University College Cork (UCC) is an internationally renowned university where excellence in teaching and research is aligned with an inclusive and respectful environment, where all staff and students can flourish and thrive. Founded in 1845, UCC is a comprehensive research-intensive institution comprising four academic Colleges, delivering a rich tradition of collaborative teaching, research and scholarship that has true global impact. The College of Medicine and Health is a large, complex and externally facing College with six Schools: School of Medicine; Dental School and Hospital; School of Nursing and Midwifery; School of Clinical Therapies; School of Pharmacy; and School of Public Health.
As a member of UCC’s University Leadership Team, the Head of College will contribute to the collective leadership of the University and to the delivery of UCC’s Strategic Plan. The successful candidate will be expected to act with a “one University” mindset: leading the College with ambition while taking shared responsibility for UCC’s strategy, performance, culture, reputation, risk and long-term sustainability. The Head of College is responsible for leading a high performing academic community; delivering excellent education, research, innovation and engagement; developing people and culture; managing resources well; and representing the College within UCC, nationally and internationally. The role incorporates senior Chief Academic Officer responsibilities with HSE Southwest and regional health partners, supporting the integration of healthcare education, clinical training, research, innovation and service improvement through UCC Academic Health Sciences and related partnership structures.
UCC is seeking an outstanding academic leader to serve as Head of College of Medicine and Health. The role requires academic credibility, sound judgement, strong governance, proven senior leadership experience, financial and resource capability, and the ability to work collegially across a complex university environment. The successful candidate will provide visible, inclusive and ambitious leadership; support excellence in education, research and innovation; develop people and culture; manage resources well; and represent the College and UCC nationally and internationally. They will have a successful track record of building strong partnerships with government, funders, industry, professional bodies, alumni, civic partners and, where relevant, health and clinical partners.
How to Apply
The University will be supported in this appointment process by the executive search firm Perrett Laver and enquiries can be made directly to Callum Conway, callum.conway@perrettlaver.com quoting the reference number 8705.
Applications should consist of a full curriculum vitae detailing academic and professional qualifications and experience. CVs should be accompanied by a covering letter describing briefly how candidates meet the criteria outlined in the job description, why the appointment is of interest and what they believe they can bring to the role. The closing date for applications will be 12pm GMT on Tuesday, 8th December 2026.
Applications will be considered by the Selection Committee in mid-December. Perrett Laver will conduct preliminary discussions with longlisted candidates in early-January 2027, and the Committee will then meet in mid-January 2027 to decide on a shortlist of candidates who will be invited to formal interviews in early February 2027.
Perrett Laver is a Data Controller and a Data Processor, as defined under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Our legal basis for much of our data processing activity is ‘Legitimate Interests’. You have the right to object to us processing your data in this way. For more information about this, your rights, and our approach to Data Protection and Privacy, please visit our website: http://www.perrettlaver.com/information/privacy-policy/.
