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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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Shape the culture. Power the strategy. Deliver the transformation
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 is a strategically significant leadership position and as the University’s most senior people leader, the CPCO will be a strategic advisor, culture shaper, and operational executive ensuring that UCC has the workforce, leadership capability, service model and organisational agility to deliver on UCC’s Strategic Plan. This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact.
The role reports to the President, you will be a member of the University Leadership Team (ULT) and lead a People and Culture team of over 58 employees.
Reporting directly to the President, the CPCO will work closely with the President, the University Leadership Team, the Governing Authority and its People, Culture, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee. You will also collaborate with University committees, working groups, and external partners across the higher education sector in Ireland and internationally.
These partners include the Higher Education Authority (HEA), the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Research Ireland, the Department of Health, and other relevant bodies in Ireland, Europe and internationally, as well as our Trade Union representatives.
In addition, you will serve as the HR Business Partner to the President.
The role is responsible for leading both organisation wide cultural evolution and organisational change across the university, alongside delivering a step change in the design, structure and delivery of a People and Culture function so that it is high performing, digitally enabled, leading best practice and delivering measurable impact against the UCC Strategic Plan goals.
This role is framed by a clear timeline for success, aligned to the UCC Strategic Plan and the UCC People and Culture Plan.
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 Chris McCann. 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 8399. The closing date for applications will be 12pm GMT, Friday 22nd May 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.
As Global Senior Partner, Sinéad is responsible for the long-term strategic development of Perrett Laver alongside the acceleration of its commercial growth.
During her ten years at Perrett Laver, Sinéad established and led the firm’s operations in Amsterdam and Dublin, while continuing to grow Perrett Laver’s Research, Technology and Innovation, and Higher Education practices across Europe.
Sinéad’s experience at Perrett Laver includes advising on senior executive and non-executive appointments for universities, public and privately funded research institutes, as well as research-oriented charities and non-profits.
Sinéad holds an honours degree in Natural Science from Trinity College Dublin and a PhD in Neuroscience from University College Cork.
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.
