Division Overview
The CCPC operates an administrative enforcement regime* under which the CCPC may, through independent Adjudication Officers and subject to court approval, make decisions concerning alleged infringements of competition law and impose administrative financial sanctions of up to €10 million or 10% of total worldwide turnover.
- The regime was introduced by the Competition (Amendment) Act 2022, which transposes Directive (EU) 2019/1 (the ECN+ Directive), and inserted Part 2D into the Competition Act 2002 creating the regime.
The Competition Adjudication Unit is responsible for supporting the set-up and operation of this regime. The Unit's main role is to provide support to the Chief Adjudication Officer and Adjudication Officer's in the exercise of their decision-making functions within the regime. The CCPC is required to ensure that Adjudication Officer's and the Competition Adjudication Unit are independent in the performance of their functions. Robust arrangements are in place to ensure a clear separation between the CCPC's investigative and adjudication functions in relation to breaches of competition law and to safeguard the independence of the adjudication regime.
The Competition Adjudication Unit nonetheless plays a central role within the CCPC. To give effect to the regime, the CCPC developed and published, on 2 April 2026, rules and guidelines on the adjudicatory process. The rules govern the conduct of competition adjudication oral hearings, while the guidelines provide guidance on proceedings once a matter has been referred for adjudication. In March 2025, the CCPC welcomed the appointment by the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment of Mr. Brian Kennedy, Senior Counsel, as Chief Adjudication Officer, followed by the appointment of a full panel of Adjudication Officers in December 2025. Further details of the Adjudication Officer panel are available on the CCPC's website.
The Role:
The CCPC is seeking to recruit a Director of Competition Adjudication at Principal Officer grade for a specified purpose contract. The expected duration of this contract is approximately 12 months. This is an opportunity for an experienced lawyer and capable administrator, with excellent strategic leadership skills, to take on a senior management role in a dynamic and fast-paced public sector organisation. The Director will be responsible for overseeing the operation of the Competition Adjudication Unit at a time of very significant change in the enforcement of competition law in Ireland. The Director will report to a Member of the Commission in relation to governance, human resource management matters and budget management. The Director will engage directly with the Chief Adjudication Officer and Adjudication Officer's regarding all matters referred for adjudication under Part 2D of the Competition Act 2002. The Director may also from time to time be requested to work on other tasks or projects within the CCPC, commensurate with their skills and experience that are external to the adjudication function. Any such tasks or projects would be compatible with the independence of the adjudication regime and would not relate to the investigation of suspected breaches of competition law.
The Successful Candidate:
The Director of the Competition Adjudication Unit will have a critical leadership role in the delivery of the administrative enforcement regime. The Director will be an experienced lawyer and capable administrator who can support Adjudication Officers in all aspects of making strong, independent, and legally robust decisions. The ideal candidate will be self-driven and results-oriented with experience in providing advice on complex administrative decision-making matters, and the ability to work on their own initiative and build and manage relationships with different stakeholders. In addition to the immediate appointment from this campaign, an order of merit may be established. This may be used to fill any future vacancies at the same level within this or other Divisions of the CCPC where roles have similar responsibilities and/or similar skills are required.
Key Responsibilities:
The Key Responsibilities of this position will include the following:
Lead the Competition Adjudication Unit and manage Adjudication Unit staff.
Provide an effective support service to the Chief Adjudication Officer and Adjudication Officers through the strategic management and leadership of the Competition Adjudication Unit.
Act as registrar to adjudication oral hearings under Part 2D of the Competition Act 2002 and contribute to the drafting of all case related documentation.
Lead the development, implementation and monitoring of the policies and procedures necessary to support the adjudication function, consistent with the independence of the adjudication function to enable Adjudication Officers to discharge their functions effectively.
Develop and drive the strategy and workplan of the Competition Adjudication Unit, provide strategic leadership to the Unit and proactively contribute to the effective operation of the adjudication function.
Proactively manage the panel of Adjudication Officers and support the Chief Adjudication Officer in appointing Adjudication Officers to consider specific cases.
Oversee the procurement of external legal services providers (and other service providers, where appropriate) and ensure the effective management and oversight of such service providers, including cost management and budgeting.
Essential:
Please note: In order to satisfy the shortlisting panel, you must clearly highlight within your application that you meet the essential requirements. If this is not clearly displayed, it may prevent your application progressing to the shortlisting stage. It is required at a minimum that candidates demonstrate the following:
Candidates must have been called to the Bar in the State or have been admitted and be currently enrolled as a solicitor in the State or hold a professional qualification in law which would be acceptable to the CCPC as being equivalent to the above and have at least 5 years' post-qualification experience as a practising barrister/solicitor.
Relevant work experience either in the public service, a law firm, as a practising barrister, or as in-house counsel with a strong record of professional achievement.
Strong leadership and management experience, including at least 2 years' experience in managing teams.
Ability to provide clear, focused and strategic legal advice.
Highly developed organisational and administrative skills.
Proven ability to lead and deliver on projects within tight time frames.
Excellent communication, networking and influencing skills, and the capacity to influence and work effectively with a broad range of stakeholders in a constructive manner. Oral and written fluency in the English language.
Desirable:
At least 8 years' post-qualification experience as a practising barrister/solicitor.
Experience of supporting administrative sanctioning decision-making, dispute resolution and/or litigation.
Experience of providing legal advice and support in the areas of EU or Irish competition law.
Experience of providing legal advice in relation to the law on fair procedures and administrative decisionmaking.
Experience of leading within a senior management team.
Application Process:
To apply for this role using the link on the CCPC careers page, please submit an up-to-date CV and a cover letter indicating why you are suited to the role (max. 300 words).
Applicants should note that canvassing will result in your exclusion from the process.
This role will close on Tuesday 9th June at 3.00pm.
