Job Title: Chief Strategy Officer
Location: Ireland (national/international travel required)
Organization: Irish Government-backed business support agency
Recruiter: Spencer Recruitment
Type: Full-Time

Overview:

A rare leadership opportunity to shape Ireland’s national skills strategy and influence EU workforce policy, driving enterprise-led talent development on a national and international scale. The agency supports over 97,000 workers annually through 57+ enterprise groups, with backing from the Irish Government and global recognition from the EU, OECD, and ILO.

Purpose of the Role:

The CSO will steer the organization’s business development, strategic programmes, and partnerships, aligning with national priorities like digital transformation, sustainability, and regional innovation. This includes securing funding, delivering workforce initiatives, and contributing to policy development.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Growth

• Lead and implement the Business Development Strategy domestically and internationally.

• Identify scalable growth aligned with Government mandates.

• Secure EU/domestic funding for national programmes.

Partnership Development

• Build public-private-commercial partnerships.

• Collaborate with key agencies: Government departments, IDA, Enterprise Ireland.

EU Strategy & Engagement

• Represent Ireland in EU/national forums.

• Shape EU workforce policy; manage EU-funded project participation and delivery.

Programme Delivery

• Oversee KPIs across multi-sector enterprise partners.

• Allocate funding and lead programme planning in line with Government strategy.

Thought Leadership & Advocacy

• Drive innovation in digital workforce transformation and talent strategy.

• Serve as media and industry spokesperson; communicate vision clearly.

Innovation & Collaboration

• Lead academia-industry collaborations addressing digital and green transitions.

Organisational Development

• Champion internal innovation and operational excellence initiatives.

Candidate Profile:

Essential Experience

• 10+ years in senior leadership roles within complex, multi-stakeholder environments.

• Proven expertise in:

  • Irish and EU skills policy

  • Digital/AI workforce transformation

  • Sustainable skills development

  • Talent strategies for SME and FDI sectors

Education

• NFQ Level 8+ qualification in business, public policy, economics, or similar.

Key Competencies

• Visionary leadership + execution

• Stakeholder engagement & influence

• Strategic thinking + results focus

• Exceptional communication & advocacy

Operational Needs

• Flexibility for national/international travel

• Willingness to work beyond standard hours

This role offers the chance to make a lasting national impact, influence EU policy, and lead innovative workforce transformation at scale.