Job description

Role summary

The National Concert Hall in Dublin is looking for a strategic and highly organised Head of Operations to lead its operational, facilities and event delivery functions. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, this senior role is responsible for making sure day-to-day activity, venue services and event operations are delivered safely, efficiently and to a consistently high public-service standard.

As part of the Senior Management Team, the successful candidate will work with the COO to turn organisational objectives into practical plans, policies and measurable results. The role carries full responsibility for the operational and capital budgets within remit, along with the planning and delivery of capital projects, facilities services and asset oversight.

The post holder will lead a multidisciplinary team, manage key service providers and help ensure strong customer experience, successful event delivery and effective use of resources. The role also has responsibility for health and safety, risk management and regulatory compliance, with robust governance expected throughout.

This is a significant leadership position at a time of change for the organisation. As redevelopment planning progresses, the Head of Operations will help shape new ways of working and build the systems and capability needed to keep the organisation functioning effectively through transition.

Strategic leadership

Provide energetic and inclusive leadership to the Operations team, promoting collaboration, innovation and shared purpose.
Ensure the department has the right people, skills and capacity to support all NCH activity at the National Concert Hall, the NCH Discover Centre and across national work.
Work closely with internal teams to support joined-up planning and delivery.
Embed the organisation’s values of respect, integrity, collaboration and excellence into operational practice.
Contribute to overall strategy and policy development, keeping operational priorities aligned with the wider mission, legal duties and long-term vision of the institution.
Advance sustainability objectives across facilities operations through energy efficiency, waste reduction and responsible procurement in line with public-sector climate commitments.
Support national climate and sustainability goals through green initiatives, efficient resource use and regular monitoring of environmental performance.
Promote accessibility standards across facilities and services so that legal requirements and universal access expectations are met.
Work with the COO, Redevelopment Project Lead and project team on the redevelopment master plan, including relocation before construction begins, business continuity during closure, and successful reopening after redevelopment.

Event management

Oversee the full operations function, including Front of House, Technical, Stage Management, Facilities Management, Security, Health & Safety, and contracts with food and beverage and security providers.
Lead end-to-end event operations so that planning, resource deployment and delivery outcomes are closely aligned.
Consult with promoters, Box Office, Stage Management and House Management on requirements, costing and staffing levels.
Work strategically and operationally with NSOI and programming teams.
Build strong relationships with performance companies and catering partners to support smooth event delivery.
Champion excellent customer care across all event-facing services.
Ensure all event staff and contracted providers are coordinated effectively and perform to a high standard.
Oversee workforce planning for events, including rosters, deployment and management of Front-of-House staffing budgets.
Maintain readiness of event infrastructure such as stage, lighting and sound, while driving ongoing improvement and modernisation of technical capability.
Protect the safety, comfort and experience of audiences, performers and visiting dignitaries to deliver a premium visitor experience.
Ensure event health and safety requirements are fully met, including risk assessments, emergency planning and incident response.
Track live-event operational risks and maintain suitable controls and escalation routes.

Facilities management

Provide strategic oversight of facilities management so the organisation’s buildings and infrastructure operate effectively and improve continuously.
Oversee accommodation and services for resident organisations, including day-to-day liaison and administration.
Lead capital works and maintenance planning with the Office of Public Works, ensuring priorities and public-sector standards are met.
Manage outsourced facilities services such as security, cleaning, waste management and technical systems, with a focus on performance, compliance and value for money.
Supervise mechanical and electrical systems, plant and specialist stage technology to ensure safety and reliable operation.
Direct asset lifecycle management, including accurate asset registers and planning for replacements and upgrades.
Oversee specialist assets such as pianos and organ, ensuring agreed maintenance and care arrangements are followed.
Coordinate with external specialists, including instrument providers and technicians, to preserve and optimise key assets.
Manage art collections and cultural assets, keeping accurate records and coordinating loans with national institutions while maintaining appropriate environmental, security and conservation conditions.

Procurement, governance and compliance

Lead budgeting, management and reporting for operational activity, ensuring resources are allocated appropriately and public-sector rules are followed.
Develop and manage maintenance contracts for facilities services, plant, machinery and stage technology.
Prepare budgets for capital acquisition programmes.
Work with the Accounts team to monitor all budgets within remit.
Hold responsibility for site-wide health and safety, including Safety Statements, risk assessments, hazard audits and emergency procedures.
Lead incident and accident reporting, liaise with insurers where needed and strengthen risk mitigation measures.
Oversee fire safety systems and compliance in collaboration with contractors and statutory bodies.
Ensure compliance with legislation, regulations and EU Directives covering facilities and workplace safety.
Complete all mandatory reporting required under the Climate Action Mandate.

Candidate profile

The organisation is looking for someone with a strong senior-level record of delivery in a role with similar breadth and responsibility. The right person will bring clear leadership, sound judgement and the ability to guide a complex public cultural organisation through change.

Experience and skills

Deep understanding of venue operations and facilities management in a medium to large organisation, ideally within music, arts or culture.
A history of leading, motivating and developing high-performing teams in a collaborative and accountable environment.
Strong commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility, with a desire to broaden access to music and the arts.
Experience in budget leadership, financial planning and resource management.
Excellent communication, advocacy and stakeholder engagement skills, including influence at senior level.
The ability to shape organisational strategy and policy while aligning departmental priorities with the mission and long-term aims of a major national cultural body.
High personal integrity and a collaborative leadership style.

Essential requirements

At least five years of experience in a similar role, or in equivalent senior leadership positions in medium to large organisations, ideally in the music or cultural sector.
Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills, with a proven ability to build, influence and sustain productive relationships.
Demonstrated commitment to the ethos, principles and values of the National Concert Hall.

Additional information

This job description is intended as a guide to the main responsibilities and accountabilities of the role. It is not an exhaustive list and may be updated if organisational structures change or if the needs of the National Concert Hall evolve.

Candidates should be capable of carrying out the duties of the position and demonstrating the behaviours, knowledge and skills expected at Assistant Principal Officer grade. The relevant capability framework is available on Publicjobs.ie.

Salary

The Assistant Principal Officer (PPC) salary scale applies, effective from 1 June 2026, with the following points: €83,113, €86,173, €89,277, €92,390, €95,499, €97,292, €100,427 and €103,576.

Appointment will begin at the first point of the scale: €83,113 per annum.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted online and should include a cover letter of no more than two A4 pages explaining your interest in the role and how your experience meets the requirements, together with a detailed CV that clearly outlines relevant achievements and career experience.

Only fully completed online applications will be considered.

Closing date

The application deadline is 1 July 2026 at 17:00. Late applications will not be accepted.

Equal opportunity statement

The National Concert Hall is committed to being an inclusive, equal-opportunity workplace and welcomes applications regardless of gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race, membership of the Traveller Community or any other protected characteristic under the Equality Acts.

Irish language summary

The source included an Irish-language summary of the role, repeating the same core information about strategic leadership of operations, facilities and events, reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, and supporting the organisation through operational delivery and redevelopment-related change.

Head of Operations

Where you'll work