Head of Networks (General Manager)

Remuneration

The Salary scale for the post is General Manager

 €87,471 €89,679 €93,178 €96,703 €100,200 €103,706 €108,804 (01.06.2026)

New appointees to any grade start at the minimum point of the scale. Incremental credit will be applied for recognised relevant service in Ireland and abroad (Department of Health Circular 2/2011). Incremental credit is normally granted on appointment, in respect of previous experience in the Civil Service, Local Authorities, Health Service and other Public Service Bodies and Statutory Agencies.

Location of Post

The Chief Technology Officer is open to engagement as regards the expected level of on-site attendance required at one of the below hubs, in the context of the requirements of this role and the HSE’s Blended Working Policy.

Technology & Transformation currently have a number of offices throughout Ireland and it is expected that the successful candidate will work from one of these digital hubs

·        Dr. Steevens’ Hospital, Dublin

Ospidéal Dr Steevens’, Baile Átha Cliath

·        Bective Street, Kells, Meath

Sráid Bheigthí, Ceanannas, Co na Mí

·        Feehily’s Business Centre, Duck Street, Sligo

Ionad Gnó Uí Fhithcheallaigh, Sráid na Lachan, Sligeach

·        Aras Slainte Chluainin, Manorhamilton, Leitrim

Aras Slainte Chluainín, Manorhamilton, Leitrim

·        Áras Sláinte, Wilton Road, Cork

Áras Sláinte, Bóthar Wilton, Corcaigh

·        Dublin Road, Lacken, Kilkenny

Bóthar Bhaile Átha Cliath, Cill Chainnigh

·        Merlin Park Hospital, Galway

Ospidéal Pháirc Mheirlinne, Gaillimh

·        98 Henry Street, Limerick

98 Sráid Anraí, Luimneach

·        Scott Building Midlands Regional Hospital, Arden Road, Tullamore, Offaly

Ospidéal Réigiúnach Lár na Tíre, Tulach Mhor, Uíbh Fhailí

·        Southgate Shopping Centre, Colpe Cross, Drogheda, Meath

Ionad Siopadoireachta Southgate, Crois Cholpa, Droichead Átha, Co. na Mí

·        University Hospital Kerry, Tralee, Kerry

Ospidéal Ollscoile Ciarraí, Trá Lí, Ciarraí

·        Hale Street, Ardee, Louth

Shráid Héil, Bhaile Átha Fhirdhia, Có Lú

·        St. Luke’s Hospital, Western Road, Clonmel, Co Tipperary,

HSE, Ospidéal Naomh Lúcás, Bóthar an larthair, Cluain Meala, Contae Thiobraid Árann

There is currently one permanent and whole time position available.

A panel may be created for Head of Networks (General Manager) within Technology & Transformation, from which permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part time duration may be filled.

Purpose of the Post

The Head of Networks (General Manager) will be responsible for the core technologies for data networking in the HSE, including development of OGP frameworks, ensuring solution design and operation is aligned with organisational strategy and fit for purpose for business requirements and production support for a large complex distributed network.

The role provides strategic leadership, management and direction for HSE Network Services, ensuring that the national network infrastructure is:

·        Secure and resilient

·        Scalable and future‑proofed

·        Capable of supporting both current and emerging healthcare delivery needs

While the post has a strong strategic, governance and programme management focus, the Head of Networks must retain a deep foundational understanding of core networking technologies in order to:

·        Effectively govern network services

·        Manage and assure third‑party vendors

·        Assess architectural and design decisions

·        Translate emerging technology trends into practical, deliverable solutions

The role presents a unique opportunity to shape and evolve Ireland’s largest enterprise network environment, delivering modern, software‑defined, resilient and secure network services that directly enable:

·        Digital healthcare transformation

·        Improved clinical system availability

·        Better patient and service outcomes

This will be achieved through the:

·        Oversight of Network management, working with health service IT community and partners with respect to design and implementation of new network solutions and ongoing sustainment and development of the current network.

·        Standardisation of the existing network platforms with respect to build, security, access and the control environment.

·        Provision of a consultative platform for new and evolving Network technology requirements leveraging internal and external expertise where required.

·        Management of a Technical Standards document for Networks, which can be shared with partners and solution providers.

·        Development of a Strategic document outlining the alignment of Technology & Transformation Network technology stack with Health Service plans:

o   Digital for Care: A Digital Framework for Ireland 2024 - 2030

o   Sláintecare

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

·        The design, implementation, procurement and support of the HSE “Network”, which includes the technology components and services which deliver WAN, LAN, WLAN and Internet connectivity.

·        To develop HSE Network patterns and standards which are aligned with the Digital for Care service requirements.

·        Provision of a forum for Network innovation and dealing with systemic issues with the technology underpinning the HSE Network.

·        Work closely with all Technology & Transformation areas in terms of network strategy and the implementation of next generation solutions.

·        Working closely with other Technology & Transformation areas to ensure Network patterns are secure by design and aligned with IT security strategy, policy, standards.

·        Keeping pace with key industry developments and creating partnership opportunities with industry leaders in technology solutions to the Irish health system.

·        Lead, inspire, mentor and support network and service management teams, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation and continuous improvement.

·        Financial management of relevant budgets, ensuring compliance with HSE National Financial Regulations.

·        Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to define, prioritise and deliver network development projects and initiatives.

·        Research and maintain current knowledge of national and international trends in network infrastructure, services and delivery models.

General

·        Have a working knowledge of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etcand comply with associated HSE protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role.

·        To support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service.

·        To act as spokesperson for the Organisation as required.

·        Demonstrate pro-active commitment to allcommunications with internal and external stakeholders.

The above Job Specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

Eligibility Criteria

Qualifications and/ or experience

Applicants must, at the latest date of application, clearly demonstrate, all of the criteria listed below as relevant to the role:

·        Significant experience working at a senior level in the design, procure, build and run of Enterprise Scale Network Infrastructure and Services across a large, distributed network in a complex organisation, including both on-premises and cloud environments, with responsibility for defining and governing network architecture at enterprise scale.

·        Proven experience leading and delivering complex network‑related ICT‑enabled change programmes and transformation initiatives, with a strong record of translating strategic objectives into sustained operational outcomes, working collaboratively and managing relationships with senior internal and external stakeholders, partners, vendors and service providers to maximise service delivery and project outcomes.

·        Experience of leading and managing a large distributed team, as relevant to the role.

·        Demonstrated experience of complex procurements, budget planning, financial management and resource management processes relevant to large‑scale ICT services.

And

Candidates must possess the requisite knowledge and ability, including a high standard of suitability, for the proper discharge of the office.

Health

A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Character

Each candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character.

Other requirements specific to the post

·          Access to appropriate transport to fulfil the requirements of the role.

·          Flexibility in relation to working hours to fulfil the requirements of the role

Additional eligibility requirements:

Citizenship requirements

Eligible candidates must be:

(i)               EEA, Swiss, or British citizens

OR

(ii)              Non-European Economic Area citizens with permission to reside and work in the State

Read Appendix 2 of the Additional Campaign Information for further information on accepted Stamps for Non-EEA citizens resident in the State, including those with refugee status.

To qualify candidates must be eligible by the closing date of the campaign.

Skills, competencies and/or knowledge

Professional Knowledge & Experience

Demonstrates: 

·        Knowledge and experience in the design, build and run of large Network Infrastructure and Services across a complex, enterprise‑scale organisation, including Core Data Centre Networking, LAN and WLAN, WAN, Internet and cloud environments, with responsibility for defining, governing and evolving network architecture at national scale.

·        Deep technical knowledge of modern enterprise networking, including routing and switching, wide area networking and SD‑WAN, network security, cloud and hybrid networking, and software‑defined and virtualised networking principles, encompassing multi‑carrier connectivity, policy‑based traffic engineering, application‑aware routing, controller‑based architectures, automation and operational agility.

·        Knowledge and experience of leading and managing Network delivery and management programmes in a large complex organisation, as relevant to the role. 

·        Proven experience leading large‑scale network delivery programmes, ICT‑enabled change initiatives and associated public‑sector procurement activities within a complex organisation, including delivery through OGP frameworks and, where applicable, OJEU processes, with a strong record of sustainable operational outcomes

·        Knowledge of the issues, developments and current thinking on best practice in relation to Technology delivery, with a specific focus on Network matters. 

·        Knowledge and experience of creating and implementing a strategy for the deployment of next generation Networks for the HSE. 

• Strong understanding of network‑centric security architecture, including segmentation, secure connectivity, firewall architectures, zero trust principles and integration with broader cyber security operating models and controls.

·        Expertise in hybrid and multi‑cloud networking models, including virtual networks, peering, secure interconnects, ingress and egress design, and integration between on‑premise infrastructure and cloud platforms.

·        Proven ability to design and govern highly available and resilient network services, including redundancy models, failover mechanisms, capacity planning and service continuity for mission‑critical healthcare systems.

• Strong knowledge and understanding of service management methodologies and service delivery ownership within large‑scale ICT environments.
• Significant operational management knowledge incorporating resource planning, financial management, vendor management and performance oversight, with public service experience an advantage.
• Commitment to maintaining professional expertise through appropriate training, research and practical experience, including specialist vendor training.

·        Knowledge and experience of budget planning, financial management and resource management processes, as relevant to the role.

·        Knowledge and understanding of key HSE policies and legislation as relevant to the role e.g. National Financial Regulations, HR policies and procedures, FOI Acts, Data Protection Acts etc. 

·        Knowledge of the HSE, broader health service structure and HSE reform.

·        Excellent IT skills to include MS Office Word, Excel and PowerPoint and email 

·        Excellent report writing skills. 

·        Knowledge of the Health Service including a good knowledge of the HSE reform and Sláintecare the HSE’s Digital Health Strategic Implementation Roadmap, and Digital for Care 2030

Leadership and Direction 

Demonstrates: 

• A track record as an effective leader with a can-do attitude who has led, organised and motivated staff in times of rapid change in a challenging environment.
• Evidence of effective leadership in a challenging and busy environment including a track record of innovation / improvements. 
• The capacity to lead, organise and motivate teams to the confident delivery of excellent services and service outcomes. 

·        Demonstrated people leadership capability, including leading, motivating and supporting multidisciplinary teams through change, setting clear direction, coaching and developing staff, addressing performance issues as they arise and managing delivery across complex and concurrent programmes of work.

• An aptitude for strategic thinking, coupled with leadership skills and the ability to motivate and lead specialist professionals. 
• The ability to lead, direct and influence multiple stakeholders and ensure buy-in to plans and their implementation. 
• Evidence of strategic management skills including service planning, managing own work and that of others, delegating appropriately within the resources available.  
• A capacity to operate successfully in a challenging environment. 
• A capacity to balance change with continuity – continuously strives to improve service delivery, to create a work environment that encourages creative thinking and to maintain focus, intensity and persistence, even under increasing complex and demanding conditions. 

Managing and Delivering Results – Operational Excellence 

Demonstrates: 

• A proven ability to prioritise, organise and schedule a wide variety of tasks and to manage competing demands and tight deadlines while consistently maintaining high standards and positive working relationships. 
• Strong evidence of excellent planning and implementation of programmes of work.  
• Evidence of effective planning and organising skills including awareness of resource management and importance of value for money. 
• A capacity to negotiate and then ensure delivery on stretched objectives. 
• The ability to take personal responsibility to initiate activities and drive objectives through to a conclusion. 
• Strong focus on achieving high standards of excellence and measurement of performance. 
• The ability to manage deadlines and effectively handle multiple tasks.
• High level understanding of the day-to-day business challenges whilst not losing sight of long-term strategic goals. 

Working With and Through Others (Influencing to Achieve) 

Demonstrates: 

• The ability to work independently as well as work with a wider multidisciplinary team in a complex and changing environment. 
• The ability to set team targets and to use influencing and negotiating skills to achieve high standards of service. 
• The ability to work collaboratively, constructively and in an inclusive manner with all key stakeholders. 
• The ability to listen to contrary views and consider all insights and contributions in the management of service delivery. 
• Effective communication skills including: the ability to present information in a clear and concise manner; the ability to facilitate and manage groups; the ability to give constructive feedback.  
• The ability to work collaboratively, constructively and in an inclusive manner with all key stakeholders. 
• Operates effectively in a matrix working environment.  

Evaluating Information, Problem Solving & Decision Making

Demonstrates: 

• The ability to quickly grasp and interpret complex technical, operational and organisational issues and assess their impact on service delivery.
• Proven experience gathering, analysing and evaluating information from multiple sources, weighing critical factors and risks to inform decision‑making.
• Ability to develop well‑reasoned, evidence‑based decisions and to clearly articulate and stand over those decisions.

·        Experience developing new proposals and practical solutions to address problems in a timely and effective manner.

Communications & Interpersonal Skills

Demonstrates:

·        Ability to rapidly assimilate, analyse and interpret complex technical, operational and organisational information, assessing the impact of decisions on service delivery

·        Strong judgement in considering a range of options, risks and constraints, and involving relevant stakeholders at the appropriate time and level

·        Proven ability to make balanced, timely and well‑reasoned decisions, supported by clear rationale and evidence

·        Effective problem‑solving capability in complex environments, including the development of practical, implementable solutions to address service and delivery challenges

·        Capacity to anticipate issues, evaluate potential impacts and proactively develop proposals to mitigate risks or improve outcomes

Personal Commitment and Motivation 

Demonstrates: 

• A commitment and buy-in to the new Technology & Transformation operating model and in leading lasting change in technology across health. 
• A commitment to continuing professional development. 
• A commitment to improving outcomes for patients by improving technology delivery. 
• Be capable of coping with competing demands without a diminution in performance. 
• A willingness to learn from experience and to identify opportunities to further grow and develop.