Director of Corporate Services, Commissioners of Irish Lights
The Commissioners of Irish Lights (Irish Lights) has responsibility under the Merchant Shipping Acts and the SOLAS Safety of Life at Sea Convention for the regulation of all marine Aids to Navigation (AtoN) around the island of Ireland and for wreck response outside of harbour areas. Irish Lights works closely with Trinity House (England, Wales, and Channel Islands) and the Northern Lighthouse Board (Scotland and Isle of Man) to deliver AtoN services.
THE ORGANISATION
The Commissioners of Irish Lights (Irish Lights) has responsibility under the Merchant Shipping Acts and the SOLAS Safety of Life at Sea Convention for the regulation of all marine Aids to Navigation (AtoN) around the island of Ireland and for wreck response outside of harbour areas. Irish Lights works closely with Trinity House (England, Wales, and Channel Islands) and the Northern Lighthouse Board (Scotland and Isle of Man) to deliver AtoN services. This close cooperation with Trinity House and Northern Lighthouse Board allows all three organisations to share resources and expertise for the benefit of all stakeholders.
Irish Lights is seeking to appoint a highly effective and experienced Director of Corporate Services to support the implementation of its strategy ‘Safe Seas – Connected Coasts 2025-2030’. The key objectives are:
• Ensuring Safe Navigation for All
• Strategic Collaboration at National and International level
• Support for Marine Consenting
• Technological Innovation
• Climate Action and Environmental Stewardship
• Serving Coastal Communities and Safe Guarding our Heritage
• Delivering Excellence.
THE ROLE
Reporting to the Chief Executive, the Director of Corporate Services will provide strategic leadership, operational oversight, and expert governance to ensure Irish Lights’ delivers on its critical functions and organisational strategy. As a key member of the senior management team the Director will be responsible for Finance, Performance and Management Reporting, Corporate Governance, Procurement, Legal & Insurances, Risk & Compliance in addition to the line management of relevant employees.
THE PERSON
This senior leadership position calls for an exceptional individual with a proven track record in Finance, Corporate Services and Governance within a complex, multi-functional organisation. Experience in either the public and/or private sector is valued. The ideal candidate will be skilled in change management, experienced and highly capable in the budgetary process, in financial governance and in risk management with the ability to lead and inspire a multi-disciplinary team. Strong communication skills are essential, enabling effective engagement with a wide range of stakeholders. The successful candidate will be a qualified accountant ideally with an accompanying post-graduate qualification in public administration, governance, law, or business management. In addition, demonstrated strategic leadership abilities and in-depth knowledge of public sector governance frameworks and compliance requirements are a necessity.
This is an exciting opportunity to take on a pivotal leadership role in an evolving and nationally important organisation and to contribute to the ongoing strategic development of Irish Lights.
Download Candidate Briefing Document
To Apply:
Lansdowne Executive Search has been retained by Irish Lights to manage this recruitment process.
If you feel you would benefit from a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact: Seán McDonagh, Partner, Lansdowne Executive Search. Email: sean.mcdonagh@lansdownesearch.ie
For a confidential discussion, please contact Seán at +353 (0)87 796 1062.
Closing date for applications is Friday 16th January 2026.
Candidates for this role will be sourced through both advertising and executive search processes.
Irish Lights is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and encourages applications under all 9 grounds of the Employment Equality Acts.
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