Atlantic Technological University (ATU) was established on 1st April 2022 following the merger of Galway/Mayo Institute of Technology, Institute of Technology Sligo, and Letterkenny Institute of Technology. In November 2023, St Angela’s College Sligo also became part of ATU. ATU has approximately 30,000 students and 2,600 staff across its nine campuses in the West and North West region of Ireland, making it one of the largest multi-campus universities on the island. The University serves a diverse group of learners, staff, communities and organisations, playing a major role in supporting development in the region and further afield. Since its inception, ATU can already point to considerable achievements such as becoming a member of European University Alliance EU GREEN, successfully bidding for new nationally relevant higher education programmes in Pharmacy and Veterinary Medicine and becoming the first university in Ireland to be designated an Accredited Institution of Advance HE. ATU’s inaugural strategic plan, Open Minds, Bright Futures, centres around five guiding lights: Enabling Education, Engaged Research, Connected Ecosystem, Transformed Organisation, and Sustainable Future. This is an exciting time to join ATU as the organisation delivers on its first strategic plan and continues to drive impact and support across the West and North West region.
During this time of development and growth, ATU now seeks to appoint a Chief Officer People, Culture and Equality. Reporting to the President, the Chief Offer People, Culture and Equality will be a key member of the University Senior Leadership Team and will be responsible for shaping the organisation’s culture and effectively leading across all areas of human resources and equality, diversity and inclusion. The postholder will lead workforce development initiatives, promote a supportive and positive working environment, and support the ATU community through change. They will utilise data to inform decision making and ensure compliance with people-related policies and regulations. Additionally, the Chief Officer People, Culture and Equality will collaborate with stakeholders to enhance employee engagement, promote diversity and inclusion, facilitate organisational development and transformation and support harmonious and productive industrial relations.
The successful candidate will be a strategic leader and have a successful track record of effectively leading human resources, organisational culture and equality initiatives in a large and complex organisation. They will demonstrate strategic thinking and interpersonal skills to inspire teams and build positive relationships with stakeholders. This individual should be empathetic, adaptable and have a strategic mindset to address the diverse needs of employees while supporting ATU’s goals. Additionally, they will have the ability to use workforce data, survey results and feedback to identify themes, measure impact and inform action. The successful individual will have outstanding communications skills, be a strong collaborator and have a passion for promoting equality, diversity and inclusion, ethical integrity and ATU’s values.
How to Apply
Perrett Laver, the appointed advisers of ATU, are conducting an executive search exercise alongside the public advertisement for this role. Perrett Laver will support the Search Committee in the discharge of its duties. Applications should consist of a full curriculum vitae detailing academic and professional qualifications and experience, full employment history showing the more significant positions, responsibilities held, relevant achievements and budgets and staff managed. CVs should be accompanied by a covering letter describing how candidates meet the criteria outlined in the candidate profile and why the appointment is of interest. Candidates are asked to set out briefly their vision for the role.
Further information can be fount on https://perrettlaver.com/atu-senior-appointments/ and applications can be uploaded below referencing the project number 7339. The closing date of applications is 12 noon Irish local time on Friday, 15th May 2026.
Atlantic Technological University is an equal opportunities employer.
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