Director of Operations and Transformation - The Housing Agency

The Organisation

The Housing Agency is a national government body at the heart of Ireland’s housing system. Working closely with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, local authorities, Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs), industry partners and other stakeholders, the Agency plays a critical role in delivering housing and housing services. Through strong partnerships and deep sector expertise, it provides support and resources needed to deliver high-quality homes and create thriving, vibrant communities.

The Agency now is seeking suitable applicants for the role of Director of Operations and Transformation.

The Role

Housing is one of Ireland’s defining public challenges and The Housing Agency’s purpose is to accelerate housing supply, in partnership with key stakeholders, by providing expertise, support and resources to deliver high‑quality homes in vibrant communities. To deliver on that purpose at pace and at scale, the Agency has embarked on a programme of transformation and change.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, a member of the Senior Management Team, and leading the Organisation’s transformation programme, the Director of Operations \& Transformation is an influential new role which has been created at a pivotal time in the Agency’s evolution.

The Director of Operations \& Transformation will lead a new Directorate incorporating a range of internal operational functions together with a multi-annual programme of change and transformation across the Agency.

This is a role for a leader who can combine purpose, governance and delivery:

• Purpose: You are motivated by measurable public impact enabling better housing outcomes through stronger organisational capability
• Governance: You understand the disciplines and controls required in a public sector (or similarly regulated) environment Delivery: You bring modern transformation leadership connecting strategy to execution through portfolios, programmes, process and digital enablement

Key functional responsibilities include: transformation, operating model, digital enablement, business analysis, business process improvement, new project incubation, PMO, onboarding and internal enablement, and business services (people and culture, procurement, ICT, data, internal communication).

The role will also support the Agency’s commitment to cross-functional collaboration, people development and effective performance management.

This is a rare chance to lead transformation where it matters.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for the following (non-exhaustive) list:

A. Strategy-to-execution: operations and transformation

• Leading the development and delivery of a multi-year change and transformation programme aligned to Agency strategic priorities and organisational excellence objectives. Driving organisational operating model transformation, across the Organisation to ensure internal services are integrated, efficient, scalable and responsive.

B. ICT and digital enablement

Providing strategic oversight of ICT and digital enablement including automation of delivery components, supporting infrastructure, systems, cyber security, governance, reporting and business continuity.

C. Business analysis and process improvement

Establishing and leading a strong business analysis and business process improvement capability to support service redesign, simplification, standardisation and operational efficiency.

D. Project incubation and portfolio delivery discipline (PMO)

• Leading a structured approach to new project incubation, helping the Agency assess, shape and mobilise emerging initiatives, programmes and service requirements. Overseeing a robust PMO, embedding project governance, portfolio oversight, reporting disciplines and delivery assurance.

E. Business services excellence

Leading the delivery and continuous improvement of business services, ensuring they are professional, well governed, customer-focused and value for money.

F. Corporate governance, planning and performance

• Coordinating the annual and multi-annual planning programme including work programmes, budgets, risk management, procurement and performance reporting to the CEO and Board. Working closely with other Directors, the Department, Board, staff and service providers to ensure joined-up planning and effective delivery.

H. People leadership and culture

• Working with the Head of People and Culture to design leadership and development programmes and support the development of staff, building a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement aligned to Agency Modelling the Agency’s values in how decisions are made, how delivery is governed, and how people are supported to do their best work

The Person

The successful candidate must have a strong track record in operating at a senior level, in organisational transformation and change and business operations/corporate services in a complex environment. They will bring a proven ability to lead and deliver large transformation programmes, redesign operating models, digitise services, improve processes and strengthen business service delivery. The successful candidate will be highly skilled in leading multidisciplinary teams, influencing and building organisational capability.

Essential Criteria

• The successful candidate will demonstrate evidence of:
• A relevant third-level qualification, minimum NFQ Level 8, or equivalent relevant experience
• Significant senior leadership experience in a role of comparable scale and complexity
• Proven experience in leading large transformation and/or change programmes
• Evidence of leading enterprise-wide operating model improvement (e.g., service redesign, shared services, organisational programme design)
• Track record delivering digital and data-enabled transformation
• Experience in designing and implementing business services or corporate services operational models
• Experience across relevant areas such as change, transformation, business analysis, business process improvement, service redesign and digitisation, organisational change Experience in leading a business service or corporate service team or function

Desirable Criteria

• The successful candidate may demonstrate evidence of:
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, report writing, and presentation experience
• A strong track record in financial, budget and risk management, governance and performance reporting
• Experience of leading multidisciplinary teams and building organisational capability Strong stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills

You will thrive in this role if you:

• Turn strategy into delivery through clarity, prioritisation and disciplined execution
• Lead with curiosity and courage challenging “how we’ve always done it” while bringing people with you
• Operate with integrity and strong governance instincts, fitting for a state agency context
• Build trust through transparency, clear accountability and a focus on outcomes that matter Put people at the centre—developing capability, strengthening onboarding, and enabling high performance

Application and Further Information

For further information and to apply for the role visit www.forvismazars.com/ie/en/executiverecruitment .

Applications are to be submitted via the online portal and must include:

• A cover letter (max. two A4 pages) outlining why you wish to be considered for the role and where you believe your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role
• A comprehensive CV clearly showing your relevant achievements and experience in your career to date
• A fully completed Key Achievements Form

This document is available to download at https://www.forvismazars.com/ie/en/services/consulting/management-consulting/executive-recruitment or via email at [email protected]

• Deadline for applications: 12 noon, Monday, 22nd June 2026.

The Housing Agency is an equal opportunities employer with a strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion at all levels of the organisation.