Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Head of Digital Transformation and ICT to lead the organisation's ICT strategy, operations, and digital transformation agenda. The Head of Digital Transformation and ICT is a senior role within the ICT function of IFI and will serve as a member of the IFI Executive Leadership Team (ELT).
The ideal candidate will be a role model for strategic leadership, operational excellence, creating a high-performance culture and building strong stakeholder relationships. IFI is seeking candidates that are ‘thought leaders’, keen to challenge, pioneer change and enthuse others to deliver on our mission and vision, in line with our values.
This post will be responsible for strategically leading a team in the delivery of digital and technology architecture and solutions, operational business objectives, annual business and work plans and implementation of an organisation-wide Digital and Technology strategy. Cooperation and successful collaboration with other Heads of Function and operational Directors is a vital component in this role.
ABOUT US
Inland Fisheries Ireland is the state agency responsible for protecting, managing and conserving Ireland's inland fisheries and sea angling resources. More information can be found by visiting our website.
OUR VISION, MISSION & VALUES
Vision
To place the inland fisheries resource in the best sustainable position possible for the benefit of future generations.
Mission
To protect, manage and conserve Ireland’s inland fisheries and sea angling resources and to maximise their sustainability and natural biodiversity.
Values
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We are committed to the environment and sustainability.
- We work collaboratively and with professionalism.
- We communicate openly and transparently.
- We act with respect, integrity, and accountability
THE ROLE
The Head of Digital Transformation & ICT will be responsible for the development and implementation of a digital transformation agenda and overseeing the day-to-day ICT operations at Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI). Working collaboratively with key stakeholders internally and externally the Head of Digital Transformation & ICT will ensure the delivery of a Digital Strategy for IFI. They will lead on achieving a full enterprise architecture, bringing together an integrated Digital Strategy with the support of all functions within the organisation.
The role will have expert oversight of organisational data quality, security and systems in a manner that supports the business and new approach contained in the IFI Statement of Strategy 2026 – 2030 and annual workplans. The role will also involve the preparation and management of ICT budgets, in line with approved business plans and financial guidelines. The Head of Digital Transformation & ICT will monitor performance, report on key ICT activities and metrics, as required, and ensure that ICT governance, compliance, and best practice standards are maintained across the organisation.
This is a challenging and rewarding senior public sector role for a dynamic individual to lead on the transformation of a State Agency towards an efficient and effective service delivery model for staff and an extensive range of external stakeholders. IFI are therefore seeking an impactful strategic leader, with a track record of achievement and an ethos of customer focus and continuous improvement to deliver high-quality, progressive and efficient services through the development of a high-performing team.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
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Support and advise the Chief Executive Officer in the discharge of their functions ensuring technology is a true enabler.
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Participate in the executive leadership of the Agency, provide direct support and advice to the Board and its Sub-Committees, and contribute to the development and operational delivery of IFI’s Statement of Strategy 2026-2030.
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Manage significant external and internal stakeholders and maintain positive relationships with all stakeholders.
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Oversee the IFI technology infrastructure estate, maintaining optimal resilience and security, commensurate with the expectations of the organisation.
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Proactively lead on the implementation of a full enterprise architecture that optimises fragmented processes, information and technology into an integrated environment at IFI, facilitating effective decision making and change implementation.
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Engage with key stakeholders to develop and implement a Digital Strategy for IFI that supports delivery of the Statement of Strategy 2026-2030 and meets customer needs across all parts of the business.
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Lead on the delivery of the Digital Strategy and multi-year plans, continuously re-evaluating to ensure alignment with organisational priorities and the delivery of business value.
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Ensure the transformation of the enabling corporate functions through the selection and implementation of modern digital technology solutions that will radically improve the efficiency of these functions and the internal employee experience.
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Develop a suite of Technology metrics and KPIs which will demonstrate the function’s ‘value add’ to the business and provide regular performance reports to the Digital & ICT Board Sub-Committee and the Board.
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Build the capacity and capability of the Digital Transformation & ICT Division and develop a high-performance team culture, through workforce planning, effective performance and development planning and personnel management.
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Develop and manage ICT budgets, in line with agreed business plans and within pre-assigned limits. Manage significant capital and operating expenditure, tracking expenditure, ensuring optimal use of resources and delivering value for money.
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Ensure robust governance processes associated with the Digital Transformation & ICT function are in place, including oversight of programme delivery through key governance mechanisms and the effective management of risk.
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Oversee the sourcing and management of best-in-class partners and vendors, in compliance with public procurement guidelines.
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Engage with external stakeholders to learn from best practices and international developments. Build strong working relationships and influence across the wider Government and Public Service technology leadership sphere, developing opportunities for collaboration and integration.
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Ensure all Service Level Agreements and Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) are clearly communicated and delivered.
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Ensure that ICT initiatives contribute effectively to environmental sustainability and digital innovation within the public sector context.
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Ensure compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and data governance policies, promoting a culture of data security and privacy across the organisation.
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Represent IFI nationally and internationally as required and liaise with relevant external bodies, agencies and organisations.
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Undertake all other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time by the CEO or nominee.
KNOWLEDGE, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
Essential
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A recognised third-level qualification, at a minimum of NFQ Level 8, in Computer Science, IT or a related discipline.
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Significant Information Technology experience at a senior level in a complex organisation, including senior stakeholder engagement while managing resources and risk at an executive leadership level.
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A full clean Category B driving licence that is valid in Ireland.
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Significant vendor management and financial budget management experience – capital and operating expenditure.
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Project management experience, including the use of a project management methodology.
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Demonstrated capacity to think and act strategically and innovatively, and shape long-term direction through informed digital and operational planning.
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Proven ability to deliver utilising all available resources and securing the best outcomes based on objectives.
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Demonstrated ability to lead and develop staff through effective coaching and collaboration, fostering high-performing teams that deliver against challenging objectives.
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Clear ability to communicate in a manner that is understandable to non-technical stakeholders.
Desirable
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Experience in digital transformation or leading ICT transformation programmes in a public sector or regulated environment
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Understanding of public sector procurement regulations and ICT frameworks (OGP or EU procurement).
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Strong understanding of ICT governance, risk, and compliance in a state or semi-state body.
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Experience in managing an application development function using a variety of structured development functions.
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Strong understanding of business process optimisation, with exposure to emerging technologies and demonstrable experience in using applications to enhance organisational performance and customer service.
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A clear understanding of IFI’s legal, technical, and operational environment and processes.
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Excellent analytical skills and proven ability to solve problems effectively
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A demonstrated ability to think clearly, meet tight deadlines, and deliver results under pressure.
REMUNERATION
The salary scale for the position is at the level of Principal Officer (Head of Function) as it applies in Inland Fisheries Ireland, This is a 7-point scale including two long service increments (LSI’s):
Point 1 €106,926.15; Point 2 €111,513.12; Point 3 €116,069.35; Point 4 €120,660.71; Point 5 €124,529.33; Point 6 (LSI 1) €128,542.93; Point 7 €132,549.95
(IFI Principal Officer (Head of Function) Salary Scale as of 01/06/2026).
Candidates should note that new appointments will be at the minimum of the scale and the rate of remuneration will not be subject to negotiation and may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy. Candidates should note that different salary terms and conditions may apply if, immediately prior to appointment, the appointee is/was a serving civil or public servant.
LOCATION
This role will be based at IFI’s office in Citywest Business Campus, Dublin D24 CK66.
TENURE
The term of appointment for the role will be permanent and pensionable. The appointee will be required to serve a nine-month probationary period.
ANNUAL LEAVE
The role offers a generous annual leave entitlement of 30 days per annum (pro-rata), supporting a positive work-life balance.
BENEFITS
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Modern, accessible Dublin HQ with many transport options.
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Inland Fisheries Ireland is proud to offer a hybrid working model for this role, subject to business requirements.
APPLICATIONS & SELECTION PROCESS
A cover letter and up to date Curriculum Vitae should be submitted by 5.00 pm on Wednesday, 16th September 2026.
Late applications will not be processed.
Shortlisting will be based on information provided in the Cover Letter and CV.
Canvassing will disqualify.
Any questions regarding this opportunity should be directed to IFI’s Head of People and Culture, Éilis Mernagh by email at [email protected]
Inland Fisheries Ireland is an equal opportunities employer.
