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Overview
Spencer Recruitment is proud to partner with our client—a leading Irish Government-backed business support agency—to recruit a visionary Chief Strategy Officer (CSO). This is a unique opportunity for a strategic leader to shape Ireland’s national skills agenda, influence EU policy, and drive enterprise-led workforce transformation at scale.
Our client is committed to enhancing the competitiveness of Irish businesses through innovation in talent development, partnering with over 57 enterprise groups and supporting over 97,000 workers annually. Backed by Government funding and recognised internationally by the EU, OECD, and ILO, the organisation plays a critical role in preparing Ireland for the future of work.
Role Purpose
The Chief Strategy Officer will lead the organisation’s business development and partnership strategy, driving high-impact, enterprise-led workforce initiatives aligned with national and EU priorities. The CSO will oversee the design and delivery of strategic programmes, develop high-level public–private collaborations, and secure competitive funding to maximise national impact in areas such as digital transformation, sustainability, and regional innovation.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Strategic Leadership & Growth
o Lead the implementation of the organisation’s Business Development Strategy across domestic and international contexts.
o Identify and drive growth opportunities aligned with the Government’s expanded mandate.
o Secure EU and domestic funding to support scalable, high-impact initiatives.
2. Partnership Development
o Build and maintain strategic partnerships across public, private, and commercial sectors.
o Engage closely with key stakeholders, including Government departments, IDA, and Enterprise Ireland.
o Represent the organisation at EU and national forums.
o Contribute to the development of EU workforce policy and secure participation in EU-funded projects.
o Ensure successful delivery of current and future EU consortia programmes.
3. Programme Delivery & Impact
o Oversee KPI delivery across a multi-sectoral network of enterprise partners.
o Lead planning and fund allocation for national workforce initiatives.
o Support the organisation’s contribution to Government strategies and policy implementation.
4. Thought Leadership & Advocacy
o Provide leadership in areas of workforce innovation, digital transformation, and talent strategy.
o Represent the organisation in media and industry forums.
o Clearly communicate strategy and vision to internal and external stakeholders.
o Lead cross-sectoral collaborations addressing the talent dimensions of digital and climate transitions.
o Drive innovation through high-impact partnerships between academia and industry.
5. Organisational Development
o Champion internal transformation, innovation programmes, and operational excellence.
Candidate Requirements:
Minimum 10 years in senior leadership roles within complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
Demonstrated success in:
* Navigating Irish and EU skills policy landscapes
* Delivering talent strategies for SME and FDI sectors
Education:
Level 8 (or higher) qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications in business, economics, public policy, or a related field.
Visionary leadership with strong execution capability
High-level stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
Strong communication and advocacy skills
Operational Requirements:
Willingness to travel nationally and internationally
Flexibility to work outside standard office hours as required
Seniority level
Director
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Strategy/Planning, Training, and Project Management
Industries
Government Relations Services, Professional Services, and Education Administration Programs
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