Social Enterprise & Community Development Manager

The Thomas Hayes Trust CLG/Teac Tom; Leinster; Hybrid; EUR 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A community support organization in Leinster seeks a Social Enterprise & Community Development Manager to oversee operations at multiple service centres and a café. The role involves leading teams, developing community programmes, and ensuring compliance with health and safety standards. Ideal candidates will have at least 5 years of experience in a managerial role and a relevant Level 7 qualification. The position offers the possibility of remote/blended working.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in senior management or coordination in community or social enterprise sector.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong understanding of service governance and HSE compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operations of service centres and café.
• Lead and support staff and volunteer teams.
• Develop community development programmes and outreach activities.

Skills

Leadership

Problem Solving

Communication

Administration

Analytical

Education

Level 7 qualification in community development, nonprofit management, social care

Job description

Social Enterprise & Community Development Manager

The Thomas Hayes Trust CLG/Teac Tom

Ref: #JOB-2420305

Application Details

In order to work in Ireland a non-EEA National, unless they are exempted, must hold a valid employment permit. Please review the eligibility and requirements for an employment permit if you are unsure of your eligibility to apply for this vacancy.

Job Description

About the Role

We are seeking a dynamic & compassionate Social Enterprise & Community Development Manager to lead three pillars of our work:

• Teac Tom Kilkenny – our primary support & counselling centre
• Teac Tom Stradbally – our outreach support centre in Co. Laois
• Cathedral Café – our Kilkenny‑based social enterprise café

The role is based in Kilkenny, with periodic oversight of the Stradbally site. You will manage operations, lead staff & volunteers, grow community development programmes & support our governance & funding objectives. You will also play a key role in ensuring that all services operate in line with HSE standards & that the Clinical Coordinator & therapeutic team are supported to meet all necessary compliance & quality assurance requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the day‑to‑day operations of Teac Tom Kilkenny, Teac Tom Stradbally & Cathedral Café.
• Lead & support staff & volunteer teams across both service centres & the café.
• Promote an inclusive, trauma‑informed culture across all areas of the organisation.
• Ensure that services meet HSE standards & best practice guidelines in partnership with the Clinical Coordinator and CEO.
• Monitor adherence to safeguarding, child protection (Children First), GDPR, health and safety & food hygiene standards.
• Support the Clinical Coordinator to meet professional & contractual requirements for counselling services.
• Develop and implement community development programmes, events & outreach activities.
• Manage rostering, stock control, café logistics & customer service standards.
• Build local partnerships to increase reach & impact of services & enterprise.
• Contribute to funding proposals, reporting & financial oversight with the CEO.
• Report to the Board on progress & challenges across all areas of responsibility.

Essential Criteria

• Minimum 5 years' experience in a senior management or coordination role in the community, health, voluntary, or social enterprise sector.
• A relevant third-level qualification (Level 7 or higher) in community development, nonprofit management, social care, health, or a related field.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary teams, including staff and volunteers.
• Proven ability to coordinate community‑led initiatives or mental health supports.
• Strong understanding of service governance, including HSE compliance & safeguarding policies.
• Excellent interpersonal, administrative & problem‑solving skills.
• Experience in budgeting, financial oversight & funding applications.
• Familiarity with HACCP and café operations (training can be provided if required).

Desirable Criteria

• Experience supporting or overseeing mental health or counselling services.
• Knowledge of HSE standards, Tusla Meitheal model, and the Charity Governance Code.
• Experience managing a social enterprise or café‑style service.
• Understanding of lived experience as a foundation for support and programme design.

• This vacancy is suitable for Remote/Blended working.
• Sector: human health and social work activities.

Career Level

• Managerial

Candidate Requirements

Essential

• Minimum Experienced Required (Years): 5
• Minimum Qualification: Level 7 (incl Diploma & Ordinary Bachelor Degree)

Desirable

• Ability Skills: Administration, Analytical, Communications, Computer Literacy
• Competency Skills: Initiative, Leadership, Management, Problem Solving
• Specialising In: managerial, social enterprise development