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Job description

Extern is entering a transformative phase, with a strategic vision that places leadership excellence at the heart of organisational success. The Organisational Development Lead will play a pivotal role in shaping and sustaining a high-performance culture by developing confident, capable, and future-ready leaders across all levels of the organisation. The role will lead the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of a comprehensive leadership development strategy. It will focus on building leadership capability, embedding consistent management practices, and fostering a culture of learning, accountability, and innovation. Reporting to the Director of People & Organisational Development, the postholder will work in close partnership with senior leaders to ensure that leadership development is aligned with organisational priorities and delivers measurable impact.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Directors, Heads of Department and Programme Managers to assess leadership capability and identify strategic development priorities.
• Design and deliver a leadership development programme for Grade 7 and senior managers, incorporating workshops, coaching, mentoring, and peer learning.
• Facilitate reflective practice and mentoring sessions to embed learning and support behavioural change.
• Provide tailored coaching support to senior leaders, including Directors, Heads of Department and Programme Managers to enhance strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and leadership impact.
• Develop and implement a structured executive coaching framework aligned with organisational goals and leadership competencies.
• Build internal coaching capacity by identifying and developing potential peer coaches and mentoring champions across the organisation.
• Use coaching methodologies to support leaders in navigating complex challenges, driving change, and fostering inclusive leadership practices
• Develop structured development pathways for Service and Project Managers, focusing on core leadership competencies, effective decision-making, and performance management.
• Provide tailored support to individual managers to address specific development needs, including performance challenges, leadership style, and communication effectiveness.
• Facilitate team-based interventions aimed at improving team dynamics, resolving interpersonal conflict, and strengthening collaboration.
• Use diagnostic tools (e.g., team effectiveness assessments, psychometrics, 360 feedback) to identify root causes of dysfunction and areas for growth within teams. Lead workshops and facilitated sessions to support conflict resolution, build trust.
• Partner with operational leaders to co-create action plans that improve team cohesion, engagement, and delivery of outcomes.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of interventions on team performance, providing insights and recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Design and implement a comprehensive induction programme for newly appointed or promoted managers to ensure consistent leadership standards and expectations. Collaborate with HR and operational teams to ensure seamless onboarding.
• Lead the review and enhancement of existing management training offerings, identifying gaps and opportunities for innovation. Develop blended learning solutions (in-person and digital) tailored to the needs of diverse teams and roles.
• Co-facilitate workshops and learning sessions in partnership with internal and external subject matter experts
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders on leadership development strategy and organisational capability. Build strong relationships across the organisation to foster a culture of learning, feedback, and continuous improvement.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of development initiatives, providing insights and recommendations for future investment.
• Undertake any other responsibilities as reasonably required to support the strategic aims of the organisation. This role profile is intended as a guide and may evolve in line with organisational needs.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Degree-level qualification, ideally in HR, Organisational Development, Psychology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in HR, Learning & Development, or Organisational Development, with at least 3 years in a senior role.
• Proven experience in designing and delivering leadership development programmes and interventions.
• Strong understanding of contemporary leadership theories, adult learning principles, and behavioural change models.
• Excellent facilitation, coaching, and mentoring skills. Proficient in Microsoft Office and digital learning platforms.
• Full driving licence and access to a vehicle for business travel. Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes under pressure.
• Willingness to travel across Ireland and the UK as required.

Desirable Skills

• MCIPD accreditation or equivalent. Formal coaching qualification or demonstrable experience in coaching leaders. Experience influencing and partnering with senior stakeholders to drive strategic change.
• The successful candidate must hold appropriate business insurance for travel. Applicants must clearly demonstrate how they meet the essential criteria in their application.
• Flexibility is required, including occasional overnight stays and irregular working hours. This role is subject to a Basic AccessNI check. A criminal record will not necessarily bar employment.