Senior Programme Manager, DCEO Directorate

Senior Programme Manager, DCEO Directorate, Grade VIII

Purpose of the Role

The purpose of this role is to provide senior leadership and organisational oversight for CHI’s service governance, cross‑border arrangements, and transition programmes. The post holder leads the development, implementation, and performance management of CHI’s Service Level Agreements, multi‑agency service arrangements, and specialty‑specific transition plans, ensuring safe, high‑quality, and financially sustainable services across CHI’s 40 specialties.

The role acts as a key interface between the CEO, Deputy CEO, Chief Operations Officer, clinical leadership, operational directorates, and external partners including HSE RHAs, Section 38 organisations, and Northern Ireland counterparts. The post holder ensures CHI’s governance frameworks, cross border pathways, and transition initiatives are aligned with organisational strategy, regulatory requirements, and national expectations.

This role provides expert governance advice, leads complex multi‑agency negotiations, and drives organisational readiness for service change, ensuring CHI delivers safe, compliant, and patient‑centred services within a robust governance structure

The successful candidate will be required to work across CHI sites and services in line with organisational requirements and the development of the new children’s hospital and associated services.

Essential Criteria:

· Relevant third‑level qualification in healthcare management, e.g a clinical qualification or a related field.

· Proven experience in service design, development and implementation including, governance frameworks, KPIs, and performance monitoring.

· Strong understanding of healthcare governance, regulatory requirements, and risk management.

· Exceptional communication and relationship‑building skills with senior clinical, operational, and executive leaders.

Applications for this post must be accompanied by a cover letter, setting out relevant experience that illustrates how the essential criteria listed above are met.

The criterion for short listing is based on the requirements of the post, as outlined in the eligibility criteria.

* 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 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 queries relating to this recruitment process, please contact Deputy ChiefExecutiveShane Russell shane.russell@childrenshealthireland.ie

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

PLEASE NOTE:

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

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 & 2027 for your information.

· 7thDecember 2026

· 4thJanuary 2027

· 8thFebruary 2027

· 8thMarch 2027

· 5thApril 2027

· 10thMay 2027

· 14thJune 2027

· 5thJuly 2027

· 9thAugust 2027

· 6thSeptember 2027

· 4thOctober 2027

· 1stNovember 2027

· 6thDecember 2027