Londonderry Port & Harbour Commissioners (LPHC), who were established by Act of Parliament in 1854 are an independent, self-financing Trust Port with a clear duty to operate, maintain, and develop the Port for the benefit of today's stakeholders and future generations.
Serving as the marine and economic gateway to the North West City Region for over 170 years, the Port has evolved into a deep-water, multi-terminal Trust Port. It is equipped with an extensive marine fleet, dock-side assets and expansive storage facilities. Of equal significance, Foyle Port's land is located beside critical electricity, gas and data connection infrastructure, and is adjacent to excellent road, rail and air transport links.
Recognised as one of the most successful regional ports in the UK and Ireland, Foyle Port is a vital driver of regional prosperity, operating across complementary trading and utility platforms, supporting thousands of jobs and economic development.
The Port has achieved sustained growth through diversification and strategic investment. It is built on strong foundations and continues to invest in its future through long-term development in marine, renewables, and digital infrastructure. The Port now stands at a pivotal moment in its evolution, guided by a long-term Masterplan that positions it to lead the next generation of sustainable growth across land and sea.
This recruitment process forms part of the organisation's ongoing succession planning, ensuring a smooth and well managed leadership transition following the stepping down of the current CEO after more than two decades of service.
THE POSITION
LPHC seeks to appoint a visionary and strategic Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead one of Northern Ireland's most dynamic Trust Ports into its next phase of growth and diversification. Reporting directly to the Board, the CEO will provide decisive leadership and strategic direction, driving long-term sustainability and innovation.
As an ambassador for the organisation, the CEO will cultivate and maintain strategic relationships with government, industry, and community stakeholders, representing the Port's interests at regional, national, and international levels. The successful candidate will lead growth in key clusters including digital infrastructure and renewables.
This is a pivotal opportunity for a dynamic and forward-thinking leader with the vision, credibility and capability to lead Foyle Port through a period of transformation, ensuring financial resilience and continued contribution to the North West City Region's economic future.
The successful candidate upon appointment of the CEO role, will also be appointed as a LPHC Commissioner in accordance with the Londonderry Port and Harbour Order 2002.
REQUIREMENTS
The ideal candidate will have experience operating at or near CEO level within a similarly complex and commercially focused organisation. They will bring visionary leadership, strong commercial and financial acumen, and a proven ability to optimise resources and drive sustainable growth, while building and nurturing a high-performing organisational culture.
Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills are essential, along with proven experience in government relations and advocacy, ideally gained in a safety-critical and regulated sector such as infrastructure, energy, or transport.
The ideal candidate will be highly people-focused, able to build positive relationships, together with a deep understanding of governance and compliance that inspires confidence and trust across diverse audiences. A degree in a relevant discipline, postgraduate qualification or recognised professional qualification is required.
REMUNERATION
A competitive remuneration package will be on offer for the successful CEO. The LPHC Commissioner role is remunerated separately.
HOW TO APPLY
If you believe that you meet the requirements necessary to take on this important role, please submit a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae via the available 'Apply Option' in strictest confidence, for the attention of Eilish Devine, Partner of our retained executive search partners, Principal Connections - executive search on or before 12 noon on 7th November 2025.
For a confidential discussion please contact Eilish Devine on +353 (0)1 703 88 09.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Principal Connections is acting as an employment agency and has been retained to manage this important appointment process.
Principal Connections and our clients are committed to equality of opportunity in employment. We adhere fully to the principles of the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015 and the Fair Employment and Treatment (Northern Ireland) Order 1998.
Candidates for this post will be sourced through both an advertised selection and executive search process.
Only applications submitted through the available online application options or via the email address provided where a print advertisement will be considered.
Please note that any offer of employment will be made subject to satisfactory reference checks as well as any other background checks and/or assessments deemed appropriate to the process.
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ABOUT PRINCIPAL CONNECTIONS
Principal Connections is a leading executive search and leadership consulting firm serving organisations across Ireland, the United Kingdom and internationally. We are also part of Agilium Worldwide LLC (Est. 1984), independently ranked one of the world's top global executive search groups. (55+ offices, 30+ countries, 250+ consultants).
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