Secretary General, Department of Health

Job summary

The Secretary General is the administrative head of the Department, the Accounting Officer, and holds overall management responsibility for the quality and timeliness of strategic and policy advice submitted to the Minister for Health. They are responsible for advising the Minister(s), ensuring the effective development and implementation of health policy, overseeing the stewardship and governance of the Department, and being fully accountable for the appropriate management of the Exchequer resources allocated to the Department.

Main Duties of the job

This senior leadership position requires the office holder to take responsibility for the strategic direction and performance of the Department of Health. This involves driving delivery of the Department’s key priorities and policies, particularly as set out in the Programme for Government, the Statement of Strategy 2025–2028, and the wider health reform agenda, including Sláintecare and the transition to an integrated, person‑centred health system.

The Secretary General is responsible for shaping and sustaining a strong organisational culture grounded in public service values. The Secretary General sets the tone for leadership across the Department, ensuring that teams work effectively and cohesively to support improved health outcomes and system performance. The Secretary General will ensure that the Department is an active and influential participant in cross‑Government initiatives and contributes effectively to national policy development and implementation. They also play an important role in the leadership of the broader public service reform agenda.

The successful candidate will be an accomplished senior leader with the capability to direct a large, complex organisation at the centre of Ireland’s health system. They must demonstrate:

• Proven ability to lead a large organisation and network of agencies in a complex and demanding environment
• A record of accomplishment in their career to date demonstrating excellent senior management and leadership experience and a strong record of delivery in a large complex organisation
• Proven capacity to lead organisational transformation, anticipate future challenges, and drive modernisation programmes across a complex sector.
• Strong ability to operate across an interconnected health system, including effective engagement with the HSE, other health agencies, and other Government Departments to support coherent policy development and implementation.
• Ability to articulate and lead a clear long‑term vision for the Department and the wider health system, aligned to Government priorities and major reform programmes such as Sláintecare.

Information about the Organisation

The Department of Health’s vision is a healthier Ireland, with improved health and wellbeing for all, and with the right care delivered in the right place at the right time.

The Department’s mission is to improve the health and wellbeing of people in Ireland by supporting people to lead healthy and independent lives; ensuring the delivery of high quality and safe health and social care; creating a more responsive; integrated and people-centred health and social care service; promoting effective and efficient management of the health and social care service and ensuring best value from health system resources.

Selection Process Details

This is a Top Level Appointments Committee (TLAC) position.

Further information on this significant opportunity including details on how to apply, is available on www.publicjobs.ie 

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 3pm on Thursday 5th March, 2026.

If you feel you would benefit from a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Ciarán Oman at ciaran.oman@publicjobs.ie

We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity and encourage applications under all nine grounds of the Employment Equality Act.