Manager, Strategy Management and Investment Analysis

Salary: €68,464 - €108,891* This role will be filled in line with Public Pay Policy at Point 1 of the relevant Salary Scale unless the successful candidate is appointed from an existing public sector role Locations:

1st floor, Market House, Pearse Street, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, N91 PW95

4th Floor Mathew House, Fr. Mathew Street, Street, Cork, T12 TN56

Unit 5, Calbro Court, Tuam Road, Galway, H91 YKH4

3rd Floor Crescent House, Hartstonge Street, Limerick, V94 K35Y

Áras Fáilte, 88-95 Amiens Street, Dublin 1, D01 WR86

Vacancy Description

Manager, Strategy Management and Investment Analysis - Investment Analysis 

Level 3

Temporary Specified Purpose, full-time (13 months) * 

*The specific purpose of this contract is the cover a maternity leave

Closing Date: Wednesday, 6th May 2026 at 3pm

Fáilte Ireland invites applications for the position of Manager, Strategy Management & Investment Analysis – Investment Analysis. The successful candidate will join the Strategy Management and Investment Analysis Management team and report to Head of Strategy Management and Investment Analysis.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a dynamic and innovating division to support Fáilte Ireland in its work on this exciting project that will be key to the development of tourism in Ireland and the economic development of communities transitioning to tourism as an employment generator. The focus of work of the Investment Analysis Unit is across four areas, (1) Investment planning, reporting and decision-making, (2) Investment fund development, execution, evaluation, and delivery, (3) Impact, performance monitoring and analysis of investments (4) Business case development under the Public Spending Code. 

To enable our objectives, the team works across the breadth of Fáilte Ireland, and the Division proactively fosters a culture of learning, development, courage, and care.

Job Purpose 

• To manage the evaluation process and investment decisions across a range of tourism experience such as, but not limited to attractions, activities, digitalisation, festivals and major sporting events. 

• To develop or execute appropriate evaluations models for Fáilte Ireland’s investment decisions utilising best practice methodologies.

• To present and defend methodological approaches and investment recommendations to internal and external stakeholders. 

• To execute activities aligned with public sector governance requirements.

• To support the development of deliver post-investment monitoring programmes to analyse the ongoing performance of investments and in so doing develop economic impact models. 

• To report to and provide support to the Head of Strategy Management & Investment Analysis and the wider management team.

• To build, inspire, develop motivate and lead a team. 

Primary Objectives/Key Responsibilities 

Strategic/Governance

• Manage the development of multiple work programmes and plans for evaluation frameworks across tourism product areas as required.

• To develop appropriate evaluations models for Fáilte Ireland’s investment decisions across all areas.

• Manage the development of investment recommendations working with evaluation panels across the Fáilte Ireland and the Investment Committee (comprised of members of the Fáilte Ireland board) as required. 

• Oversee the development of application forms and input to programme guidelines in support of Fáilte Ireland’s strategic investment funding programmes and others as they arise.

• To deliver post-investment monitoring programmes to analyse the ongoing performance of Fáilte Ireland’s investments. 

Operational

• In the development of investment schemes oversee the development of application forms, and input to investment programme guidelines in support of Fáilte Ireland’s strategic investment funding.

• For each evaluation exercise, lead/support the development of the following: a work programme; the overall end-to-end process including the allocation of responsibilities; timelines and a suite of standard evaluation documentation.

• Ensure alignment with best practice governance as it relates to investment appraisal, ensuring alignment with decisions of the Investment Committee and policies of Fáilte Ireland. 

• Ensure alignment with the Irish Government’s public spending code, EU State Aid Rules and the development/retention of funding documentation to meet auditing standards and requirements.

• Develop appropriate governance models for relevant investment schemes.

• Identify or access appropriate data sources to support the analysis of investments. 

• Undertake, co-ordinate and commission relevant research as appropriate.

Stakeholder / Relationship Management

• Develop and maintain relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.

• Develop a productive working relationship with third party providers and provide regular feedback and review of performance. 

• Work closely with the Head of Strategy Management & Investment Analysis and wider management team to achieve the plans of the division.

People Management

• Proactively develop the skills of the team to ensure they attain the appropriate level of competence. 

• Train, lead, evaluate, motivate, delegate and monitor the activities of the team and conduct performance reviews in line with Fáilte Ireland policy. 

• Collaborate with peers to optimise the use of project resources in terms of the skills and capacity of the whole team. 

• Utilise highly developed interpersonal skills and has demonstrated an ability to build strong external and internal strategic partnerships.

Project Management and Quality Control 

Manage and successfully engage in multiple projects simultaneously. 

• Ensure that all the correct project documentation is in place and kept up to date. 

• Recommend control procedures throughout projects. 

• Ensure that project scope is clearly defined for any specific communications. deliverable. 

Evaluation, Procurement and Budget Management

Ensure all activities are delivered on time and on budget. 

• Write requests for tender as and when required. 

• Ensure that any procurement of work from a third party is implemented in line with Fáilte Ireland procurement policy. 

Carry out all other duties as required and participate as a full member of the Strategy Management & Investment Analysis team by supporting different work projects, as required, from time to time. 

Person Specification 

Essential Criteria 

The successful candidate must have a proven track record with a minimum of three years’ experience in an economic/business role and can demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the principles, practices, methodologies and techniques required of this position. The successful candidate will have an understanding of economic development and Irish tourism along with an understanding of destination development economics.

We are seeking an individual that can think clearly, analytically and rationally about economic development issues. The successful will have experience delivering in tight timeframes. This is an opportunity for a motivated individual to drive changes and improvements in a developing division.

In order to be eligible to apply for this role you must have / demonstrate in your application form the following 

• Understanding of investment (grant) appraisal, economic impact and evaluations methodologies. 

• 3 years’ experience in an economic/business or relevant role.

Qualifications/Mandatory Training 

• A professional qualification (minimum Level 6 under the QQI Framework) in a related discipline is essential. 

Desirable Criteria 

• A level 8 (under the QQI Framework) qualification in economic/business.

• Experience of developing end-to-end processes with multiple stakeholders and managing multiple complex projects in parallel.

• Working knowledge and application of the Public Spending Code and EU State Aid Rules. 

• Experience of governance models and alignment with key audit and corporate governance requirements of investment schemes.

• Access to own transport. 

• Experience of public sector investment schemes.

Key Competencies 

• Strategic Thinking 

• Managing Relationships 

• Commercial Awareness 

• Embracing Innovation

Selection Process

Shortlisting will be based on applications, and the selection process may involve one competency-based interview. A panel of successful candidates may be formed following the selection process.

Fáilte Ireland is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace which values and benefits from the diversity of the workforce. We encourage you to reach out to us directly at recruitment@failteireland.ie should you require assistance or reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process.