Head of Enterprise

About the Employer

South Dublin County Council is one of four local authorities serving the Dublin region. Covering an area of 223 square kilometres, it is bordered by Dublin city, the Dublin Mountains, County Wicklow, the River Liffey, Fingal, and County Kildare. The council area hosts 301,075 residents, over 6,500 businesses, and significant infrastructure that supports a thriving capital city region. The Council operates under a Corporate Plan with a five-year strategic vision focused on fostering a vibrant and inclusive community for residents, visitors, workers, and businesses.

Following the Local Government Reform Act 2014, South Dublin County Council enhanced its economic development and enterprise functions. The Local Enterprise Office (LEO) South Dublin, established that same year, works alongside Enterprise Ireland as the primary access point for startups and micro-enterprises with fewer than ten employees. LEO provides business advice, mentoring, training, networking, and financial support including grants to encourage entrepreneurship, innovation, and job creation throughout the county.

Role Overview

The Head of Enterprise is a senior leadership role within the Economic Development Directorate, responsible for leading a team delivering coordinated support services to the micro and small business sector. This position plays a pivotal role in implementing the Local Enterprise Development Plan, ensuring that LEO South Dublin operates effectively as a first-stop shop supporting business startups, expansion, and job creation countywide.

Key Responsibilities

• Champion local enterprise aligned with national policy objectives on entrepreneurship and job growth.
• Achieve core enterprise targets and commitments as set out between Enterprise Ireland and South Dublin County Council.
• Manage daily operations of the Local Enterprise Office ensuring efficient workflows and compliance with service agreements and government protocols.
• Develop and implement the South Dublin Local Enterprise Development Plan.
• Coordinate delivery of national and regional initiatives through the LEO Network.
• Identify and address barriers to small and micro business growth at a city level.
• Oversee comprehensive local enterprise services including advisory, support, entrepreneurship, and development programs.
• Contribute to the Local Economic and Community Plan, supporting enterprise and entrepreneurship-related activities and participating in the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC).
• Support implementation of the South Dublin County Council Economic Strategy.
• Forge strategic alliances with enterprise support agencies enhancing regional economic development.
• Lead the delivery of the Tallaght Evening Time Economy Strategy.
• Engage collaboratively with clients to provide enterprise guidance and elevate the profile of LEO-supported businesses and services.
• Assess enterprise proposals and evaluate grant applications for business startups and expansions.
• Maintain high levels of team motivation and productivity through individual goal setting and staff development support.
• Mentor and coach team members, facilitating relevant training and growth opportunities.
• Oversee specific local initiatives supporting new and expanding businesses, such as management of incubation units or enterprise centres.
• Ensure an effective Evaluation and Approval Committee with business expertise meets regularly and follows through on actions.
• Maintain strong collaborative relationships with Enterprise Ireland, providing feedback and implementing systems to improve efficiency and client engagement.
• Support growth of Work IQ and future innovation centres in the county.
• Act as deputy to the Director of Economic Development when required.
• Manage budgeting processes to deliver LEO programs, ensuring compliance with European, national, and local financial governance and audit requirements.
• Contribute to the preparation and execution of the regional enterprise plan.
• Perform any other related duties consistent with the role’s seniority and responsibilities.

Candidate Profile

• Strong commercial understanding demonstrated through experience analyzing business development stages and interpreting business plans in areas such as finance, marketing, and operations.
• Innovative and creative in developing strategies that foster enterprise growth.
• Deep knowledge of local and regional development factors impacting micro and small businesses.
• Familiarity with national enterprise and entrepreneurship policies and priorities.
• Understanding of Local Enterprise Office supports, services, and operational processes.
• Experience and knowledge of local government operations.
• Excellent project and budget management skills to ensure efficient use of resources.
• Proactive self-starter able to innovate strategically on behalf of the city’s economic interests.
• Highly skilled communicator with strong influencing capabilities and proven people leadership experience, including achieving targets and building effective partnerships.
• Ability to conduct due diligence on business proposals for financial assistance and make informed decisions or recommendations.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• Degree-level qualification (minimum Level 8 on Ireland’s National Framework of Qualifications).
• Proven ability to build and manage a dynamic team delivering customer-focused public services, monitoring performance and meeting key performance indicators.
• Experience preparing and implementing multi-stakeholder strategies with collaboration to achieve high-quality outcomes.
• Strategic insight and practical experience in broader economic development, fostering business growth, and encouraging investment.

Additional Information

The position is based in Dublin, Ireland. The starting salary is €108,152 per annum. Candidates must submit completed applications by 3pm on Thursday, 6th August 2026. The council emphasizes equal opportunity employment and encourages applications from all groups under the Employment Equality Act’s nine grounds.