Your new company

This is a senior opportunity to join a well-established and highly respected Trade Union. The Union plays a key role in representing its members and is committed to delivering high-quality support services, strong governance, and continuous organisational development.

Following continued growth and evolving operational needs, the Union is now seeking to appoint an experienced Head of Operations/COO at Assistant Principal level to support its strategic and operational objectives.

Your new role

Reporting directly to the General Secretary, you will take ownership of a broad and senior operational remit across HR, finance, systems, and governance. This is a key leadership role requiring a hands-on and solutions-focused approach.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading HR activities for administrative staff including recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, and workforce planning
• Overseeing financial management across Head Office and branch accounts, including reconciliations, controls, and liaison with auditors.
• Managing and enhancing the membership systems (MRM and portal), driving continuous improvement and user experience
• Coordinating major organisational events, including the Annual Congress
• Managing procurement processes and overseeing the development of IT systems to ensure a future-ready organisation.
• Delivering strategic and operational projects, balancing competing priorities and ensuring timely execution

What you'll need to succeed

To be successful, you will bring a strong blend of operational leadership and technical expertise across multiple disciplines.

You will have:

• A relevant qualification (degree level or equivalent professional experience)
• Proven experience in HR, including employee relations and workforce planning (**Mandatory)
• Strong financial and accounts experience, including reporting and controls (**Mandatory)
• Demonstrated experience in office management and procurement
• Experience delivering events or large-scale organisational activities (**Mandatory)
• Exposure to IT systems and their application within a business environment (**Mandatory)
• Strong project management capability with the ability to prioritise and manage multiple deadlines (**Mandatory)
• Excellent organisational, communication, and problem-solving skills

What you'll get in return

• Opportunity to play a key role in shaping operational strategy and driving organisational improvement within a collaborative and purpose-driven working environment

• A senior-level position with significant responsibility and influence within the organisation
• Salary aligned to the Civil Service Assistant Principal scale (€82,290 – €102,550)
• Defined benefit pension scheme
• Hybrid work available (After probationary period)
• 31 Days Annual Leave

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.

If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

#LI-DNI