A strategic leadership role at the heart of Northern Ireland’s enterprise landscape. May Consulting is pleased to announce the commencement of the recruitment process for the next Chairperson of Enterprise Northern Ireland (ENI). This is a significant leadership opportunity within an organisation that plays a central role in supporting entrepreneurship, business start-up activity and regional enterprise development across all 11 council areas in Northern Ireland.
As the representative body for the Local Enterprise Agency (LEA) network, ENI provides a vital interface between local businesses, government, funders and the wider economic ecosystem. Its work enables thousands of individuals and organisations to access business support, loan funding, digital enablement and growth programmes. The Chairperson will play a critical role in guiding ENI through a period defined by digital transformation, enhanced policy influence and organisational renewal.
ENI is currently delivering its ambitious 2025–28 Strategy, which places strong emphasis on modernising services, strengthening governance and ensuring that ENI continues to act as the authoritative voice for local enterprise. The incoming Chair must therefore be capable of leading a Board operating at pace, with a clear focus on strategic accountability, high-quality scrutiny and robust oversight.
About the Role
The Chairperson will lead the Board in shaping ENI’s long-term strategic direction while ensuring that governance arrangements remain strong, transparent and fit for purpose.
This involves working closely with the Chief Executive and senior leadership team, providing appropriate challenge and support, and ensuring that the organisation continues to meet its statutory duties and governance obligations.
A fundamental part of the role is guiding the Board’s contribution to ENI’s digital transformation and organisational change agenda. This will require a Chair with the confidence to oversee complex decision-making, the ability to anticipate and manage risk, and the insight to ensure that ENI’s programmes, systems and governance structures evolve in line with the needs of the enterprise community.
The Chair will also act as one of ENI’s key ambassadors, representing the organisation externally with government departments, local councils, funders and stakeholders from the business community. Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to communicate with authority at senior levels will therefore be essential.
Core Responsibilities
• Providing strategic leadership and clarity of purpose to the Board
• Ensuring strong governance across finance, risk and performance
• Leading the Board’s scrutiny of ENI’s 2025–28 Strategy and key programmes
• Supporting, but independently challenging, the Chief Executive
• Ensuring committees operate effectively and cohesively
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will bring substantial experience of Board-level leadership in complex, multi-stakeholder environments. They must be able to demonstrate sound judgement, strong corporate governance experience and the ability to lead a Board through periods of change. Commercial acumen, a collaborative leadership style and the credibility to engage with senior stakeholders will also be expected.
Experience in areas such as economic development, entrepreneurship, SME policy, public governance or digital transformation would be highly advantageous. A strong understanding of Northern Ireland’s socio-economic landscape and the needs of local entrepreneurs will greatly strengthen a candidate’s suitability for the role.
How to Apply
May Consulting is managing this recruitment process on behalf of Enterprise Northern Ireland. Those interested in this significant leadership role are invited to request the full candidate pack or submit an expression of interest.
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