Are you looking for an enriching senior management role with a values-driven, mission-centred organisation, where the focus is on quality rather than profit? This is the top management role in FMDM Ireland, reporting to the Trustees (Board of Directors). It is particularly suited to someone who wants to make a difference, who wants to have a meaningful impact on the lives of others, who wants to be part of a team that is supported and appreciated for the work that they do. If these things are important to you, and you fit the criteria for this role, then you may be the person we are looking for.
The Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood (FMDM) are an international Congregation of Religious Sisters. In Ireland, the FMDM active ministry is mainly complete, and the focus now is on the healthcare and support of 47 Sisters.
We are seeking an experienced and values-driven General Manager to oversee the operational, financial and administrative functions of our Irish region, primarily the healthcare and wellbeing of the Sisters at our care campus in Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, which is supported by 45 dedicated staff members. The General Manager vacancy has arisen due to imminent retirement.
About the Role:
While a detailed Job Description/Person Specification is available on request, and is highly recommended to be considered prior to application, some of the key operational responsibilities are as follows:
· Advise and support the Trustees in relation to strategic planning for current and future facilities and services in Ireland, taking account of the age progression and accompanying healthcare requirements of the Sisters, ensuring that all facilities and support services meet the evolving needs of the Sisters.
· Advise and support the Trustees in relation to legal and regulatory requirements for the Congregation in Ireland, including those relating to property and other assets.
· Advise and support the Trustees in ensuring sound management of all FMDM assets, properties and finances in Ireland, ensuring best value at all times.
· Advise and support the Trustees in relation to implementation of best practice in all operational areas of FMDM in Ireland.
· Provide day-to-day management of FMDM operations in Ireland, ensuring smooth functioning of services and support structures for the Sisters.
· Lead the Line Management Team (including Healthcare, Pastoral Care, Finance, HR & Administration, Facilities, Catering and Housekeeping), ensuring effective and responsive management across all support services, and ensuring that targets are set, noted and reviewed weekly relating to all matters requiring attention.
· Ensure best practice in all healthcare and operational areas, and implement all approved actions.
· Work closely with the Care Manager to ensure, as a priority, that the care of the elderly sisters meets the highest standards and that the FMDM ethos is promoted.
· Act as Designated Liaison Person for Safeguarding for FMDM in Ireland, ensuring that all required meetings and regulatory reporting takes place, and that policy, procedures and training for safeguarding are regularly reviewed to meet all appropriate requirements.
· Ensure in particular that policies relating to Risk Assessment, Fire Safety and Evacuation, HACCP Food Safety, Health & Safety and Infection Control are reviewed and implemented to the letter, including all mandatory and supportive training for staff and Sisters.
· Work closely with the FMDM Head Office in Surrey, UK, and provide intermediate and/or annual reports in the required format for the Trustees and/or the FMDM Congregational Administration Team, to show the effective and safe use of funds and facilities across all areas of operation in Ireland.
· Participate actively in local and UK-based committees that impact FMDM Ireland and the whole Congregation, as determined by the Trustees.
· Support Line Managers in high-level communications with IBEC and Unions and at any negotiations which may have a reputational, operational or cost implication for FMDM.
· Organise and participate in 24-hour emergency call-in roster.
Person Specification
Qualifications (essential)
· Degree level of education
· A qualification with clearly identifiable and transferable skills appropriate to the post
· A record of ongoing professional development since qualification
Qualifications (highly desirable)
· A validated management, business, administrative or HR qualification
· A solid demonstrable understanding of financial management processes (to oversee accounts function)
Experience (essential)
· Significant and varied experience in management in Ireland, UK or EU at a high level of accountability, responsibility, independence and trust, working under minimal supervision. It is anticipated that the successful candidate will have operated at a senior level for upwards of eight years
· Experience of change management
· Knowledge of the healthcare system in Ireland, relative to the services required for older persons
Experience (highly desirable)
· Experience of working in the faith-based, not-for-profit sector
· Relevant high-level management experience in healthcare, social care or hospitality
Other Requirements
· A person whose personal values and approach to life are compatible with the Mission and Values of the FMDM
· A willingness to learn about, support and integrate with Franciscan core values and embody these in all aspects of work
· A commitment to developing an understanding of, and work within, the structures and organisation of a Religious Congregation
· No restrictions on working in Ireland or UK; excellent communication skills in English; full driving licence; unblemished Garda Vetting report
Terms & Benefits
· Full-time, 39 hours per week, office-based (Ballinasloe), Monday to Friday, with continuing responsibility as is normal for a role of this nature
· Competitive salary commensurate with experience
· Defined Contributions pension scheme with employer contribution up to 5%
· Free parking; lunch facilities; sick pay scheme
TO APPLY: Please submit your CV together with a cover letter outlining your understanding of, and compatibility with, the specific requirements of this post, by email to [email protected] to arrive not later than 5pm on Monday 8th September 2025. Requests for full Job Description or any enquiries related to this vacancy should also be addressed to [email protected]
PLEASE NOTE: Confidentiality of applications is guaranteed. There will be no disclosure or contact with employers without written consent of the applicant. Therefore, please do not send CV’s that are vague or unspecific in terms of previous or current employers, as these cannot be assessed fully in relation to suitability.
Shortlisting will take place. Interviews are planned to be held in late September 2025.
The Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood are an equal-opportunity employer.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Company pension
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 08/09/2025
