Area Manager - Cork & Waterford

About IoES

The Institute of Eye Surgery is a growing organisation and is Ireland’s only network of clinics offering all ocular subspecialties under one roof. With sites in Waterford, Kildare, Westmeath and Cork, IOES provides expert care in cataracts, glaucoma, medical retina, vitreo-retinal, corneal refractive, ocular surface disease, oculoplastics, paediatrics, neuro-ophthalmology and aesthetics. We are committed to developing our people and ensuring they have the tools, training, and structure needed to succeed.

We are seeking an Area Manager to oversee the day‑to‑day running of our clinics in Cork & Waterford, ensuring safe, efficient, and high‑quality patient flow. This role reports to the COO and plays a key leadership role in coordinating clinical administration, supporting staff, and maintaining operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities_Clinic Operations & Patient Flow_

• Manage the effective and efficient running of the clinic, ensuring smooth patient flow and room allocation.
• Monitor clinic demand and ensure scheduling aligns with patient needs.
• Identify and resolve bottlenecks, collaborating with consultants to prioritise patients when required.
• Maintain high standards of patient care and ensure adherence to clinical protocols.
• Support the introduction of new technologies, processes, and clinical activities.
• Oversee stock management ensuring cost‑effective purchasing and availability.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organised clinic environment, ensuring equipment is serviced and operational.

Resourcing & Scheduling

• Create and manage clinic rotas aligned with clinical activity.
• Ensure adequate technician and administrative cover, including during leave or absenteeism.
• Coordinate with other IoES locations when support is required.
• Delegate work fairly and support team members in line with IoES strategy.

Compliance, Quality & Risk

• Ensure compliance with JCI standards and Patient Safety Goals.
• Report incidents promptly and support quality improvement initiatives.
• Monitor staff compliance with mandatory training and education requirements.
• Support tracer activity, risk management processes, and adherence to SOPs and protocols.

People Leadership

• Lead, and develop team members including performance reviews, coaching, and mentoring.
• Manage onboarding and training for new staff.
• Monitor timekeeping, leave, and HR system updates for direct reports.
• Foster a positive, collaborative team culture across all departments and locations.
• Address performance issues constructively and in a timely manner.

Administrative & General Duties

• Provide support or cover for front desk/clinical administrative roles when required.
• Provide updates on administrative priorities and progress.
• Ensure document control processes are followed when updating SOPs or protocols.
• Attend management meetings, take minutes when required, and liaise with clinical and administrative staff.
• Support other IoES locations and attend conferences as needed.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and responsiveness to change.

Required

• Degree in Healthcare or equivalent.
• Experience or knowledge of ophthalmology, eye examinations, or scribing.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience managing a team in a busy clinical or patient‑facing healthcare environment.
• Strong understanding of clinical operations and patient care.
• Full clean driving licence.
• Permission to work in Ireland - sponsorship is not available for this role.

Working Arrangements

• Primary location(s): Primarily based in Waterford with travel to Cork 1-2 days per week OR Primarily based in Cork with travel to Waterford 1-2 days per week.
• Full‑time position
• Some travel to other IoES locations may be required.

Why Join IoES

• Opportunity to lead a high‑performing clinical team in a respected specialist healthcare organisation.
• Commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and patient‑centred care.
• Supportive leadership and opportunities for professional development.

Equal Opportunity Statement

IoES is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful workplace.