Principal Officer

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a state-of-the-art facility in Dundalk Science and Technology Park. This Director opportunity will allow you to truly impact within the Advanced Manufacturing sector by developing a strategic approach to addressing skills gaps in the economy. We are seeking a senior person within the industry, preferably in the areas of Advanced Manufacturing and Technology Training with experience leading highly specialised teams.

The Advanced Manufacturing and Training Centre of Excellence (AMTCE):

The purpose of the AMTCE is to provide training on state-of-the-art equipment and processes which will underpin the transition of Irish companies to industry 4.0 based operations. The centre provides a dynamic catalogue of training course which are tuned to the needs of industry and delivered by leading industry training practitioners. The AMTCE supports people to reskill or upskill in the new emerging technologies used in industry 4.0/5.0 or to enable people to develop new careers in advanced manufacturing through apprenticeships and traineeships.

The AMTCE was established in 2021 through funding from Enterprise Ireland and SOLAS to address the skills and training needs of the Irish manufacturing sector. The centre features over 55,000 sq. feet of training rooms, classrooms, workshops, labs and event space.

Our ambition is to become the leading provider of advanced manufacturing training in Ireland. The AMTCE will develop and pilot the application of skills fore-sighting, in collaboration with training and technology specialists, and will help address the disruptions impacting the future of work. The AMTCE will provide a pipeline of skilled, innovation ready talent to employers in the border region and nationally while enhancing the employability of learners in the high skills and high reward sectors.

AMTCE training is practically orientated with hands on experience with state-of-the-art equipment, delivered by leading industry trainers using flexible delivery modes in response to identified industry needs. The centre will provide companies with direct access to world class industry standard advanced manufacturing equipment, learning factories and prototype facilities for new products and so provide access for learners to work on real business projects.

This will better equip companies to face international competition through the adoption of productivity-enhancing technologies in manufacturing. The AMTCE will manage the latest generation of equipment in order to develop new solutions for our future problems. Strategic alliances will ensure that the project develops and delivers highly relevant training programmes and gives direct access for employers, particularly in the border region, to the innovation and solutions driven services required to remain competitive.

The position:

You will lead a highly specialised team in this dynamic, fast paced and rewarding role. This is an exciting leadership position where you will have the opportunity to further develop our strategic approach to addressing skills gaps in the economy and in particular the provision of industry-focussed advanced manufacturing and technology training and business supports to the manufacturing and technology growth sectors in the border region and nationally.

Responsibilities include:

• Developing strategy to grow AMTCE on a national level.

• Providing leadership to the AMTCE including to the interdisciplinary team.

• Work with and provide such support and reports as may be required to the senior management team, the Board of LMETB and its committees.

• Work with and provide support to the Employer Technical Advisory Panel who will advise on the current and future advanced manufacturing skills needs in the region.

• Build connections and relationships between the AMTCE and key industry leaders and stakeholders in the advanced manufacturing and technology industries.

• Keep abreast of relevant educational and workforce-development programs nationally and internationally and formulate and recommend training policies, schedules, procedures and programs to best support the AMTCE in meeting the regional skills gaps in advanced manufacturing and technology with a view to giving the region a unique competitive advantage.

• Overseeing the programme and curriculum development review, validation and assessment processes.

• Overseeing the Quality Assurance processes as applicable in the training environment.

• Pursue funding opportunities.

• Develop metrics and benchmarks on progress towards the AMTCE’s goals.

• Represent and promote the AMTCE at key events that have a focus on advanced manufacturing and technology.

• Supervise day-to-day operations of the manufacturing/engineering/science/technology facilities, manage programs, estimate program costs, develop timelines, and perform business outreach.

• Provide or arrange for the provision of technical input to resolve problems.

• Develop and implement new production processes and technologies to ensure that the AMTCE delivers training consistent with current good manufacturing practice (CGMP).

• Ensure that safety standards are maintained.

• Work closely with dedicated offsite LMETB support functions including HR, Finance, ICT, Procurement, Governance and Buildings Management to ensure compliance with all relevant government circulars and statutes.

• Lead and motivate a multidisciplinary team to deliver consistently excellent service in a fast paced and demanding environment.

• Work closely with staff to develop and manage individual and team goals and objectives.

• Develop or supervise high level schedules, detailed production plans, and material requirements.

• Coordinate and oversee validation activities involving manufacturing equipment and processes as appropriate.

• Review, and/or approve Standard Operating Procedures, specifications, regulatory returns, or other controlled documents as needed.

• Lead and implement continuous improvement initiatives.

• Such other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Chief Executive of LMETB.

The ideal candidate:

• The ideal candidate will be at senior level in industry or training, preferably in the areas of Advanced Manufacturing and Technology Training and will be experienced in leading and motivating teams.

• The successful candidate will also be a self-aware, self-motivated, self-confident individual who is comfortable operating with minimal direction and who thrives in a dynamic environment. They will bring a wide range of relevant contacts and will be able to access key industry networks and stakeholders relevant to the role.

SALARY SCALE

€86,151 - €135,280 (including two long service increments). Candidates should note that the starting salary will be at the minimum of the appropriate pay-scale and will not be subject to negotiation. Different remuneration and conditions may apply, if, immediately prior to appointment the appointee is already a serving Civil or Public Servant. Rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Citizenship Requirement

Citizenship Requirement: Candidates should note that eligibility to compete for posts is open to citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) or to non-EEA nationals with a valid work permit. The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union along with Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Swiss citizens under EU agreements may also apply.

Health and Character

Those under consideration for a position may at the discretion of the employer be required to complete a health and character declaration and a Garda Vetting Form. References will be sought.

Essential qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree (at least level 7 on QQI’s national framework for qualifications) and or relevant experience in a training environment.

• Significant senior experience in a relevant role as well as a proven ability to lead people and teams.

• Prior experience leading an interdisciplinary centre or similar entity.

• Experience supervising day-to-day operations of a large facility including evidence of capacity to manage programs, estimate costs, develop timelines, and perform business outreach.

• Expertise in supporting and/or pursuing industry-focused activities.

• Demonstrate the competencies required for a senior leadership role as set out below.

Desirable qualifications:

• Relevant post graduate qualification at advanced degree, Master's or Doctorate level.

• Prior experience supporting and/or pursuing industry-focused training and upskilling activities.

• Experience developing effective educational activities.

• Expertise in some or all of the following: Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), i.e., using cyberphysical systems and data analytics to improve manufacturing processes and final product attributes, precision machining, microelectronics, light-weighting materials, industrial robotics/automation, bio-manufacturing; collaborative robotics, augmented and virtual reality; automated visual inspection systems; additive manufacturing.

• Have knowledge and/or experience of the programme and curriculum development review, validation and assessment processes.

• Have experience in overseeing Quality Assurance processes.

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED: EFFECTIVE PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Leadership & Strategic Direction

• Leads the team, setting high standards, tackling any performance problems & facilitating high performance

• Facilitates an open exchange of ideas and fosters and atmosphere of open communication

• Contributes to the shaping of strategy and policy

• Develops capability and capacity across the team through effective delegation

• Develops a culture of learning & development, offering coaching and constructive / supportive feedback

• Leads on preparing for and implementing significant change and reform

• Anticipates and responds quickly to developments in the sector/ broader environment

• Actively collaborates with other Departments, Organisations and Agencies

Judgment & Decision Making

• Identifies and focuses on core issues when dealing with complex information/ situations

• Assembles facts, manipulates verbal and numerical information and thinks through issues logically

• Sees the relationships between issues and quickly grasp the high level and socio-political implications

• Identifies coherent solutions to complex issues

• Takes action, making decisions in a timely manner and having the courage to see them through

• Makes sound and well-informed decisions, understanding their impact and implications

• Strives to effectively balances the sectoral issues, political elements and the citizen impact in all decisions

Management & Delivery of Results

• Initiates and takes personal responsibility for delivering results/ services in own area

• Balances strategy and operational detail to meet business needs

• Manages multiple agendas and tasks and reallocates resources to manage changes in focus

• Makes optimum use of resources and implements performance measures to deliver on objectives

• Ensures the optimal use of ICT and new delivery models

• Critically reviews projects and activities to ensure their effectiveness and that they meet Organisational requirements

• Instils the importance of efficiencies, value for money and meeting corporate governance requirements

• Ensures team are focused and act on Business plans priorities, even when faced with pressure

Building Relationships & Communication

• Speaks and writes in a clear, articulate and impactful manner

• Actively listens, seeking to understand the perspective and position of others

• Manages and resolves conflicts / disagreements in a positive & constructive manner

• Works effectively within the political process, recognising & managing tensions arising from different stakeholder’s perspectives.

• Persuades others; builds consensus, gains co-operation from others to obtain information and accomplish goals

• Proactively engages with colleagues at all levels of the organisation and across other Departments// Organisations and builds strong professional networks

• Makes opinions known when they feel it is right to do so

Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development

• Develops and maintains skills and expertise across a number of areas that are relevant to their field and recognised by people internal and external to the Department/ Organisation

• Keeps up to date with key departmental, sectoral, national and international policies and economic, political and social trends that affect the role

• Maintains a strong focus on self-development, seeking feedback and opportunities for growth

Drive & Commitment to Public Service Values

• Consistently strives to perform at a high level

• Demonstrates personal commitment to the role, maintaining determination and persistence while maintain maintains a sense of balance and perspective in relation to work issues

• Contributes positively to the corporate agenda

• Is personally trustworthy, honest and respectful, delivering on promises and commitments

• Ensures the citizen is at the heart of all services provided

• Is resilient, maintaining composure even in adverse or challenging situations

• Promotes a culture that fosters the highest standards of ethics and integrity