Hiring for Executive in Ireland
The Irish executive market is currently characterised by heightened scrutiny and longer recruitment processes, with leadership demand focused heavily on roles that directly drive transformation and strategic outcomes.
In addition to traditional C-suite positions, there is a significant surge in demand for tech-focused leaders, including Chief AI, Data, and Sustainability Officers. Boards are now prioritising human leadership skills, seeking executives who demonstrate high emotional intelligence and the ability to foster psychological safety during periods of uncertainty.
Fractional and interim C-suite models are also becoming mainstream, allowing firms to access niche expertise for specific projects without long-term overheads.
In-Demand Executive Roles in Ireland
- CEOs
- CFOs
- COOs
- CTOs/CIOs
- CPOs
- Chief AI Officers (CAIO)
- Chief Data Officers (CDO) / Chief Data Analytics Officers (CDAO)
- Chief Information Security Officers (CISO)
- Chief Sustainability Officers (CSO)
In-Demand Executive Skills in Ireland
- AI fluency
- Cybersecurity
- Human leadership skills
- Strategic acumen and cross-functional skills
Up, Down, or Flat? Executive Salary Trends in Ireland
Executive salaries in Ireland saw a healthy increase in 2025 across nearly all sectors, particularly in technology, manufacturing, and professional services.
Though hiring has become more selective, businesses have shown significant flexibility in offering competitive total compensation packages once a strategic leadership position is approved.
This upward trend is expected to continue into 2026 for high-impact leaders, especially those possessing the specialised AI fluency and crisis management skills currently prioritised by boards.
Executive Search Salaries in Ireland
| Job Title |
Search job title
|
Sub Sector | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Job Title | Sector | Sub Sector | Location | 0 - 3 years | 3 - 5 years | 5+ years |
Chief Executive General Salaries General Salaries Hourly rate |
Financial Services | General Salaries | Ireland | €154 - €256 | ||
Chief Operating Officer General Salaries General Salaries Hourly rate |
Financial Services | General Salaries | Ireland | €113 - €179 | ||
Chief Risk Officer General Salaries General Salaries Hourly rate |
Financial Services | General Salaries | Ireland | €113 - €179 | ||
Chief Compliance Officer General Salaries General Salaries Hourly rate |
Financial Services | General Salaries | Ireland | €77 - €154 | ||
Chief Investment Officer General Salaries General Salaries Hourly rate |
Financial Services | General Salaries | Ireland | €103 - €154 | ||
Chief Commercial Officer Hourly rate |
General Salaries | Ireland | €77 - €154 | |||
Chief Data Officer Hourly rate |
General Salaries | Ireland | €92 - €154 | |||
Chief Demand Officer Hourly rate |
General Salaries | Ireland | €77 - €144 | |||
Chief Digital Officer Hourly rate |
General Salaries | Ireland | €92 - €154 | |||
Chief Executive Officer Hourly rate |
General Salaries | Ireland | €128 - €231 | |||
Chief Financial Officer Hourly rate |
General Salaries | Ireland | €92 - €128 | |||
Chief Information Officer Hourly rate |
General Salaries | Ireland | €103 - €179 | |||
Chief Information Security Officer Hourly rate |
General Salaries | Ireland | €92 - €144 | |||
Chief Marketing Officer Hourly rate |
General Salaries | Ireland | €77 - €154 | |||
Chief Operating Officer Hourly rate |
General Salaries | Ireland | €77 - €154 | |||
Chief Operations Officer Hourly rate |
General Salaries | Ireland | €77 - €154 | |||
Chief People Officer Hourly rate |
General Salaries | Ireland | €77 - €154 | |||
Chief Product Officer Hourly rate |
General Salaries | Ireland | €77 - €154 | |||
Chief Sales Officer Hourly rate |
General Salaries | Ireland | €92 - €128 | |||
Chief Technology Officer Hourly rate |
General Salaries | Ireland | €103 - €154 | |||
General Manager Hourly rate |
General Salaries | Ireland | €92 - €154 | |||
Managing Director Hourly rate |
General Salaries | Ireland | €92 - €154 | |||
Chief Internal Auditor Hourly rate |
General Salaries | Ireland | €77 - €154 | |||
Chief Revenue Officer Hourly rate |
General Salaries | Ireland | €56 - €118 | |||
R&D Director Hourly rate |
Life Sciences Salaries | Ireland | €128 - €179 | |||
VP / Director of Engineering Hourly rate |
Life Sciences Salaries | Ireland | €62 - €87 | |||
VP / Director of HR Hourly rate |
Life Sciences Salaries | Ireland | €67 - €128 | |||
VP / Director of Manufacturing Hourly rate |
Life Sciences Salaries | Ireland | €62 - €92 | |||
VP / Director of Operations Hourly rate |
Life Sciences Salaries | Ireland | €72 - €92 | |||
VP / Director of Supply Chain Hourly rate |
Life Sciences Salaries | Ireland | €56 - €103 | |||
VP of Quality Hourly rate |
Life Sciences Salaries | Ireland | €67 - €92 | |||
Chief Information Officer Hourly rate |
Technology Salaries | Ireland | €103 - €179 | |||
Chief Information Security Officer Hourly rate |
Technology Salaries | Ireland | €92 - €144 | |||
Chief Technology Officer Hourly rate |
Technology Salaries | Ireland | €103 - €154 | |||
Chief of Architecture Hourly rate |
Technology Salaries | Ireland | €92 - €128 | |||
VP / Director of HR Hourly rate |
Technology Salaries | Ireland | €67 - €128 | |||
VP / Director of Sales Hourly rate |
Technology Salaries | Ireland | €92 - €128 |
Download Your 2026 Executive Search Salary Guide for Ireland.
Permanent, temporary and contract salary data for a range of Executive Search roles, as well as insights and advice to guide your talent strategies.
