Chief Operating Officer  

The Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) is home to 15,000 students and 2,000 staff across seven campuses throughout Ireland’s Midwest and Midland region. TUS has a clear focus on meeting the evolving needs of society and industry through applied learning and innovative thinking, and by putting students front-and-centre, TUS prioritises accessibility and opportunity for all. This is an exciting time to join the TUS community as the university progresses through its first Strategic Plan and continues to be a key driver of development and investment across the Midlands and Midwest. In February 2024, TUS became a QS* 5 Star university, having achieved the highest possible number of stars to become one of the top-rated universities in the world. TUS connects knowledge creation with industry partnerships to grow and support collaboration and is the home of academic leaders, knowledge creators and cutting-edge researchers who will positively affect people’s lives now and in the future. 

TUS is now seeking to appoint its inaugural Chief Operating Officer. The Chief Operating Officer will sit on the University’s Executive Management team and will report directly to the President. They will drive the strategy, operational planning and management of the Operational Functions of the University. The Chief Operating Officer will plan, coordinate and direct operational activities with the help of Vice-Presidents, professional services managers and other executive staff. As a member of the Executive Management Team of the University, they will contribute to the overall development of the organisation and its services. The Chief Operating Officer will also work closely with the President in identifying and implementing unified professional service functions and be involved in institutional planning, policy development, and problem resolution across all TUS campuses. The Chief Operating Officer will also ensure the organisation’s compliance with all relevant guidelines, policies, procedures and relevant legislation and regulatory requirements. 

The successful candidate will be an experienced senior leader bringing a record of sustained success in the management of professional services provision within the higher education sector. They will have a proven track record of developing strategic, operational and financial plans and enhancing operational functions though creative and innovative solutions. They will also demonstrate the ability to lead organisational change and support complex operations within a multi-campus environment. The new Chief Operating Officer will have thorough understanding of regulatory environments affecting higher education institutions. The successful individual will bring a professional and engaging style with the ability to facilitate effective, collaborative communications and develop relationships with internal and external stakeholders. 

How to Apply  

Perrett Laver, the appointed advisers of TUS, are conducting an executive search exercise alongside the public advertisement for this role. Perrett Laver will support the Search Committee in the discharge of its duties. Applications should consist of a full curriculum vitae detailing academic and professional qualifications and experience, full employment history showing the more significant positions, responsibilities held, relevant achievements and budgets and staff managed. CVs should be accompanied by a covering letter describing how candidates meet the criteria outlined in the candidate profile and why the appointment is of interest. Candidates are asked to set out briefly their vision for the role.   

Additional assessments may form part of the interview process.  

Applications can be uploaded to https://perrettlaver.com/technological-university-of-shannon-senior-appointments/ referencing the project number 7647. The closing date of applications is Friday, 11th April 2025.  

TUS is an equal opportunities employer, working towards creating and sustaining an inclusive environment which promotes equality, embraces diversity and is committed to a work-life balance for all. 

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