Job description

Chief Operating Officer

Irish Athletic Boxing Association

The Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) is the national governing body for boxing in Ireland. Stablished in 1911, The Irish Athletic Boxing Association’s (IABA) main role is to develop, foster and control amateur boxing in 32 counties of Ireland. The IABA is committed to provide the Environment, in which support and opportunities given to our athletes, coaches and clubs in Irish boxing. The IABA operates from the National Stadium in Dublin, the only purpose built amateur boxing stadium in the world and there are currently over 360 clubs affiliated to the association across the Island oof Ireland. It is a volunteer led organization where the hard work, dedication and significant time afforded by each member has contributed to the growing success of the sport in Ireland. The sport of boxing flourished in the 1920’s as the newly formed Government viewed Boxing as an ideal way to promote the fledging Country and gain International recognition.

Our Vision is to be Ireland’s leading Olympic Sport, to inspire Ireland to participate in boxing and to achieve international success.

Our mission is to foster a culture and an environment that nurtures participation, identifies talent and supports all within the boxing family to reach our full potential.

THE POSITION

We are seeking a strategic, and operationally excellent Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead the day-to-day business operations of our organization which has an ambitious growth agenda. The ideal candidate brings a blend of leadership, deep understanding of the sports industry, and operational rigor to help us deliver on our ambitious strategy, to streamline operations, and to enhance our brand and community participation.

As Director of Operations/Chief Operating Officer, you will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of the organization, managing staff, developing strategic plans, ensuring compliance with regulations, and optimizing efficiency in all operational areas to support the overall mission and goals of the IABA.

Key Responsibilities:

The COO is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of the organization. Reporting directly to the CEO, the COO will work to align operations with strategy, streamline internal processes, and drive performance and accountability across all parts of the IABIA. .

Strategy

• Work with the CEO and leadership team to shape and implement strategic priorities
• Design and manage the operational strategy, translating vision into action and results.

Operations

• Oversee daily business operations including finance, HR, governance, systems and member development
• Build and optimize systems, workflows, and KPIs to improve efficiency, scalability, and productivity.
• Identify areas for process improvement and lead initiatives to streamline operations.
• Monitor key performance indicators and implement measures to track and improve operational performance.
• Manage internal systems to ensure they are fit for purpose, compliant and secure

Governance

• Ensure compliance with national sporting regulations and manage organizational risk, taking appropriate action when necessary
• Create structures and establish practices that ensure that all parts of the organization operate to the highest governance standards

Finance

• Manage budgets, forecasts, and financial reporting in coordination with the finance team.
• Devise and implement revenue streams to increase self-funding levels

People

• Design and lead a HR strategy that is aligned to and ensures delivery of the mission, values, and objectives of the organization.
• Establish and embed core HR processes including recruitment, performance management, learning & development, rewards & recognition and employee relations.
• Drive cross-functional alignment and foster a culture of inclusion, accountability and performance
• Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors, clients, and internal teams to ensure operational success.

Experience Requirements

Essential:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, operations management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years’ operational management experience, with 5 years at leadership level.
• Strong understanding of operational principles, practices, and techniques.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and influencing skills with proven ability to work collaboratively at all levels of an organization.
• Ability to lead out on core aspects of HR, including change management, performance management, DEI , employee relations and engagement.
• Proven ability to manage and motivate teams.
• Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to analyze data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.
• Proficiency in project management and process improvement methodologies.
• Deep knowledge of governance, regulations, and best practices in similar environment.
• Results-oriented mindset with a focus on continuous improvement.
• A leader who values equality, diversity and inclusion at all levels.

Desirable:

• Master’s degree in a relevant field would be preferred.
• A passion for sport in general and boxing in particular with a knowledge of boxing infrastructures and systems.
• Experience in working with a diverse range of stakeholders in Ireland and internationally.

To apply please send your CV and cover letter outlining why you are suitable for this position to our recruitment partner Ascension Executive Recruitment – recruitment@ascension.ie no later than 5pm on Friday the 20^th of June 2025.