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. At UCC, we know the world of work is changing and we are evolving with it. Our focus is on people. We are creating a workplace where innovation, creativity, and wellbeing come together to build a more flexible and future-ready UCC.
This is an exciting time to join UCC, and the University are now seeking to appoint an exceptional Chief People and Culture Officer (CPCO) to lead the University’s people strategy and organisational capability at a pivotal point in our evolution. This is a strategically significant leadership position and as the University’s most senior people leader, the CPCO will be a strategic advisor, culture shaper, and operational executive ensuring that UCC has the workforce, leadership capability, service model and organisational agility to deliver on UCC’s Strategic Plan. This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact.
Reporting directly to the President, the CPCO will work closely with the President, the University Leadership Team, the Governing Authority and its People, Culture, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee. The appointee will also collaborate with university committees, working groups, and external partners across the higher education sector in Ireland and internationally. The role is responsible for leading both organisation wide cultural evolution and organisational change across the university, alongside delivering a step change in the design, structure and delivery of a People and Culture Function. so that it is high performing, digitally enabled, leading best practice and delivering measurable impact against the UCC Strategic Plan goals.
The University will be supported in this appointment process by the executive search firm Perrett Laver and enquiries can be made directly to Chris McCann, chris.mccann@perrettlaver.com. 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.
Further information about the role can be found on this website and full applications can be made below quoting reference 8399. The closing date for applications will be 12pm GMT, Friday 22nd May 2026.
