VACANCY: Chief Commercial and Operations Officer

Overview

Sep 11, 2025

Location: Sport Ireland Campus, Dublin (with some flexibility for hybrid working) | Reports to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) | Contract: Full-time, three-year fixed term (with potential to extend) | Member of: Senior Leadership Team

Cycling Ireland is seeking an experienced and motivated Chief Commercial and Operations Officer to join our Senior Leadership Team. This will be a new and pivotal role, for the organisation with responsibility for driving commercial growth, ensuring operational excellence, and leading initiatives that expand participation in cycling at all levels. Working closely with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team, the postholder will oversee key functions including membership, participation, event delivery, marketing and communications, governance, education, data protection, and ICT. They will also act as a senior point of contact for sponsors, partners, and stakeholders, ensuring that Cycling Ireland’s strategic priorities are delivered to the highest standard.

Key Responsibilities

- Commercial Leadership

- Lead the development and delivery of Cycling Ireland’s commercial strategy, identifying and securing new sponsorship, partnerships, and revenue streams.

- Oversee marketing and PR strategy to raise the profile of Cycling Ireland and its programmes.

- Identify and develop new commercial opportunities, including training, merchandise, and digital services.

- Guide brand positioning and promotional campaigns in collaboration with the Marketing team.

- Proven capability in building audiences and marketing strategies; holds an extensive network within the marketing sector.

- Operational Oversight

- Provide strategic oversight of membership, education, participation, governance, data protection, and ICT functions.

- Work with functional leads to ensure operational plans are delivered effectively and aligned with strategic objectives.

- Support the CEO and CFO in budgeting, forecasting, and resource planning.

- Provide strategic oversight and leadership to all departments to ensure operational standards are the highest priority.

- Participation & Programme Delivery

- Participation and membership growth is a key measure of success for this role. Provide strategic oversight to ensure high-quality programmes are developed and delivered across all cycling disciplines and age groups.

- Work with clubs, schools, and community partners to strengthen grassroots involvement.

- Champion inclusivity and accessibility in all participation initiatives, encouraging lifelong engagement in cycling.

- Lead and support the Heads of Participation and Coach & Education to deliver on their departmental plans and objectives.

- Governance & Compliance

- Working closely with the Head of Governance and HR, ensure governance and safeguarding standards are maintained in line with statutory requirements and best practice.

- Act as Data Protection Lead, ensuring GDPR compliance.

- Oversee ICT systems strategy to ensure they are secure, efficient, and support organisational needs.

- Stakeholder Engagement

- Maintain strong relationships with sponsors, government agencies, provinces, clubs, and other key partners.

- Continue to develop relationships with Volunteers nationally.

- Represent Cycling Ireland at senior-level meetings and events.

- Lead membership engagement initiatives to improve retention and satisfaction.

- Ensure timely submission of all grant applications to the best possible standard.

- Team Leadership

- Lead and support direct reports, empowering them to deliver within their functional areas.

- Support SLT Members in delivering the Strategic and Operational plans.

- Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture across the organisation.

- Ensure team members have clear goals, development plans, and regular performance feedback.

Person Specification

Essential:

- Minimum 5 years’ experience in a senior leadership role with responsibility for commercial growth and operational oversight.

- Proven track record in securing sponsorship, partnerships, and delivering revenue targets.

- Strong strategic planning and leadership skills.

- Experience working with multiple stakeholders, including sponsors, funders, and volunteer-led structures.

- Understanding of governance, compliance, safeguarding and data protection requirements.

- Experience in budget management and resource allocation.

Desirable:

- Knowledge of the Irish sports sector and public funding systems.

- Experience in a membership-based or non-profit organisation.

- Passion for cycling or promoting active lifestyles.

Key Outcomes

- Measurable growth in sponsorship and diversified income streams.

- Measurable growth in Membership and Participation programmes.

- Efficient, aligned, and well-supported operational delivery across functions.

- High governance and compliance standards maintained.

- Strong relationships with stakeholders and improved membership engagement.

- A motivated, high-performing leadership team.

Terms & Conditions

- Salary commensurate with experience.

- Performance-related bonus available, linked to new revenue streams.

Application Process

Please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your experience and suitability for the post to myra.mcglynn@cyclingireland.ie for the attention of Myra McGlynn by no later than Tuesday September 30th 2025 at 15:00.

Appointment & Equal Opportunity

Appointment will be subject to satisfactory: Garda Vetting or Access NI Vetting; Reference checking procedures. Cycling Ireland is an equal opportunity employer, celebrating diversity and championing inclusivity. If you require any reasonable accommodations to assist you in participating in the employee selection process, please simply let us know. We heartily encourage all interested parties to apply.

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