Chief Executive Officer, Health Service Executive

Chief Executive Officer, Health Service Executive

Job summary:

Candidates are being sought for the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Health Service Executive (HSE). The HSE is a statutory body under the aegis of the Department of Health and the Department of Children, Disabilities and Equality

This recruitment process will be supported by an Executive Search function.

Main Duties of the Job:

The Chief Executive Officer, Health Service Executive will have responsibility for a budget which in 2025 is c€26.9bn and be required to manage an organisation which delivers public health services to the population of Ireland with over Apply staff in whole time equivalent terms and is the largest employer in the country. Within the total resources made available the HSE has achieved significant operational improvements and improved outcomes in important areas such as reduction on mortality rates and gains in life expectancy. The life expectancy of the Irish population has increased by nearly six years since 2000 and is now above the EU average. This significant increase in life expectancy is driven by reduced mortality rates from major diseases.

This post is being advertised at a time when there are long-standing challenges in health services, and it is recognised that tackling these challenges will require strong leadership and commitment. Working with the HSE Board, the CEO will be tasked to deliver an ambitious Corporate Plan Applyand the Annual National Service Plan which are underpinned by the HSE values of Care, Compassion, Trust and Learning.

The function of the Chief Executive Officer as set out in the Health Service Executive (Governance) Act 2019 is described as follows:

a) to carry on and manage, and control generally, the administration and business of the Executive and perform such other functions as are conferred on him or her by or under this Act or as may be delegated to him or her by the Board

b) to ensure that appropriate systems, process and practices are in place –

(i) to achieve the HSE’s object,

(ii) for the internal performance management and accountability of the HSE in respect of:

• the performance of its functions

• achieving objectives in accordance with the HSE’s corporate plan; and

• delivery of health and personal social services in accordance with this Act; and

• in order to enable compliance with the policies (whether set out in codes, guidelines or other documents, or any combination thereof) of the Government or a Minister of the Government to the extent that those policies may affect or relate to the functions of the HSE.

c) to provide the Board with such information (including financial information) relating to the performance of his or her functions and the implementation of the policies of the HSE as the Board may require, and

d) to assist and provide the Accounting Officers (the Secretary General of the Department of Health and the Secretary General of the Department of Children, Disabilities and Equality) with such information, including financial information and records relating to the Accounting Officer’s functions within such period as the Accounting Officer may require.

The CEO has the responsibility of ensuring that the day-to-day running of the HSE and its performance is in accordance with the strategic goals that the Board has determined.

Information about the organisation:

The Health Service Executive (HSE) was established under the Health Act 2004 as the single body with statutory responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services in the Republic of Ireland. As outlined in the Health Act, 2004 the objective of the Executive is to use the resources available to it in the most beneficial, effective and efficient manner to improve, promote and protect the health and welfare of the public.

Benefits:

See information Booklet

Selection Process Details:

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 3pm on Thursday 18th September 2025.

If you feel you would benefit from a confidential discussion about any aspect of this significant opportunity, please contact Ms. Michelle Noone by email at Apply

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