Principal Connections has been retained by a leading provider of educational products and services to identify an accomplished senior leader to assume the position of Managing Director. With a strong reputation for innovation, partnership, and sector impact, the organisation now seeks to appoint a commercially minded and strategically focused Managing Director to lead its next phase of growth. THE POSITION The Managing Director (MD) will hold full accountability for strategic direction, commercial performance, and sustainable organisational growth. In addition, they will have full accountability for product development, sales, marketing, and customer engagement. The appointee will oversee revenue generation, profitability, and the effective management of national contracts, while also directing product development, customer engagement, and marketing activities. Leading a small but high performing team, the MD will act as the primary representative of the organisation across national forums and sector events. They will maintain strong relationships with educational bodies, partners, and clients, guide the product roadmap, inform new programme opportunities, and ensure consistent brand, content, and customer experience standards. REQUIREMENTS The successful candidate will demonstrate proven commercial acumen, with experience in education, product strategy, sales, or marketing, and a record of building influential networks across both the private and public sectors. They will bring strong communication, negotiation, and relationship management skills, along with the ability to translate customer insight into innovative, market leading solutions. They will be an effective leader of cross functional teams, capable of managing complex programmes, navigating the public sector and remaining well informed on policy developments, education reform, and broader national trends. A working knowledge of the Irish language would be advantageous. REMUNERATION A competitive remuneration and benefits package will be on offer to successful candidate. HOW TO APPLY To apply, please submit a Curriculum Vitae by email to Principal Connections via the online ‘ Apply Option ’ available in strictest confidence, for the immediate attention of: Eilish Devine, Partner. For a confidential discussion please contact Eilish Devine, Partner on +353 (0)1 703 88 09. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Principal Connections is acting as an employment agency and has been retained to manage this important appointment process. Principal Connections and our clients are committed to equality of opportunity in employment. We adhere fully to the principles of the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015 and the Fair Employment and Treatment (Northern Ireland) Order 1998. Candidates for this post will be sourced through both an advertised selection and executive search process. Only applications submitted through the available online application options or via the email address provided where a print advertisement will be considered. Please note that any offer of employment will be made subject to satisfactory reference checks as well as any other background checks and/or assessments deemed appropriate to the process. By applying for this vacancy with Principal Connections, you accept the Term’s & Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Cookies Policy which can be found 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 #J-18808-Ljbffr
Principal Connections – executive search has been exclusively retained by a leading provider of bespoke digital strategy, technology solutions, and marketing services to luxury hotel brands worldwide. This organisation partners with distinguished hotels to maximise their direct booking performance through an integrated approach combining strategic planning, technology innovation, and service excellence. Headquartered on the scenic west coast of Ireland, with additional teams based internationally, the company operates across key markets with a growing client base throughout Europe and beyond. With an ambitious growth agenda, the organisation now seeks to appoint a highly driven and commercially astute Head of Business Development to spearhead its domestic and international sales strategy. THE POSITION The Head of Business Development will play a pivotal role in expanding the company’s market presence and accelerating revenue growth. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, the appointed candidate will develop and implement strategic sales initiatives, build relationships with key decision makers, and drive new business opportunities within the global luxury hospitality sector. The appointee will collaborate closely with account management, marketing and technical teams to align client offerings, craft compelling sales pitches, and deliver outstanding client experiences from first contact through to onboarding. This role demands a proactive approach to outbound sales, while also leveraging inbound opportunities, underpinned by expert negotiation capabilities and an analytical mindset to monitor performance and optimise results. The successful candidate will thrive in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment where initiative, innovation, and relationship‑building are highly valued. REQUIREMENTS The successful candidate will hold a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business Administration, or a related discipline, and will bring extensive experience in business development or sales, ideally with a technology or software sales background or similar. They will demonstrate a proven record of achieving revenue growth, developing strategic partnerships, and delivering measurable sales outcomes. A confident and credible communicator, the appointee will have significant experience engaging with client decision makers at a senior management level or above, shaping tailored solutions, and negotiating complex commercial agreements. Exceptional interpersonal, negotiation, and presentation skills are essential, together with a deep understanding of outbound and inbound sales strategies. The appointee will combine analytical and problem‑solving strengths with commercial acumen and the ability to work independently or as part of a cross‑functional team. A willingness to travel and strong familiarity with CRM systems are also required. REMUNERATION A highly attractive remuneration package will be offered to the successful candidate, including a base salary and commission incentive. The appointment will also include a comprehensive benefits package encompassing pension, health insurance, paid leave, flexible and remote working arrangements, and a range of wellness initiatives. Additional benefits include profit‑sharing, referral bonuses, annual offsite events, and a day off to celebrate the appointee’s birthday. HOW TO APPLY If you believe that you meet the requirements necessary to take on this important role, please submit a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae via the available ‘Apply Option’ in strictest confidence, for the attention of Mark Middleton, Partner of our retained executive search partners, Principal Connections – executive search on or before 12 noon on Friday 28th November 2025 . For a confidential discussion, please contact Mark Middleton on +353 (0)1 703 8803. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Principal Connections is acting as an employment agency and has been retained to manage this important appointment process. Principal Connections and our clients are committed to equality of opportunity in employment. We adhere fully to the principles of the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015 and the Fair Employment and Treatment (Northern Ireland) Order 1998. Candidates for this post will be sourced through both an advertised selection and executive search process. Only applications submitted through the available online application options or via the email address provided where a print advertisement will be considered. Please note that any offer of employment will be made subject to satisfactory reference checks as well as any other background checks and/or assessments deemed appropriate to the process. By applying for this vacancy with Principal Connections, you accept the Term’s & Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Cookies Policy which can be found 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 #J-18808-Ljbffr
A leading educational products provider in Dublin is seeking a Managing Director to lead organisational growth and strategic initiatives. The ideal candidate will have proven commercial acumen in education and a track record in product strategy, sales, or marketing. This role involves overseeing revenue generation, directing product development, and maintaining key partnerships. Strong leadership skills and the ability to innovate based on customer insights are essential. A competitive remuneration package is on offer. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Principal Connections – executive search has been exclusively retained by a leading supply chain solutions provider to appoint for the newly created position of Head of Commercial Finance. THE POSITION Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, this key role will be pivotal in shaping the organisation’s strategic direction. The post-holder will deliver robust financial insights, incisive commercial analysis, and pragmatic advice to drive performance, profitability, and long-term growth. Acting as a bridge between finance, operations, and the commercial functions, the individual will support long-term planning, developing compelling business cases, and presenting financial data in a way that informs investment, pricing, and cost efficiency strategies. In addition, the post-holder will proactively identify risks and opportunities, ensuring that financial performance is continuously optimised. REQUIREMENTS Candidates will demonstrate a blend of strong technical expertise, commercial acumen, and the ability to influence and engage stakeholders effectively. They must be capable of translating complex financial information into clear, actionable insights, presenting data in a way that supports informed decision‑making at executive and board level. Exceptional analytical ability, sound problem‑solving skills, and adaptability within a dynamic environment are essential, together with integrity and discretion in handling sensitive information. Applicants will be professionally qualified accountants with significant experience in finance business partnering or commercial finance, ideally gained within a relevant industry. Strong communication and relationship management skills are critical, as the role requires regular interaction with both financial and non‑financial stakeholders across the organisation. REMUNERATION A competitive remuneration package will be on offer to successful candidate. HOW TO APPLY To apply, please submit a Curriculum Vitae by email to Principal Connections via the online ‘Apply Option’ available in strictest confidence, for the immediate attention of: Eilish Devine, Partner. For a confidential discussion please contact Eilish Devine on +353 (0)1 703 88 08. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Principal Connections is acting as an employment agency and has been retained to manage this important appointment process. Principal Connections and our clients are committed to equality of opportunity in employment. We adhere fully to the principles of the Employment Equality Acts 1998‑2015 and the Fair Employment and Treatment (Northern Ireland) Order 1998. Candidates for this post will be sourced through both an advertised selection and executive search process. Only applications submitted through the available online application options or via the email address provided where a print advertisement will be considered. Please note that any offer of employment will be made subject to satisfactory reference checks as well as any other background checks and/or assessments deemed appropriate to the process. 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 #J-18808-Ljbffr
A leading supply chain solutions provider in County Dublin is seeking a Head of Commercial Finance to shape strategic direction and deliver financial insights. This pivotal role requires a professionally qualified accountant with strong technical expertise and commercial acumen. The ideal candidate will engage stakeholders and provide actionable financial analysis to drive performance and profitability. A competitive remuneration package will be offered to the successful candidate. #J-18808-Ljbffr
