accountability for the oversight and maintenance of the compliance and risk control framework for the organisation, and for adherence to legislative/ regulatory obligations and directives as they apply to Skillnet Ireland. Responsible for leading the relationship with Department of Further & Higher Education, Research, Innovation & Science on a day-to-day basis (engaging primarily at Assistant Secretary level), disseminating industry insights to help inform Government workforce policy, bringing Departmental visibility to the contribution of Skillnet Ireland. Lead the engagement at Ministerial and senior official level on the Annual Estimates process. Ensure that funding committed to Skillnet Networks and Schemes is put to effective use, through the use of appropriate and efficient systems, procedures and controls, and ensure that activities and outputs are properly monitored/ validated, through the use of leading-edge evaluations and performance metrics. Further develop Skillnet Ireland's EU engagement strategy by contributing to the development of EU skills and workforce development policy. Build and maintain relations with EU stakeholders through securing additional participation opportunities in EU consortia projects and through the fulsome implementation of the existing set of EU projects that Skillnet Ireland is contracted to deliver. Provide thought leadership both inside and outside the organisation thus continually developing the role of Skillnet Ireland as an innovative and progressive leader in the field of workforce development. Keep abreast of developments and initiatives in Human Resource Development (HRD) and the upskilling of the workforce. Lead the agency's public affairs strategy through engagement with industry leadership, Government Ministers, Oireachtas members, the European Commission and the OECD. Represent the agency as its principal spokesperson at strategic fora and media engagements. Responsible for building the profile, brand and objectives of Skillnet Ireland with a domestic and international audience. Oversight of the operations, finance, communications and governance of the organisation on a day-to-day basis. Providing leadership to the Executive team by promoting an inclusive, high-performance culture with the staff of Skillnet Ireland and those employed in Skillnet Networks nationally. Delivery of other tasks or responsibilities that may be necessary, or directed by the Board, from time to time. The Person The successful candidate will be deeply purpose driven with strong personal values and commitment to the role and will be able to demonstrate evidence of the following (as appropriate): Essential criteria: A relevant third level qualification, to minimum Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications, in a business or related discipline Experience of operating at a senior executive level within a complex stakeholder driven organisation, with a proven record of strategic delivery at scale An in-depth understanding of, and a passion for, transformation within a global business environment across the areas of digital, sustainability and SME development An in-depth understanding of the strategic talent challenges facing Skillnet Ireland combined with a vision and openness for the future, with an ability to generate and implement innovative solutions A comprehensive understanding of human resource development, workforce development, labour market dynamics and the future talent needs of the enterprise sector A high level of technical competence (and experience) across the talent development value chain encompassing for example: talent development strategy, stakeholder engagement, programme design and accreditation, digital learning methodologies, programme delivery and evaluation. Desirable Criteria: Familiarity with Government and public sector organisations, together with an appreciation of Government workforce and skills policy Successful engagement with relevant non- Government/Enterprise organisations such as the EU Proven acumen in terms of designing and implementing complex strategy How to Apply Forvis Mazars has been retained by Skillnet Ireland to assist with the appointment of the Chief Executive role. Forvis Mazars, on behalf of Skillnet Ireland, invites applications from suitably qualified candidates, both nationally and internationally, and will be undertaking a comprehensive recruitment process as part of this recruitment campaign. Forvis Mazars will be managing all aspects of this recruitment project on behalf of Skillnet Ireland. No enquiries or canvassing should be made directly to Skillnet Ireland. Applications should be submitted online and must include: A comprehensive CV (including an org chart from your most recent employment). A short letter of application (no more than 2 pages) outlining a statement of key achievements and where you believe your skills, experience, personality, motivation and values meet the requirements of the position. A completed Application Form o Please download from Only applications fully submitted online (1, 2 and 3 above) will be accepted into the campaign. For further information and to apply for this role visit Closing date Deadline for application: 12 noon on Friday, 24th January 2025. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date/time. An acknowledgement email will be issued for all applications received. If you do not receive acknowledgement of your application within two working days of submission, please contact the Forvis Mazars Executive Recruitment Team by email ( ) to ensure your application has been received. Interviews Candidates will be notified of interview details at the earliest convenience (first and final interviews provisionally scheduled for mid and end of February respectively). Candidates should ensure that the contact details specified on their application form are correct. To be considered for this role you will be redirected to and must complete the application process on our careers page. To start the process click the Apply button below to Login/Register.