Ireland’s booming cybersecurity sector has no shortage of technical talent, but what about leadership?
To address this question, Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet, in collaboration with the Irish Management Institute (IMI) and Cyber Ireland, has announced the launch of Leading in Cybersecurity, an eight-session leadership development course starting in January 2026 and tailored for cybersecurity professionals who’ve mastered the technical side but now want to lead.
Bridging the Leadership Gap in Cybersecurity
Ireland’s cybersecurity sector is experiencing robust growth. According to recent Cyber Ireland research, with over €3.2 billion in sector revenue and more than 10,000 professionals employed, organisations are thriving. However, many report a gap in mid-level leadership capabilities, particularly in risk governance, communication, and strategic decision-making.
Leading in Cybersecurity is designed to address this need. Delivered across 2x virtual events and 6x in-person in-depth sessions over four months, the course combines IMI’s leadership expertise with the real-world insight and peer collaboration from Cyber Ireland, offering participants the tools and confidence to advance into management roles. The course is part-funded by Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet, offering a 40% discount on normal course fees to eligible applicants.
“We’ve built a strong foundation of cyber talent in Ireland,” says Dave Feenan, Network Director at Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet, “but if we don’t equip that talent with leadership capabilities, we’re going to hit a wall. This course is designed to ensure we don’t.”
Course Features
Leading in Cybersecurity blends real-world leadership frameworks with the unique demands of cybersecurity. Over eight sessions, participants will explore:
- Managing and influencing teams in complex technical environments
- Communicating cyber risk and strategy to senior stakeholders
- Building trust, resilience, and structure in fast-moving scenarios
- Positioning themselves for senior roles within their organisations
“IMI is proud to partner with Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet and Cyber Ireland on this critically important initiative,” says Shane O’Sullivan from IMI, “which is designed to equip individual leaders to thrive in the cybersecurity sector and to strengthen Ireland’s position as a global cybersecurity hub.”
Strategic Cybersecurity Partnership
The IMI brings decades of excellence in leadership and management development, while Cyber Ireland ensures content relevance and industry alignment. Together with Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet’s track record in professional upskilling, the course is uniquely positioned to support Ireland’s cyber talent pipeline.
“Cybersecurity requires not only technical skills and experience but the leadership skills for managers to succeed from emotional intelligence, people management, culture, and strategy,” says Eoin Byrne, Cluster Manager at Cyber Ireland. “This unique programme has been created from the specific needs of cybersecurity managers, through Cyber Ireland, developed and delivered with leading training organisations in the IMI and Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet.”
Who Should Apply?
This course is ideal for cyber professionals such as:
- Security analysts and engineers
- Risk and governance personnel
- SOC team leads and IT security managers
It’s for the technically proficient who want to become cybersecurity team leads, decision-makers, and strategic thinkers in one of Ireland’s fastest-growing tech sectors.
How to Apply
Applications are now open and places are limited.
Interested cybersecurity professionals can learn more and apply via the course page.
Unlock the leadership skills required for the cyber security industry
