Deputy Chief Operations Officer

Deputy Chief Operations Officer

Purpose of the Role:

The Deputy Chief Operating Officer (DCOO) is a pivotal role within the Hospital and the change process. The DCOO will play a key role in the delivery of all operational performance targets, waiting list and financial management and bed utilisation/management. S/he will assist with the continual improvement of the quality of services to patients by redesigning services to meet best practice standards, improving efficiency and effectiveness within available resource.

The DCOO will deputise for the COO, as directed Responsible to the Chief Operations Officer the post-holder will work collaboratively with the Directorate Chair, Directorate Nurse Manager and Operation managers to assist with the continual improvement of the quality of services to patients by redesigning services to meet best practice standards, improving efficiency and effectiveness within available resource. S/he will be committed to challenging the status quo and look for new and improved ways of delivering CHI goals and objectives.

Proposed interview dates - Week commencing 13th/ 20th July 2026.

Qualifications and Experience

· Have a minimum of 5 years’ senior management experience in a healthcare operations role within a large healthcare organisation or other relevant organisation, or a proven track record in senior general management, ideally within healthcare.

· Hold a relevant third-level qualification (NFQ Level 8 or higher), preferably in Healthcare Management or a related discipline.

· A professional qualification in a healthcare discipline (Medicine, Nursing, or Health and Social Care Profession) is desirable.

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Experience

· Demonstrated experience in the successful delivery of quality improvement and service enhancement initiatives.

· Proven experience in financial management, including budgeting, resource allocation, and financial planning within a complex organisation.

· Experience in service planning, including development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of operational plans.

· Experience in the preparation and development of robust business cases to support service development or change.

· Strong knowledge and understanding of the Irish healthcare system, with particular emphasis on operational service delivery within the acute hospital sector.

· Proven track record of delivering high-quality service outcomes at a senior management level within a large and complex healthcare environment.

How to Apply and Informal Enquiries:

* Please note that you must submit a cover letter with your CV, this forms part of your application and CV’s will not be accepted without a detailed cover letter.

The closing date for submissions of CVs and cover letter is Friday, 19thJune 2026 at 11.45pm. Applications must be completed through the advertised post on CHI.jobs by clicking ‘Apply for Job’.

Applications will not be accepted through direct email or any other method.

For informal enquiries for this specialty/department, please contact Catriona McDonald, Chief Operations Officer via email: Catriona.mcdonald@childrenshealthireland.ie

For other queries relating to this recruitment process, please contact Talent Acquisition Specialist – Rachel.sheridan@childrenshealthireland.ie

PLEASE NOTE:

CHI has transitioned to a process of a one commencement day per month for all new employees, CHI internal transfers and Secondments. This update to our Onboarding process is aligned to changes in our monthly/fortnightly payroll and with the launch of our new corporate induction program. This process enhancement ensures that we can thoroughly prepare for your arrival and facilitate a smooth transition in your onboarding journey.

So that the Onboarding team can confirm your start date, you will need to ensure that your mandatory training is completed at least 7 days prior to your commencement date.

It is important for you to note that if you do not have your pre-employments and mandatory training completed in time, your commencement date will be deferred to the next available date.

Below, you’ll find the list of commencement dates for 2026 for your information.

· 10thAugust

· 7thSeptember

· 5thOctober

· 2ndNovember

· 7thDecember