Our client is seeking an experienced, people-focused leader to manage a high-performing scientific team within the Fisheries Resources & Assessments area. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys supporting expert staff, coordinating meaningful scientific work, and engaging with government and international partners. You don’t need to be a fisheries expert, but you do need the ability to understand complex information, lead with confidence, and maintain high standards across a busy, impactful function.
The Role
As Section Manager, you will play a central role in coordinating the delivery of scientific advice that informs national policy and supports Ireland’s engagement in European and international fisheries management.
Your responsibilities will include:
Leadership & Team Management
- Lead, develop, and support a large multidisciplinary team delivering fisheries resource assessments and scientific advice.
- Promote training, development, and performance management across the team.
- Work closely with HR on staffing matters and foster a positive, collaborative working culture.
Scientific & Advisory Delivery
- Oversee delivery of all fisheries-related scientific outputs for government clients.
- Coordinate major annual deliverables such as stock assessments and advisory publications (e.g., The Stock Book).
- Support government departments in negotiations, technical meetings, and stakeholder engagements.
- Provide clear, accessible briefings based on complex scientific information.
Strategic & Cross-Organisation Coordination
- Contribute to strategic planning and support senior leadership in implementing the annual work plan.
- Work closely with the Fisheries Impacts section to ensure aligned, effective advisory delivery.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with national and international partners, industry, and NGOs.
International Representation
- Coordinate the organisation’s input to ICES and represent Ireland at ACOM.
- Participate in relevant international scientific and advisory forums.
Governance, Policy & Operations
- Ensure compliance with internal policies (Health & Safety, procurement, staff handbook, leave management).
- Manage budgets, approve invoices, and ensure effective resource planning.
- Support internal and external communication of scientific work.
- Monitor client satisfaction and ensure consistently high-quality outputs.
What You’ll Bring
- A relevant degree and established scientific credibility
- Experience leading teams, managing projects, and handling competing priorities.
- Strong communication skills, especially in translating technical information into clear messages.
- Confidence engaging with senior stakeholders, nationally and internationally.
- Excellent organisational judgement, problem-solving ability, and attention to detail.
- Experience in science-based environments or government advisory settings is beneficial but not essential.
What’s on Offer
- 12-month contract
- Salary aligned to the public-sector scale
- Blended working arrangements
- 30 days annual leave
- Strong commitment to professional development, training, and wellbeing supports
Who Will Thrive Here?
Someone who enjoys meaningful leadership, values evidence-based decision making, and wants to contribute to sustainable management of marine resources while supporting a team doing important national work.
Please apply today if you are interested as successful candidates will be interviewed week commencing 15th December.
Email [email protected] with an updated CV for any further info.
