Director of Mergers - Principal Officer

Our client the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is seeking Director of Mergers at Principal Officer (PO) level.

Division Overview

The Mergers Division delivers the CCPC’s merger review function. This involves examining mergers notified to the CCPC to determine if they would result in a substantial lessening of competition in any market for goods or services in the State. As a result of new powers introduced by the Competition (Amendment) Act 2022, the CCPC can initiate merger reviews by calling-in mergers that have not been notified but may have effects on competition in the State. The Mergers Division ensures that mergers which threaten to result in a substantial lessening of competition only proceed where measures are put in place that address the CCPC’s competition concerns. Where that does not happen, the CCPC can prohibit the merger. In any given year, the Mergers Division can consider transactions with a cumulative value of several billion euro.

The Mergers Division represents the CCPC at European Commission Advisory Committee meetings and participates in the European Competition Network (ECN) Merger Working Group. The Mergers Division also leads on engagement with the European Commission on matters relating to the EU Foreign Subsidies Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2022/2560).

The Role

The CCPC is seeking to recruit a Director of Mergers to lead the delivery of the CCPC’s merger review function. This is an opportunity for an experienced professional, with excellent strategic leadership skills and proven expertise in the application of competition law and/or economics, to take on a senior management role in a dynamic and fast-paced national competition authority that is growing in ambition and purpose.

The Director of Mergers will be responsible for leading a high-performing team in delivering Ireland’s merger control regime and protecting the welfare of Irish consumers. The Mergers Division currently has a sanctioned headcount of 15 staff (including the Director), supplemented by external consultants when additional resources are required. As Director you will promote the Vision, Mission and Values of the CCPC. You will be responsible for leading and managing a dedicated team undertaking meaningful and impactful work, providing strategic direction to the Division and delivering on its annual divisional workplan. You will have the opportunity to represent the CCPC at national and international fora and conferences. This may include European Commission Advisory Committee meetings, and European and International Competition Network meetings.

Reporting to a Member of the Commission, the Director of Mergers will work closely with the wider Senior Management team (i.e. Members and Directors) in the CCPC and will contribute to the development of the organisation through initiating, and constructive engagement in, cross-Divisional and organisation-wide projects.

The Successful Candidate

The successful applicant will have a critical leadership role in managing for results and delivering to a high standard in a challenging and dynamic environment. The post holder will be self-driven with experience of contributing effectively to the strategic direction of an organisation and the ability to motivate staff to meet ambitious targets and demanding statutory deadlines. They will have a proven record of strong leadership,

people and case management experience, strong analytical skills and an ability to oversee multiple complex cases/projects. They will have the ability to provide strong contributions and communicate publicly on emerging competition and merger issues internally, nationally and internationally.

In addition to the immediate appointment from this campaign, an order of merit may be established. This may be used to fill any future vacancies at the same level within this or other Divisions of the CCPC where roles have similar responsibilities and/or similar skills are required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and drive the strategy and workplan of the Mergers Division, providing strategic leadership and guidance to the team, managing risk and pro-actively contributing to the CCPC achieving its strategic objectives.
• Provide effective leadership of merger review teams investigating mergers in compliance with relevant legislation, guidelines and related procedures.
• Ensure the delivery of merger reviews on time, taking into account the need to manage multiple complex cases with competing priorities and demands.
• Lead and manage the Mergers Division to ensure its operational effectiveness, setting high standards and implementing strategies to drive team performance, including implementation of project management tools to deliver successful outcomes in merger reviews.
• Monitor and develop capability and capacity across the Mergers Division through effective delegation, coaching and mentoring and identification of learning/development needs.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders to advocate for necessary policy or legislative change to support the delivery of the CCPC’s merger review function.
• Build and maintain excellent working relationships with the Members of the CCPC, other Divisional Directors and staff, and key external stakeholders including government officials, other national competition authorities, and the European Commission.
• Develop CCPC positions on merger policy and emerging issues and represent the CCPC at national and international fora, conferences and media events.
• Promote the Mission, Vision and Values of the CCPC though self-management and team management and contribute to the development and achievement of the strategic goals of the organisation generally by participating in cross-divisional projects as and when required.

Essential

Please note: In order to satisfy the shortlisting panel that you meet these criteria you must explicitly reference how you meet same in your CV. Failure to demonstrate these may prevent your application progressing to future shortlisting stages.

1. A third level qualification (at Level 8 or above) in Law, Economics, Business or other related discipline.
2. At least 4 years’ demonstrable experience of leading and managing people/projects(s) in a legal, economic, regulatory, compliance and/or enforcement area.
3. Knowledge and experience in the area of merger control.
4. Strong legal/economic drafting skills including the ability to understand and analyse information and deliver clear, focused reports.
5. Strong verbal communication skills including the ability to influence senior management and present complex information to multiple audiences with different backgrounds.
6. Proven ability to lead and deliver on projects within tight time frames.

Desirable

1. Relevant qualifications and/or experience above the essential requirements.

Application Process

In order to apply for this opportunity, candidates must submit the application form for this opportunity before the closing date for applications.

The application from can be found here: https://www.ccpc.ie/consumers/about/careers/current-opportunities/

To apply for this role using the link on the CCPC careers page, please submit an up-to-date CV and a cover letter (maximum one page), which demonstrates how you meet the criteria for the role.

Applicants should note that canvassing will result in your exclusion from the process.

The deadline for applications is 3.00pm, Tuesday, 3rd June, 2025.

Should you have any queries, please contact [email protected]