CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (ONLINE EDUCATION)

Job DescriptionPrincipal Connections has been retained by a leading international education provider to appoint an exceptional Chief Executive Officer. The organisation operates at the intersection of education, technology and professional development, delivering innovative learning solutions through strategic institutional partnerships across international markets. With an established reputation for quality, innovation and commercial success, the business has created a strong platform from which to pursue its next phase of development.

This is a compelling opportunity to lead an established and successful business, shape its future strategy, accelerate international expansion, harness emerging technologies and build further enterprise value within an entrepreneurial and commercially focused environment. The position may be based in Ireland or the United Kingdom, with regular travel required. THE POSITION The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will have full accountability for the leadership, performance and future development of the business.

They will define and execute a clear medium-term strategy, combining ambitious growth with disciplined commercial and operational delivery. With responsibility spanning profit and loss performance, people, governance, risk and regulatory compliance, the successful candidate will lead and develop a high-performing multidisciplinary team while ensuring the organisation has the capability, culture and infrastructure required to scale successfully. A central priority will be unlocking the next wave of commercial growth.

This will include entering new markets, deepening existing strategic partnerships, securing new institutional and commercial relationships, developing new products and commercial models, and optimising pricing and margins. The CEO will champion digital transformation and the effective application of artificial intelligence to improve productivity, customer experience and cost efficiency. They will combine entrepreneurial leadership with rigorous financial management and governance, positioning the business to capitalise on future strategic opportunities and maximise long-term value.

REQUIREMENTS We are seeking an accomplished senior executive with a demonstrable record of leading a business or substantial business unit with full profit and loss accountability. Candidates will have successfully delivered growth, transformation and improved commercial performance in a complex organisation, ideally within education, healthcare, professional services, technology or another regulated, knowledge-intensive environment. They will bring strong financial and business planning capability, experience developing strategic partnerships and the credibility to operate effectively with boards, investors, regulators and senior external stakeholders.

Of equal importance will be leadership style and personal impact. The successful candidate will be commercially astute, digitally fluent and intellectually curious, with the judgement and resilience to navigate complexity and changing priorities. They will be an influential and persuasive communicator who can reconcile differing perspectives, make evidence-based decisions and translate strategy into measurable results.

Authenticity, integrity and an ability to identify, develop and inspire talent will be essential, as will the energy and ambition to lead a successful business with substantial opportunities for further growth. TO APPLY To apply, please submit a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae via the available Apply option, in strictest confidence, for the attention of Pat O'Donnell, Managing Partner at Principal Connections - executive search. For a confidential discussion, please contact Principal Connections - executive search in strictest confidence.

PLEASE NOTE Please note that some job advertisement platforms do not publish telephone numbers, email addresses, or website URLs within advertisements. If no contact details appear in this advertisement, please contact our main office line, which can be found on our website. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Principal Connections has been retained as the exclusive executive search partner to manage this important appointment process and is acting as an employment agency on behalf of our client.

Our client is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. Candidates for this appointment will be identified through a combination of advertised selection and targeted executive search activities. Only applications submitted via the designated online application channels (or, where applicable, through the email address provided within a print advertisement, briefing prospectus, job description etc.) will be considered as part of the formal selection process.

Please note that any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory reference checks together with any additional background screening, verification procedures, or assessments considered appropriate to the appointment process. By applying for this vacancy through Principal Connections, you acknowledge and accept our Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Cookies Policy, all of which are available on our website. ABOUT PRINCIPAL CONNECTIONS Principal Connections is a leading executive search and leadership consulting firm serving organisations across Ireland, the United Kingdom and internationally.

We are also part of Agilium Worldwide LLC (Est. 1984), independently ranked one of the world's top global executive search groups. (55+ offices, 30+ countries, 250+ consultants). Visit our other Live Assignments Skills: CEO Chief Executive Officer Managing Director Benefits: Work From Home TPBN1_IJ