DIRECTOR GENERAL

Founded more than 70 years ago, RGDATA – The Retail Grocery Dairy & Allied Trades Association – is Ireland’s longest established retail representative body, championing the interests of independent, family‑owned grocery shops, convenience stores, forecourt stores and supermarkets nationwide. Representing over 3,000 members, the Association plays a central role in sustaining vibrant town centres and supporting community‑based retail across Ireland.

The independent retail sector accounts for over one third of the Irish grocery market and remains deeply embedded within towns, villages and urban communities throughout the country. Operating as a membership‑funded organisation with a prudent and financially sustainable model, RGDATA is recognised as a trusted and authoritative voice with Government, Regulators, Policymakers, European Institutions and National Media, advancing the commercial viability and strategic positioning of independent retailers in a rapidly evolving landscape.

This Director General will report to the President and Board of Directors and will hold full executive responsibility for the leadership, representation and day‑to‑day management of the Association within a lean organisational structure. Supported by a part‑time Administrative Resource and external advisors as required, they will safeguard and advance the commercial interests of independent, family‑owned retailers, ensuring the sector operates within a fair, competitive and sustainable policy and regulatory environment.

Acting as principal spokesperson and chief advocate, the Director General will lead structured lobbying and political engagement at the highest levels, oversee the preparation of formal policy submissions, represent the Association across national forums and maintain a visible and credible media profile. The role requires strategic clarity, strong governance oversight, sound financial stewardship and the capacity to balance immediate sectoral pressures, including cost inflation and retail crime, with long‑term positioning of independent retail within national economic and planning frameworks.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong ability to lead a representative organisation, directed at serving the needs and requirements of members. This will include servicing, managing and growing a dynamic membership base and providing a strong representative and organisational management function to the members and other industry stakeholders, including suppliers and wholesalers.

They will bring exceptional communication skills, executive presence and credibility as an organisational lead and a public spokesperson. High levels of integrity, discretion and personal accountability are critical, alongside financial literacy and experience working constructively with Boards. The appointee will be self‑directed, resilient and capable of operating autonomously, with a clear appreciation of the realities facing independent, family‑owned retailers and a commitment to sustainable, town‑centre‑first retail development.

The successful candidate will demonstrate senior leadership experience ideally within a representative body, advocacy organisation, public affairs environment or comparable membership‑based structure, with a proven record of influencing public policy in politically complex settings. They will possess strong political acumen, an understanding of legislative and regulatory processes and the judgement required to intervene strategically and effectively. Experience engaging with Government Departments, Regulators and Elected Representatives is important, while familiarity with retail, Small and Medium‑Sized Enterprises or community‑based enterprise sectors would be advantageous.

To apply, please submit a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae via the available Apply Option in strictest confidence, for the attention of Mark Middleton, Partner, on or before 12 noon on Friday 13th March.

For a confidential discussion please contact Principal Connections offices in strictest confidence.

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.

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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