Vacancy: Chief Executive, Connacht Rugby

The IRFU are currently inviting applications for the position of Chief Executive, Connacht Rugby.

The Role

The Chief Executive is responsible for leading Connacht Rugby to develop, foster and promote the game of rugby in line with the strategic goals and values for Irish and Connacht Rugby, and the primary responsibilities will be:

To develop, lead and manage the creation, implementation and evolution of the long and short-term strategic goals of Connacht Rugby.

To work with the Professional Game Board and Connacht Branch Management Committee to manage and develop professional and community Rugby in Connacht. This will include all financial and commercial aspects of the business affecting players, contracts, sponsorship, staff management, facilities and relationships with all key stakeholders.

The Candidate

The successful candidate will:

• Be educated to degree level, preferably in a financial management or related discipline and be able to demonstrate a track record of leading a commercial organisation in a competitive business environment.
• Have a recognised professional accounting qualification, while not necessary this will be an advantage.
• Have demonstrated excellent leadership and people management skills at the most senior levels in an organisation and can successfully operate within and lead a Non-Executive Board or Committee environment.
• Be an excellent communicator with the ability to motivate, build relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders and be at ease presenting, including to government/ local authority departments and officials and the media.
• Have the credibility to command respect at senior levels of Rugby, business and local government while having the skills to lead and motivate a large team.
• Have a strong involvement in or connection with Irish Rugby

The Opportunity

This is an exciting and challenging time for Connacht Rugby, this position represents a fantastic opportunity for the right candidate to play a strategic role in the development of both professional and domestic rugby in Connacht.

The successful candidate will receive a remuneration and benefits package commensurate with this responsibility. This position is being offered on a 3 year fixed term basis. Applicants should note that this role will be based in Galway.

Please forward your Curriculum Vitae (in confidence) with a covering letter of not more than one page supporting your application to recruitment@irfu.ie or Human Resources Department, 10-12 Lansdowne Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4.

Closing date for applications is Thursday, 31 October 2013

The IRFU is an equal opportunities employer.