Executive Facilities Manager

Galway City Council has a requirement for an Executive Facilities Manager and are seeking applications from suitably qualified candidates with relevant experience for this position.

The Executive Facilities Manager will be working within the Facilities Team, ensuring the efficient operation, maintenance, and compliance of facilities in Corporate Buildings owned and managed by Galway City Council. The role will include the overseeing of the maintenance and operation of all aspects of buildings maintenance and upgrades including mechanical & electrical (M & E) systems, managing budgets and contracts, and ensuring facilities meet safety, environmental, and security standards. The post will also involve the project management of facility upgrades and new installations. The Executive Facilities Manager will report to the Facilities Manager or such person as may be assigned from time to time by Galway City Council.

The role will involve working closely with all relevant Galway City Council Departments and other key stakeholders in the coordination and maintenance of facilities in Corporate Buildings owned and managed by Galway City Council.

There are many challenges in the maintenance and management of these buildings to ensure their integrity and to enable them to operate efficiently for their varied functions.  The facilities team are required to have a proactive maintenance programme in place for the buildings.  

We are also striving to ensure that all buildings are achieving our climate action goals by developing adaptive strategies and implementing specific actions and interventions across our portfolio of buildings. 

The particular duties and responsibilities attached to the post may vary from time to time, without changing the general character of the duties or level of responsibilities entailed. The post holder may therefore be required to perform duties appropriate to the post, other than those detailed below, and to take instructions from and report to, an appropriate Officer or such designated Officer as may be assigned from time to time by Galway City Council.

The Executive Facilities Manager shall be expected to:

• Maintain all aspects of Council buildings and facilities to a suitably high standard, ensuring a safe, comfortable and engaging environment for all users
• Manage requirements of staff & colleagues regarding use of the facilities.
• Manage all office accommodation to meet the organisational needs.
• Oversee building projects, renovations and refurbishments on buildings and facilities efficiently and in line with budgets.
• Prepare Annual Maintenance Plan and arrange repairs and maintenance as set out therein in a timely manner, ensuring procurement processes are completed and contracts in place in time to deliver the actions set out in the plan
• Identify and implement efficiencies and areas of improvement to maximise resources including energy efficiency and ensure that the maintenance and appearance of buildings is of a high standard.
• Manage facilities contracts including general facilities, utilities, and security so as to develop and maintain strong relationships with contractors and suppliers and ensure a high standard of delivery and project execution.
• Ensure compliance with legislative health and safety requirements, including fire safety for all Councils buildings and facilities.
• Prepare a comprehensive preventative maintenance programme for Galway City Council buildings and facilities.
• Maintain an appropriate risk register by identifying risks and developing appropriate mitigation to ensure smooth continuance of business functions.

• Prepare facilities for internal and external audits.
• Have an active role in the implementation of Galway City Council Climate Adaptation Plan.
• Work towards achieving ISO 50001 for Energy Management.
• Duties cover all building components and grounds, including but not limited to roofing and facades, electrical, plumbing, heating and air conditioning and landscaping on the Galway City Council premises.
• Responsible for ensuring all necessary Health and Safety Inspections are carried out and follow-up actions completed.
• Manage the BMS in buildings as required.
• Other duties may be assigned from time to time.

1.     Character

Candidates shall be of good character.

2.     Health

Each candidate must be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

3.     Citizenship:

Candidates must, by the date of any job offer, be:

                 i.          A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; or

               ii.          A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or

             iii.          A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or

             iv.          A non-EEA citizen who is a spouse or child of an EEA or UK or Swiss citizen and has a stamp 4 visa; or

               v.          A person awarded international protection under the International Protection Act 2015 or any family member entitled to remain in the State as a result of family reunification and has a stamp 4 visa  or

             vi.          A non-EEA citizen who is a parent of a dependent child who is a citizen of, and resident in, an EEA member state or the UK or Switzerland and has a stamp 4 visa

4.     Education, Training, Experience, etc.

Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms:

a)    (i) hold an honours bachelors degree (level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)) in building services management, facilities management or a related discipline relevant to the post.

OR

(ii) hold an ordinary bachelors degree (level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)) AND a post-graduate master’s degree (level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)) in building services management, facilities management or a related discipline relevant to the post.

b)    Have at least five years satisfactory experience relevant to the role after attaining the qualification referred to above;

c)    Possess a high standard of technical training and experience appropriate to the nature of the role, including administrative experience;

d)    Have a satisfactory knowledge of public service organisation or the ability to acquire such knowledge.

 

Candidates must:

·       Hold a current valid unendorsed driving licence in respect of category B vehicles and must advise if this is not the case. A copy of Licence must be submitted with your application.

·       Submit a copy of their qualifications

 

*Non-Irish Qualifications must be accompanied by a determination from Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) to establish their comparability against the Irish National Framework of Qualifications, overseas qualifications must also be accompanied by a translation document.

Desirable:

It is desirable that candidates should have the following:

·       Satisfactory relevant experience in a similar role ideally with responsibility for multiple buildings containing offices.

·       Competence in the management of mechanical and electrical systems within a modern office environment.

·       Knowledge of the relevant legislative environment including the health and safety and fire safety frameworks.

·       Flexibility in terms of working hours as the duties can involve working outside of normal working hours as required.

·       Effective people management skills.

·       Excellent planning and organisation skills with strong attention to detail.

·       Be a good communicator, both verbal and written.

·       Be self- motivated with a record of demonstrating initiative judgment and problem solving in a workplace environment

Each candidate must include on the application form details of all qualifications obtained by them. The invitation to attend for Interview is not to be regarded as an admission that you possess the prescribed qualifications and/or requirements for this post or are you qualified by law to hold the post. Documentary proof will be required before appointment where you claim credit for particular qualification, experience, etc.

Type of Post

Future relevant permanent and temporary posts will be filled from the panel(s) formed. The post(s) will be whole-time, permanent/temporary and pensionable.

Remuneration

The annual salary (Circular EL 07-2025, Revised Local Authority Scales Operative from 1st August 2025) is as follows:

€59,658 - €82,929 per year

 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Candidates should note that the starting salary is not subject to negotiation. Entry into the pay scale above the minimum point will only apply to existing public servants in the context of the relevant Government Pay Circulars. Candidates who are not covered by such Circulars will enter the pay scale at the minimum point i.e. €59,658

 

The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy.

 

The holder of the office shall pay to the local authority any fees or other monies (other than their inclusive salary) payable to and received by them by virtue of their office or in respect of services which they are required by or under any enactment to perform.

 

Probation:

(a)       there shall be a period after such appointments take effect during which such persons shall hold the position on probation,

(b)       such period shall be 12 months but, the Chief Executive may at their discretion extend such period,

(c)       such persons shall cease to hold the position at end of the period of probation unless during such period, the Chief Executive has certified that the service of such persons is satisfactory.

Hours of Duty

The person appointed will be required to work a 35 hour week. The successful candidate will be required to log their hours of work in accordance with the requirements of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 and will be required to co-operate with the use of technologies to record such hours.

Annual Leave:

The annual leave entitlement will be 30 days per annum.

Residence:

Holder of the post shall reside in the district in which their duties are to be performed or within a reasonable distance thereof.

Work Permit

All non-EU/EEA citizens must hold a valid work permit prior to and for the duration of their contract. The work permit must allow you to work full time for Galway City Council. It is the responsibility of individual employees to ensure that you have a valid work permit. If at any stage during your contract you cease to hold a valid work permit you must immediately advise Galway City Council and your employment will cease with immediate effect.

Outside Employment:

The position is whole-time and the employee may not engage in private practice or be connected with any outside business which would interfere with the performance of official duties.

Driving Licence:

A current, full, unendorsed Category B driving licence valid in Ireland is required The successful candidate will be required to provide their own transport. Expenses incurred in work related travel will be recompensed in line with departmental circulars.

Garda Vetting:

The successful applicant may be required to undergo Garda Vetting prior to appointment.

Superannuation Contribution:

Persons who become pensionable officers of a local authority, who are liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of their superannuation to contribute to the rate of 1.5% of their pensionable remuneration plus 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of the State Pension Contributory).

Persons who become pensionable officers of a local authority who are liable to pay the Class D rate of PRSI contribution will be required, in respect of their superannuation, to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 5% of their pensionable remuneration.

Widows & Orphans/ Spouses & Children’s Scheme

All persons who become pensionable officers of a local Authority are required, in respect of the Local Government (Spouses and Children’s Contributory Pension) Scheme, 1986, to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of State Pension contributory) in accordance with the terms of the Scheme.