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Horizons, formerly known as Cope Foundation, is a not-for-profit organisation that has been serving the Cork communities since 1957. Today, it supports over 2,800 children and adults of all abilities, helping them live 'Your Life, Your Way'. Horizons plays a vital role across Cork city and county, committed to enhancing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities and/or autism. They do so by partnering with individuals, their families, and local communities to provide a wide range of person-centred services and supports.

At Horizons, the belief is that the future should be one where the rights of individuals with disabilities are upheld, where they are valued as equal, contributing members of society with full control over their choices and lives. This vision is supported by a dedicated team of approximately 1,500 staff, working across 152 locations throughout the Cork region, all focused on delivering high-quality, community-centred care.

As the current Chief Executive prepares for retirement, the Board of Horizons is seeking to appoint a new CEO to lead the organisation into its next phase of growth and success. The primary purpose of this role is to drive the strategic development of Horizons, translating high-level goals into actionable operational plans, while ensuring the delivery of high-quality services across the organisation. This is a unique opportunity for a dynamic and motivated business leader to shape the future of Horizons, working collaboratively with the Senior Leadership Team, Executive Committee, and the Board to implement the strategy and lead transformative change for continued organisational success.

The Role

The appointed Chief Executive Officer will lead the strategy and operations, ensuring the business knows what to focus on, and how to deliver the services seamlessly to the people who need these supports and services to live independent lives. This role will also be responsible for communicating and enabling any change required whilst fostering a positive and purposeful work environment across the business. The position is intended to be based onsite in their Head Office in Blackpool in Cork.

For the right candidate, this is a high-profile opportunity to lead a highly regarded organisation and play an integral role in the successful delivery of services that transform lives within the community. Further to this, the prestige associated with this position will enable the successful appointee to build their profile as a business leader and potentially create senior opportunities in the HSE in the future.

Specific Responsibilities would include:

Strategic Leadership:

• Work closely with the Board of Management to develop and execute strategic plans aimed at improving service quality, enhancing operational efficiency, and achieving key business objectives.

• Engage with internal and external stakeholders to align organisational goals, identify growth opportunities, and optimise the allocation of resources.

• Build and nurture strategic alliances with external partners to explore new business opportunities, strengthen market positioning, and enhance the organisation's reputation.

Operational Management:

• Serve as the primary management contact for all service-related issues, ensuring effective resolution and communication.

• Lead negotiations and oversee the delivery of service agreements, including the annual HSE Service Level Agreement and other relevant contracts.

• Ensure services are person-centred, compliant with regulations, aligned with organisational values, and provide value for money.

• Monitor performance metrics, analyse data, and implement improvements to enhance operational efficiency and user satisfaction.

• Oversee safeguarding responsibilities, regulatory compliance, and the provision of an effective emergency on-call system.

Risk Management:

• Have a good understanding of Risk Management and approaches to identifying and mitigating risk in all areas of operational responsibility.

Human Resource Management

• Foster a positive, transparent, and equitable workplace culture while providing strong leadership and direct support to senior staff.

• Promote staff development through mentorship, training, and performance management while ensuring compliance with best practices and legislative requirements.

• Oversee recruitment, supervision, and policy development to maintain a skilled workforce and uphold transparency in employment practices.

Financial Management:

• Develop and manage budgets, forecast financial needs, and monitor expenses to ensure the organisation's financial sustainability.

• Identify revenue opportunities and implement cost-saving measures while maintaining high-quality care standards.

• Ensure accurate, evidence-based financial reporting and compliance with audits and HSE Annual Financial Monitoring Returns (AMFR).

Information Management:

• Ensure compliance with GDPR and provide accurate, evidence-based information to support decision-making across the organisation.

• Oversee the timely production of clear, accessible reports, including Board Reports, Annual Reports, and other required documentation.

The Person

To be considered for this highly impactful Chief Executive Officer appointment, you must be an agile and strategic people leader with a proven track record of shaping the future direction of an organisation. Additionally, you should possess deep business and financial acumen, with experience managing complex operations, ideally within a regulated environment in Ireland. Your ability to navigate regulatory frameworks, drive organisational success, and lead with vision will be key to ensuring the continued growth and sustainability of the business.

Suitable candidates would need to be highly versatile and capable of dealing with a diverse range of senior stakeholders and comfortable in acting autonomously across all levels.

Specifically, we are looking for high achievers with the following experience and competencies:

• Extensive management experience in financial oversight and staff management within the health, social care, not-for-profit, or disability sectors.

• Proven ability to plan, develop, and execute strategic initiatives aligned with organisational goals and objectives at a senior level.

• Demonstrated success in building and managing effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including statutory bodies and service partners.

• Strong expertise in risk assessment and risk management within both organisational and service delivery contexts.

• Experience in the development, review, and implementation of policies, protocols, and standards, ensuring compliance with regulations such as HIQA and GDPR.

• Familiarity with disability services, healthcare settings, and the use of databases to maintain compliance, with additional experience in social media and marketing being beneficial.

The Benefits

• Opportunity to lead, evolve and shape the future of an organisation that genuinely impacts on the quality of people's lives.

• A high profile and influential appointment in a well-regarded and prestigious organisation.

• Opportunity for progression in the longer term into the wider HSE leadership environment.

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HRM have been exclusively mandated to manage this search. To discover more about this opportunity, apply now to Paul Lanigan (paul.lanigan@hrmrecruitment.com) for a confidential discussion.