SET0225 - Senior Vice President, Operations, SETU

South East Technological University (SETU) is redefining the educational and economic landscape of the south east of Ireland. SETU was established in 2022, through the merger of two long-standing Institutes of Technology, combining over fifty years of academic and industry expertise into a bold, future-focused, multi-campus technological university. As the only university in the region, SETU is a game-changer. With a thriving community of over 18,000 learners and almost 2,000 dedicated staff across Waterford, Carlow, Wexford, Wicklow, and Kilkenny, we are fuelling innovation, driving economic growth, and shaping the workforce of tomorrow. SETU is already making a profound impact. Our researchers are pioneering advancements in areas such as ICT, advanced manufacturing, sustainability, and life sciences, collaborating with global leaders and securing major research funding. Our university and enterprise campus, currently in development, will serve as a powerhouse for innovation, bringing together academia, industry, and entrepreneurship to create high-value jobs and transformative solutions. We are tackling the regional brain drain head-on by expanding our programme offerings, increasing PhD provision, and ensuring that top talent can study, research and thrive in the south east. SETU is not just responding to industry needs, we are shaping them. From leading research partnerships with global firms to supporting over 140 industry collaborations annually, we are strengthening Ireland's position on the world stage. At SETU, ambition knows no bounds. We are committed to becoming a top young global university, delivering world-class research, and elevating the south east as a hub of excellence. Our student-focused, inclusive, and research-driven approach ensures that we empower graduates with the skills, knowledge and adaptability to lead in an ever-changing world. Through innovation, education, and impact, SETU is defining the future, not just for the south east, but for Ireland and beyond. Role Overview The purpose of the role of Senior Vice-President (VP), Operations is to lead the strategy, management and the planning of the operational units of SETU, while being a key strategic adviser to the President. Serving as a pivotal member of SETU's senior leadership team, the Senior VP Operations will exemplify a professional and approachable demeanour which fosters productive relationships and communication with colleagues across SETU. The successful candidate will report to the President and will play a key role in aligning the operational activities of SETU to underpin the strategic plan. The Senior VP Operations will coordinate, plan and manage operational activities along with the relevant Vice-Presidents, Professional Management Support Services (PMSS) leaders and other executive staff as required. Key responsibilities The Senior Vice-President, Operations will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following: Leadership and Strategy Overall strategic leadership, management and organisation of university operations Alignment of operations to the strategic plan Operational and strategic direction to multi-functional teams, including but not limited to: HR and EDI, IT, Capital/Estates, Student Experience and Global Office. Leadership of SETU's institutional approach to digital transformation Leadership relevant to SETU's capital development programme Leadership in sustainability within the university's operations Responsibility for development and delivery of cost-effective and efficient services whilst also ensuring that SETU's students and staff experience a high quality service Responsibility for commercial and income-generating activity in support of investment into SETU's academic mission Spearhead the cultivation of a culture that is centred around perpetual quality enhancement through technology, processes and people Collaborate with the Vice-Presidents (People, Culture and EDI; Student Experience; Global Partnerships) to ensure the integration of operational priorities with broader institutional initiatives Provide mentorship and guidance to Vice-Presidents (People, Culture and EDI; Student Experience; Global Partnerships) and Heads of functional areas within the remit of the role Work closely with the President to identify and implement policies and strategic planning relating to operations Contribute to institutional development and success as a member of the senior leadership team Ensure the development and implementation of a robust meeting structure with each Vice- President and senior staff within the Senior Vice-President Operation's remit Manage budgets, funding mechanisms, resources and financial planning to ensure sustainability and fiscal responsibility Maintain responsibility for compliance with operational regulations and standards Hold a representative role for SETU at relevant fora both internally and externally Represent SETU externally as required. Compliance, Governance and Risk Management Ensure compliance with all relevant guidelines, policies and procedures to include relevant regulatory requirements in relation to areas of responsibility and legislation Formulate and implement risk management procedures to safeguard the interests of SETU in relation to areas of responsibility Take charge of and engage regularly with the governance and risk management initiatives of SETU in conjunction with VP Governance Remain informed and up to date with the objectives of SETU as well as the KPIs and benchmarks to measure performance and the monitoring of performance against these measures. People Management Provide leadership in recruiting, retaining and developing a diverse range of staff members across all functions that are relevant to the role Maintain a high level of morale and a strong culture that promotes communication and accountability Provide a culture of collegiality and shared excellence Support the professional development of staff members within the remit of the role, including continued education. Budget and Resource Management Collaborate with the President, the Senior VP Academic and the Senior VP Finance to ensure appropriate allocation of resources needed to support operational priorities Ensure appropriate managing of resourcing, budgets and investments within operational areas Have responsibility for SETU's revenue generation activities in support of income diversification. The Person Essential Requirements The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate evidence of: A Master's degree or higher or any other relevant professional qualifications Development and implementation of operational, strategic and financial plans in complex environments Operating at an executive/senior management level including the management of a large team/number of teams Managing significant funding / budgets / resources Leading large-scale organisational change and transformation Ability to lead a complex organisation through a period of organisational change. Desirable Requirements The successful candidate may demonstrate evidence of: Proven higher education sectoral experience A positive, enthusiastic, flexible and proactive approach to work allied with an ability to deliver Ability to prioritise and manage workloads and to cope with conflicting demands Successfully leading and managing people in an academic environment. Key skills and competencies Strategic Thinking The Senior VP Operations should have the ability to develop and articulate a clear vision for operational excellence in SETU and lead the implementation of strategic initiatives to achieve university goals. Professional Expertise Has a command over the technical/professional skills and knowledge required within the role and continues to upskill in order to maintain high professional standards and continuous professional development requirements. Leadership Manages performance amongst teams to deliver organisational goals. Demonstrates accountability for leading, evaluating and directing the performance of the University Operations function. Influences others through a positive attitude and empowerment to follow a common goal. Building Partnerships Builds and maintains partnerships with a range of people. Interacts with partners internally and externally to develop mutually beneficial relationships. Change Management Possesses the ability and desire to contribute to the overall change programme of SETU to achieve the goals outlined in the strategic plan. Communication and Interpersonal Skills Has the ability to speak and write clearly, effectively and fluently to both groups and individuals. Can influence and persuade others through communication and inspire them to follow an agreed course of action. How To Apply Forvis Mazars have been retained by SETU to assist with the appointment of the Senior Vice-President, Operations role. Forvis Mazars, on behalf of SETU, 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 SETU. No enquiries or canvassing should be made directly to SETU. Applications should be submitted online and must include all of the following: A cover letter outlining why you wish to be considered for the role of Senior Vice-President, Operations and why you believe your skills and experience meet the requirements of the r A comprehensive CV clearly showing your relevant achievements and experience in your career to date A completed application form. Only applications with all three of the above elements submitted online will be accepted. To apply for this role, visit and search Ref. SET0225. 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.