Director of Cloud Infrastructure Ireland

Ibec is seeking an experienced Director with a deep understanding of cloud computing and data centre infrastructure. This person will be required to have a good grasp on the policies and issues affecting the industry, and excellent communication skills. In addition to establishing guidelines and new programmes, this person will need to be hands on and creative in delivering complex concepts to a broad set of different stakeholders including government officials, policy makers, and industry leaders. They will also be required to engage with the media on a regular basis.

As Director of Cloud Infrastructure Ireland (CII), the successful person will provide the necessary and credible leadership, expertise and energy to ensure the key objectives of Cloud Infrastructure Ireland are identified with the CII Council and met through the development and implementation of appropriate strategy and plans.    The Director of CII will be the main advocate and spokesperson for the sector and the relationship manager and primary point of contact with members providing direct services via communications and events.  The role reports to and supports the Director of Technology Ireland who has ultimate commercial and strategic responsibility for the Association.  Energy and grid access are among the most critical strategic issues facing the sector, and the Director will be expected to lead the industry’s engagement on energy policy, grid connectivity and decarbonisation.  

The closing date for applications will be 3pm on 15th October 2026.

Strategy implementation and external profile

• With the agreement and guidance of the Director of Technology Ireland, initiate and implement a work programme in accordance with the strategic vision and action plan of the CII Council and its working groups

Develop and implement the comprehensive work programme for the CII in particular focussing on:

1. Building a coherent understanding internally of the set of issues affecting the industry. 
2. Becoming the go-to voice on issues of relevance or concern to the industry.
3. Educating policymakers and the media on the nature of the industry and its value to the economy across investment/job creation, energy and grid access, sustainability, skills, community engagement, and on the importance of a welcoming policy environment for data centres; and
4. Providing thought leadership as to opportunities for the sector to innovate. 

 
Member relations and services

• Work closely with Director of Technology Ireland to ensure member satisfaction 
•  Implement a member communications strategy, keeping members informed about any relevant issues for the sectors; work of the CII and services available using a range of channels 
• Ensure that CII is positioned to support the operational, legislative, and technical requirements of its members 
• Review draft legislation; consultation/policy papers etc., communicating as necessary with member companies and providing appropriate feedback; producing regular publications and major reports where appropriate.

Financial Management and Income generation

• Support the Director of Technology Ireland and proactively contribute to ensuring all commercial targets are met, including building the membership of the organisation over time
• Play a proactive role in relation to membership subscription targets and potential additional initiatives including alliances and sponsorship

Association Management and Governance 

• Work with Technology Ireland Director to put an appropriate governance structure in place including working groups on key issues including policy and regulatory. Manage relationships with committee and working group members 
•  Provide administrative and high level secretariat services to CII committees and working groups; work proactively with the Chair of CII providing leadership
• Monitor developments in the external environment relevant to the sector including regulatory, social, and competitive and make recommendations for action in consultation with the Director of Technology Ireland
•  Ensure governance compliance 
• Carry out other duties as identified and agreed with the Director of Technology Ireland that are in keeping with the overall purpose of the position.

 
NOTE: This list is not exhaustive but serves to reflect the nature of the duties included in the role.  Given the nature of the organisation and the need to respond to members’ needs on an ongoing basis, the role is subject to change over time.

Qualifications 

• Primary degree – business, political, communications, economics, science or equivalent
• Relevant post graduate qualifications an advantage

Knowledge 

• Understanding of the policy, business, social and competitive issues facing the cloud infrastructure sector in Ireland
• Understanding of Ireland’s energy and grid policy landscape as it affects data centres, including the roles of the CRU and EirGrid, grid connection policy, and the transition to renewable generation
• Familiarity with the Irish policymaking and regulatory environment and the relevant touchpoints with the cloud infrastructure sector
• Understanding and experience of engaging with the Irish media 
• Strong commercial awareness and understanding of Ibec’s membership relationship management processes 

Experience

• At least 7 years relevant post graduate experience 
• Strong communications experience; media experience a significant advantage 
• High level of stakeholder relationship management experience; previous experience in managing relationships with policy makers an advantage
• Familiarity with energy, grid or utilities policy and regulation a significant advantage, given its centrality to the data centre sector
• Experience of working with committees/working groups and operating at a high level, while managing multiple stakeholders and issues 
• Experience of working in complex environments and in a busy and dynamic team environment; comfortable taking on varying team roles

Skills

• Exceptional communication skills, written and oral including public speaking ability and potential to develop excellent external profile including in media
• Ability to advocate industry perspectives and positions cogently and persuasively and demonstrated ability to influence to multiple stakeholders
• Leadership capability and strong interpersonal; collaboration and relationship building skills 
• Excellent report writing and analytical skills;
• Commercially astute
• Ability to multitask, work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Highly organised and Excellent IT skills. 

Other

• Flexible approach to work – willing and able to work outside set hours 
• Strong self-starter; highly motivated and engaged – excited for the industry and the future
• Resourceful problem solver
• Availability to travel with full driver’s licence

Why us?

Ibec Core Competencies
 
Bias towards action

• Collaborative – work together as ‘one Ibec’.
• Dynamic – approach initiatives with careful planning, energy, drive, and resilience.
• Decisive – make clear, well-informed decisions.

Member and Customer Focus

• Agile and Adaptive – embrace change and be adaptive to members’ needs and in ambitious situations.
• Creative and Innovative – not afraid of dynamic thinking in finding solutions.
• Curious and Critical Thinking – open minded and proactive in gathering data in developing opinions.

Drive and Personal Leadership

• Ambitious – driven and can take responsible risks.
• Accountable – committed to highest standards and takes ownership of actions.
• Continuous Improvement – proactive on personal and professional development

Ibec is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for potential and existing employees with a disability. Should you wish to request a reasonable accommodation please email dearbhla.rice@ibec.ie