Chief Operating Officer - National Concert Hall Dublin (NCH)

T he Position Title of position: Chief Operating Officer (COO) Tenure: Full time, permanent position Employing Authority: National Concert Hall    Organisation website: “RECRUITERS” are proud to have been selected to represent the National Concert Hall in the recruitment process to hire a Chief Operating Officer. The NCH wishes to recruit an experienced and skilled Chief Operating Officer (COO) by way of an open recruitment competition.  This is a unique opportunity to take on a pivotal leadership role in an internationally recognised cultural institution, playing a leading role in its transformation, ensuring the effective and efficient delivery of operational functions of the NCH and contributing to the on-going strategic and operational development of the organisation.  Reporting to the Chief Executive, the COO will play a central role in the delivery of a wide-reaching Redevelopment Programme as our home on Earlsfort Terrace is redeveloped into an internationally-recognised cultural centre and world-class public amenity for musicians, artists, audiences and visitors to Ireland. The COO will be accountable for the full remit of the NCH’s obligations and responsibilities within the Redevelopment Project. The brief includes the relocation of the NCH team to temporary accommodation and the delivery of the business continuity plan to maintain an engaging programme of performances and outreach activities throughout the period of construction. Central to the role will be the effective monitoring of the rebuild project of the NCH and the supervision of the programme costs, ensuring key milestones are met within the funding structure. As a key member of the NCH’s leadership team, the COO will play a critical role in providing oversight of the NCH’s strategic and business planning as well as oversight and leadership of key operational functions within the NCH to include IT, Operations and Strategic Projects. This role offers an exceptional individual a unique opportunity to lead the largest ever redevelopment of a national cultural institution in Ireland, whilst ensuring the continued operational effectiveness and efficiency of the NCH during a time of significant operational change. The role of COO is a key Principal Officer (PO) position within the NCH and will be responsible for, but not limited to: NCH Redevelopment

• Leadership of the NCH Redevelopment Project Team
• Working with the Redevelopment Project Lead, Head of Operations and the Project Team to deliver the NCH Redevelopment Master Plan which includes:
  
  
  • The relocation of the organisation prior to the build commencing
  • Business Continuity Planning during the period of closure to ensure that NCH fulfils its statutory remit and provides and engaging programme of music and outreach
  • Critical milestones plan to ensure key dependencies are addressed and monitored during all three phases of Planning, Construction and Reopening
  • The successful re-opening of the NCH post-redevelopment
• Accountability for the management of project funding between the Department and the OPW, in accordance with Department requirements to ensure effective monitoring and supervision of project costs
• Oversight of the governance of the Programme, ensuring the NCH fulfils its role as Sponsoring Agency
• Management of all stakeholder engagement and communications related to the Redevelopment Programme together with the CEO and Head of Marketing and Communications

NCH Operations

• The COO will provide strategic oversight and support to the operational activities across all departments
• Close collaboration with the Head of Operations to ensure the department is sufficiently resourced with optimum skills and capabilities in place
• Ensure all aspects of NCH operations are working to maximum effectiveness and the highest possible standards driving improvements in customer service and the visitor experience
• Respond to dynamic changes to the operational environment within the NCH, ensuring organisational continuity
• In collaboration with the Senior Leadership Team, develop and nurture key relationships at multiple levels with internal and external stakeholders

Compliance

• Ensure that the NCH has robust compliance and policy frameworks in place and that they are fully operational and effective.
• Develop and maintain a framework for ensuring the NCH is compliant with all legislative requirements and best practice, particularly in the areas of procurement, security and safeguarding.
• The COO will develop and maintain up-to-date knowledge of current legislative, regulatory and Government requirements in relevant areas, including awareness of forthcoming changes and trends in EU regulation. They will prepare briefings, presentations and reports to support and advise the Senior Leadership team and Board of NCH for a strategic and proportionate approach to compliance issues.

Business Development and Transformation

• With the CEO, lead the ongoing strategic and business planning programme at the NCH
• Oversight of the development of an annual plan which identifies and prioritises areas of the organisation requiring transformation, innovation and process improvement
• Work with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team in the formulation of the delivery of the annual business plans, operational and strategic plans
• Leads initiatives to improve overall management and operational efficiency and effectiveness

The post holder will have a proven record of achievement at senior level, in a position with a similar range of responsibilities that demonstrates the necessary vision and leadership for this important role. Key knowledge and skills

• Successful track record of planning and delivering large scale transformation projects and programme management
• Ability to act as a senior representative, point of contact or liaison with a range of stakeholders and suppliers both internal and external
• Motivation with high levels of resilience and perseverance to ensure that targets and key organisational goals are reliably and consistently delivered
• Adaptability and resilience in negotiating and managing change in a fast-changing organisation
• Appetite and desire to lead and contribute strategically to the development of an organisation at a pivotal point in its transformation journey
• Highly effective communication skills – must be able to articulate complex issues to a wide range of recipients
• Experience of overseeing the efficient and effective operations of a medium to large sized organisation
• Strong personal integrity

Essential Requirements The successful candidate must demonstrate evidence of:

• A minimum of five years’ experience in either a similar COO role or equivalent senior management and leadership roles in medium to large sized organisations
• A project management qualification or proven experience of leading extensive business transformation or large-scale change programmes and projects
• Strong interpersonal and negotiating skills, with proven experience of engaging, influencing, building and sustaining relationships
• Proven experience of building and developing high-performing teams and maintaining constructive working relationships at all levels  
• Proven experience of Operations, IT and Procurement in the public sector
• Experience of developing compliance processes and structures
• A strong commitment to the ethos, principles and values of the NCH

Desirable Requirements The successful candidate may also demonstrate:

• Evidence of experience in financial or accounting management
• Evidence of experience in Risk Management
• Evidence of excellent presentation skills with the ability to engage and influence
• A degree or relevant qualifications in business and/or equivalent discipline(s) relevant to the job accountabilities

NCH have partnered with Recruiters on the recruitment of this key role and all queries should be addressed to; Gerard Doyle, Managing Director, Recruiters on 01 6325024 / 086 8253662 / gerard.doyle@recruiters.ie.  To apply for this role, Please send a comprehensive CV clearly showing your relevant achievements and experience in your career to date to gerard.doyle@recruiters.ie Deadline for application: 5pm, Wednesday 13th of November 2024. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date/time. An acknowledgement email will be issued for all applications received.