Overview of the Organisation
Snooker and Billiards Ireland (SBI) is the National Governing Body responsible for the promotion, development, organisation and governance of snooker and billiards throughout Ireland. SBI works with affiliated clubs, players, coaches, officials, volunteers, sponsors and national and international partners to increase participation, develop talent pathways, deliver national competitions and ensure the long-term sustainability of cue sports.
The organisation is committed to high standards of governance, integrity, inclusion and excellence, while supporting recreational and performance participation at all levels.
General Description of the Role
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is the senior executive responsible for the overall leadership, management and development of Snooker and Billiards Ireland. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the CEO will lead the implementation of the organisation’s strategic plan and ensure the effective delivery of operational, financial, governance, commercial and sporting objectives.
The role requires a dynamic and commercially minded leader capable of driving organisational growth, building strategic partnerships, increasing participation, securing funding and sponsorship, and strengthening the profile of cue sports throughout Ireland.
The CEO is accountable for the overall strategic, operational and financial performance of Snooker and Billiards Ireland and will play a central role in driving participation growth, strengthening governance standards, developing commercial opportunities and ensuring the sustainable development of the sport throughout Ireland. The role requires a highly capable leader who can balance strategic vision with operational delivery while working effectively with the Board, staff, volunteers, members, funding agencies and key stakeholders.
The position is offered initially on a 12-month fixed-term contract 0.6 FTE, subject to satisfactory performance against agreed Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), with the intention of extending the appointment subject to organisational requirements and available funding. The role is hybrid and based partly on-site at Carlow Snooker Academy.
Roles and Responsibilities
Responsibilities of the CEO role include, but are not limited to:
Strategic Leadership and Organisational Performance
Develop, implement and monitor the organisation’s Strategic Plan and annual operational plans.
Lead the delivery of strategic objectives through the development of measurable performance indicators and organisational targets.
Establish appropriate performance management and reporting frameworks to monitor organisational progress against strategic, financial, governance and participation objectives.
Prepare regular performance reports for the Board, providing analysis of achievements, challenges, emerging risks and recommendations for corrective action where required.
Identify and deliver opportunities for organisational growth, innovation and increased participation.
Provide strategic advice and recommendations to the Board on matters including commercial development, sponsorship, governance, digital transformation and organisational sustainability.
Ensure organisational resources are aligned with strategic priorities and deliver measurable outcomes for members, clubs, participants and funding partners.
Promote a culture of continuous improvement, accountability and evidence-based decision-making throughout the organisation.
Leadership and People Management
Provide effective leadership and direction to all employees, contractors, committees and volunteers.
Foster a high-performing, inclusive and values-driven organisational culture that supports innovation, collaboration and accountability.
Lead workforce planning to ensure the organisation has the capacity, capability and structure required to achieve its strategic objectives.
Oversee staff recruitment, induction, performance management, professional development and succession planning activities.
Conduct regular performance reviews and support employee development through coaching, mentoring and objective setting.
Ensure staff and volunteers are appropriately supported through training, development and performance review processes.
Promote employee wellbeing and maintain a positive workplace culture aligned with the values of Snooker and Billiards Ireland.
Ensure compliance with employment legislation, organisational policies and recognised human resource management good practice.
Oversee workforce planning, recruitment, performance management and succession planning.
Board Support, Governance and Risk Management
Act as the principal adviser to the Board on strategic, operational, financial, governance, commercial and risk management matters.
Provide the Board with timely and accurate information to support effective governance and strategic decision-making.
Support the Board in the development, implementation and review of organisational policies, governance frameworks and strategic priorities.
Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, governance codes, funding requirements and regulatory obligations.
Identify strategic and operational risks and develop appropriate mitigation measures for Board consideration.
Maintain organisational risk registers and ensure effective internal controls are in place to protect organisational assets and reputation.
Ensure the organisation maintains the highest standards of transparency, accountability and governance consistent with Sport Ireland requirements and recognised best practice.
Ensure compliance with the Sport Ireland Governance Code and support the organisation in achieving and maintaining the governance standards applicable to National Governing Bodies.
Financial and Commercial Management
Assume overall responsibility for the financial management, sustainability and long-term financial planning of the organisation.
Develop annual budgets, financial forecasts and business plans for Board approval.
Monitor financial performance against approved budgets and strategic targets.
Ensure effective financial controls, reporting systems and risk management procedures are maintained.
Identify and develop commercial opportunities, sponsorship partnerships and revenue-generating initiatives.
Lead negotiations with sponsors, commercial partners, service providers and funding agencies on behalf of the organisation.
Secure diversified income streams through sponsorship, grants, fundraising initiatives and commercial activities.
Ensure the sustainable and efficient use of organisational resources.
Ensure all grant funding and public investment are managed and reported in accordance with funding agreements and regulatory requirements.
Stakeholder Engagement and External Relations
Act as the primary representative and ambassador of Snooker and Billiards Ireland.
Build and maintain strong relationships with affiliated clubs, members, players, coaches, officials, volunteers and key stakeholders.
Develop productive relationships with Sport Ireland, sponsors, funding bodies, government agencies and other strategic partners.
Represent the organisation at national and international meetings, events, competitions and forums as required.
Build and strengthen relationships with relevant international governing bodies and sporting organisations.
Identify opportunities for partnerships and collaborative initiatives that support participation growth, athlete development and organisational sustainability.
Promote diversity, inclusion and participation across all areas of the sport.
Ensure effective communication and engagement with stakeholders to strengthen confidence in the organisation and its strategic direction.
Note: The functions and responsibilities initially assigned to the position is based on the current organisational requirements and may be changed from time to time.
Essential Criteria
Essential: A third-level qualification at NFQ Level 8 (Honours Bachelor’s Degree) in business, sports management, governance, management, finance, law, or related discipline.
Desirable: A postgraduate qualification at NFQ Level 9 (master’s degree/Postgraduate Diploma) or NFQ Level 10 (Doctoral Degree) in a relevant field.
Equivalent qualifications and/or significant relevant senior leadership experience may also be considered.
A minimum of seven years’ experience in a senior leadership, executive management or chief executive role.
Demonstrated experience leading organisational growth, strategic planning and business development initiatives.
Proven experience managing annual budgets and financial resources.
Experience managing staff, volunteers and multiple stakeholder groups.
Strong track record of delivering strategic objectives and measurable organisational outcomes.
Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation and relationship-management skills.
Experience preparing reports, business plans and presentations for boards or senior governing bodies.
Demonstrated understanding of governance, compliance and risk management.
Full driving licence and willingness to travel nationally and work occasional evenings and weekends.
Desirable Criteria
Experience within sports administration, a National Governing Body, sporting organisation or not-for-profit organisation.
Knowledge of cue sports, amateur sport structures and athlete development pathways.
Proven experience securing sponsorship, grant funding, commercial partnerships or fundraising income.
Experience working with Sport Ireland or similar funding bodies.
Experience leading organisational transformation or change-management programmes
Understanding of volunteer-led sporting organisations.
Pay Package
Competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience of €40,000-€45,000 per year.
Annual leave entitlement of four weeks paid annual leave per year (full-time equivalent).
Professional development and training opportunities.
The Board may consider introducing a performance-related incentive structure linked to the achievement of agreed strategic, commercial or fundraising objectives, subject to governance requirements and annual review.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit the following:
A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing relevant qualifications, experience and achievements.
A cover letter (maximum two pages) outlining their suitability for the role and demonstrating how they meet the essential and desirable criteria.
Applications should be submitted electronically to [email protected] no later than 17:00 on 20 November 2026
Queries relating to the position may be directed to Leslie Carroll, National Secretary, Snooker and Billiards Ireland. Email: [email protected]. Mobile: 086 262 9580. Candidates shortlisted for the next stage will be invited to participate in a selection process, which may include competency-based interviews, presentations and/or other assessment methods as determined by the selection panel.
It is anticipated that first-round interviews will take place during Q4 2026. Candidates should ensure they are available during this period.
All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. The appointment process will be conducted in accordance with the principles of fairness, transparency, merit and equal opportunity.
Closing Date: 20 November 2026 at 17:00
Application Submission Email: [email protected]
Contact for Enquiries: Leslie Carroll, National Secretary, Snooker and Billiards Ireland
Mobile: 086 262 9580
Snooker & Billiards Ireland reserves the right to shortlist candidates based on the information provided in their application. Canvassing will disqualify candidates. Late applications will not be accepted. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.
Equal Opportunities
Snooker & Billiards Ireland is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse working environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Applications are welcomed from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, civil status, disability, family status, gender, membership of the Traveller community, race, religion, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.
All appointments will be made based on merit, skills, experience and the requirements of the role. Snooker & Billiards Ireland is committed to ensuring that its recruitment and selection processes are fair, transparent and free from discrimination.
Reasonable accommodations will be provided, where appropriate, to support candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.