Chief Operations Officer
Teagasc is the Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority, a national body providing integrated research, advisory and training services to the Irish agri-food sector and circular bioeconomy. As an internationally recognised leader in innovation and knowledge transfer, Teagasc plays a key role in driving a competitive and climate-resilient agri-food system through scientific leadership, expert knowledge and innovation support, while advancing environmental sustainability, and strengthening economic viability of the sector and the well-being of rural communities.
Teagasc is a dynamic, knowledge-based public service organisation that delivers impact through the professionalism, expertise, and commitment of its people. It fosters a high-performing culture built on its core values of Respect, Integrity and Excellence, making Teagasc a great place to work while delivering world class services and value to its stakeholders.
The Role
Teagasc is now recruiting for the role of Chief Operations Officer (COO) based at its Head Office, Oak Park, Carlow.
Reporting to the Director of Teagasc, the COO will be a member of the Executive Team, alongside the Director of Research and the Director of Knowledge Transfer. As part of this leadership team, the COO will provide strategic leadership across the organisation and will engage proactively with key stakeholders, particularly the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The COO will serve as Secretary to the Teagasc Authority (Board) and will be responsible for Authority Affairs, supporting effective governance, accountability and decision-making across the organisation.
The COO will provide strategic leadership and oversight across a diverse portfolio of corporate and operational functions and will lead the Operations Directorate, with overall responsibility for the Finance, Human Resources, ICT and Corporate Services Departments, through their respective Heads of Department. The role also includes responsibility for the Business Delivery Unit and for driving operational excellence and digitalisation through the Project Management Office.
As a key member of the Executive Team, the COO will play a pivotal role in enabling the successful delivery of Teagasc’s strategic objectives and long-term organisational success. The role encompasses responsibility for corporate governance, operational efficiency, financial stewardship, value for money, ICT and cybersecurity, business continuity, risk management, organisational development, data governance, business performance metrics, and the delivery of strategic change initiatives across Teagasc.
The Person
The successful candidate will be a strategically focused and values-driven leader with a proven track record of delivering organisational performance in a complex environment. They will bring strong governance and stakeholder management skills, together with commercial and financial acumen, and the ability to lead and inspire high-performing teams while operating effectively at Executive Team level. Combining strategic vision with sound judgement and resilience, they will drive organisational change, foster innovation and operational excellence, and play a key role in supporting the successful delivery of Teagasc’s strategic objectives.
To pursue your interest, please submit your application (reference document ‘How to Apply’) to:
Ms. Teri Quinn
Osborne Executive
Email: teagasc@osborne.ie
For a confidential discussion, please contact:
041 986 5058 or 086 083 0690
Closing date for receipt of applications:
12 noon, Friday 10 July 2026
Candidates for this role may be sourced through both advertising and executive search processes. Teagasc is committed to fostering an open, diverse and inclusive workplace and welcomes applications from candidates from all backgrounds.
