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University College Cork (UCC) is an internationally renowned university where excellence in teaching and research is aligned with an inclusive and respectful environment, where all staff and students can flourish and thrive.
Founded in 1845, UCC is a comprehensive research-intensive institution comprising four academic Colleges, delivering a rich tradition of collaborative teaching, research and scholarship that has true global impact.
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Many thanks for your interest in a career at University College Cork, and in joining a dynamic group of talented people working to secure the future of our people and our planet.
This leadership role will drive People and Culture service modernisation, ensuring alignment with UCC’s Strategic Plan and supporting UCC People and Culture Plan.
We are seeking a visionary person to lead the transformation of our people services, shaping the future of our organisation through inclusive leadership, data-driven decision-making, and a deep commitment to process improvement and service user experience.
This is a unique role in that the post holder will not only be a member of the People and Culture Leadership team but also a member of a wider UCC Business Transformation team that is currently being established to provide an enterprise-wide approach to the enabling services at UCC.
As a key leadership role, you will be responsible for leading teams focused on talent acquisition, employee life cycle services, specialist life cycle services, People & Culture systems, and technology in support of delivering an exceptional service user experience.
The role will have a dual aspect of ensuring that day to day activities and services are delivered, whilst at the same time also focusing on transformation delivery. You will be instrumental in informing and driving operational service excellence in a flexible and responsive manner in line with changing structures, reporting lines and ways of working.
You will be responsible for setting the People and Culture Operations direction to support the university to deliver its People and Culture Plan. This is a role for someone who thinks and acts strategically and tactically embraces change and challenge, works collaboratively and openly with others, and is confident engaging with and influencing a range of senior stakeholders.
At UCC our mission is to meet the challenges of our time, together. When you work at University College Cork, you are joining a group of diverse thinkers and innovators committed to a sustainable future for our University, our society and our world. We rely on the collective power of our people working to create and innovate towards a common purpose.
As a leading research university our ambition is to cultivate a distinctive research reputation in signature areas of excellence. As a community of learning, our connected curriculum underpins a relevant, dynamic and inclusive learning experience for our students.
As the world’s first Green Flag university, we are proud of our leadership in sustainability and we continue to radically reform our practices and use of space and technology to meet our ambitious sustainability and climate action goals.
We are committed to providing a diverse, inclusive and equitable working environment where everyone’s contribution is valued and everyone has the potential to shape change and make a difference. We value the unique background, experience, and contribution that each staff member brings to our community and are looking for people who will make a difference. If you believe in our vision and mission and would like to belong to community of people who are working together to make an impact, we would love to hear from you.
When you become a member of UCC’s community you will be eligible for a wide range of staff benefits and rewards including the following:
The University will be supported in this appointment process by the executive search firm Perrett Laver and enquiries can be made directly to Callum Conway. Applications should consist of a full curriculum vitae detailing academic and professional qualifications and experience. CVs should be accompanied by a covering letter describing briefly how candidates meet the criteria outlined in the job description, why the appointment is of interest and what they believe they can bring to the role.
Completed applications should be uploaded HERE quoting reference 8317. The closing date for applications will be 12pm GMT, Tuesday 14th April 2026.
Further information around the Terms & Conditions of the post can be accessed HERE.
Ireland’s second city, proudly referred to by Corkonians as ‘the Real Capital’ is a forwardthinking, fast-growing and friendly city and an important business and cultural hub, making it a great place to live and work.
Home to 225,000 people, Cork is a cosmopolitan city set against a backdrop of stunning coastline, countryside and picturesque coastal towns. It is easy to get around and 60% of people in Cork get to work in 30 minutes or less.
Located at the second largest natural harbour in the world Cork is the heartland of Ireland’s energy, food, pharmaceutical and ICT industries. Seven out of ten of the world’s top pharmaceutical companies and Ireland’s top four food companies are located in the province. UCC graduates make a critical contribution to the local talent pipeline that is at the heart of innovation and competitiveness for the region. Cork is the fastest growing city in the country and has been ranked as one of Europe’s top 25 cities of the future.
Michelle is a Managing Partner.
Michelle works in Perrett Laver’s Dublin office. She is a Partner, former Head of the Project Management team and has worked across a number of Perrett Laver’s global Offices including London, Chicago and Hong Kong. She works with organisations across our Global Higher Education, Sport, Social Impact and Health sectors.
James McSean is a Senior Consultant in the Higher Education Practice
James joined Perrett Laver from Queen Mary University of London, where he was Head of the Principal’s Office, supporting the senior executive of the University and leading the executive support team. Prior to that James spent ten years at Imperial College London across a variety of roles, including five years providing high-level support and policy advice to the Provost.
James holds a BA degree in History from the University of Cambridge.
