Interim Chief Executive Officer

• The Health Innovation Research Alliance Northern Ireland (HIRANI)
• Hybrid
• Not Disclosed
• 12-month fixed-term appointment, with potential extension subject to funding and Board approval

Closing date 12 noon on Wednesday 7 th October 2026
Must be available for interview on 19 th
October 2026

THE OPPORTUNITY

HIRANI is seeking a credible, commercially aware and collaborative leader to provide continuity through an important period of transition, deliver current commitments and work with the Board and stakeholders to define a sustainable future direction.

Commitment: 3 to 5 days per week, with flexibility by agreement

Appointment route:
Direct fixed-term employment or secondment arrangement

Location:

Northern Ireland; hybrid working with regular stakeholder engagement and travel

Reporting to:
Chair and Board of HIRANI

Renumeration:
Competitive and commensurate with experience; pro rata where applicable

APPLICATION DETAILS

Closing date: 12 noon on Wednesday 7 th October

The Health Innovation Research Alliance Northern Ireland (HIRANI) is a not-for-profit organisation that brings together industry, health, academia and government to accelerate innovation, research, investment and growth across Northern Ireland’s Life and Health Sciences sector.

HIRANI acts as a trusted convenor across the ecosystem, enabling collaboration between businesses, healthcare providers, universities, researchers, investors and policy makers. It supports sector development, connects partners to opportunities and helps translate shared ambition into practical programmes and outcomes.

The Interim Chief Executive Officer will provide visible and effective leadership during a period of organisational transition. The postholder will maintain staff stability and delivery of HIRANI’s existing commitments, while working closely with the Board, funders and stakeholders to clarify HIRANI’s future positioning, operating model and funding base.

This is both a delivery-focused and strategic leadership role. The successful candidate will bring commercial experience in the life and health sciences sector, a strong cross-sector network across Northern Ireland, and a proven ability to deliver complex programmes and develop practical, evidence-based options for Board consideration. They will also have the credibility and strategic influence to represent HIRANI at the highest levels of government, industry, academia, and healthcare, building support for an ambitious vision for life and health sciences innovation in Northern Ireland.

Applications are welcomed from candidates seeking a substantive fixed-term appointment or a secondment from another organisation. The role may be undertaken on a three to five-day-per-week basis, provided the proposed arrangement enables effective leadership, stakeholder availability and delivery of agreed outcomes. Any external interests or continuing responsibilities must be declared and managed transparently.

• Provide leadership continuity and support the HIRANI team through the CEO transition.
• Ensure delivery of current programmes, contractual commitments, objectives and agreed KPIs.
• Lead an inclusive review of HIRANI’s strategic positioning within the Northern Ireland Life and Health Sciences ecosystem.
• Develop realistic options for a sustainable funding model and the organisation’s potential next phase.
• Strengthen alignment and relationships across government, health, academia, industry, investors, funders and SMEs.
• Provide clear recommendations to the Board on future strategy, operating model, governance and leadership needs.

• Lead HIRANI through a period of transition with clarity, pace, integrity and sound…