Stadium Development & Operations Manager

The Role

SDCC is recruiting a Manager for Tallaght Municipal Stadium ahead of completion of the expanded stadium facility. The changed role reflects expected delivery on the current project, including construction of the fourth stand which will increase crowd and stand capacity to 10,000. In addition, the improved corporate facilities and the increase in overall stadium capacity of up to 20,000, enabling events of scale such as concerts.

The role will encompass the ongoing management and development of Tallaght Stadium for SDCC, upholding and ensuring continued validation of its status as a national and international sports venue. Ensuring in the short term the retention of UEFA standards and striving at all times to exceed same and thus remain the facility of choice for the Irish National Ladies, the Mens Under 21 National team and the home of Shamrock Rovers Football Club.

The Manager will be responsible for day-to-day operational management, delivering and reviewing operations to ensure energy efficiencies, managing staff, meeting climate resilience objectives and crucially developing commercial opportunities for an increase in, and variety of, uses into the future.

The Manager will work closely with all relevant sporting bodies and clubs, with event promoters and primarily the stadium tenants and sponsors in this regard.

This position will complement the Council’s Tourism Unit which works in developing and supporting visitor numbers to the Stadium and County through increased profile, event type and activity. Event attraction and management, and increasing the number and type of events at Tallaght Stadium, will therefore be an important element of the role.

Reporting Arrangements

The Tallaght Stadium Development and Operations Manager will report to the Senior Executive Officer, Economic Development, SDCC and will work closely with staff throughout the Council and will oversee and manage tenant licences and leases and day-to-day maintenance and operations.

The office is whole-time, permanent and pensionable. A panel will be formed to fill permanent and temporary vacancies. Persons employed will be required to work in any location within the South Dublin administrative area.

Salary

€60,611 - €62,095 - €63,826 - €65,563 - €67,300 - €68,852 - €70,442 - €71,982 - €73,518 - €76,149 (1st LSI) - €78,795 (2nd LSI).

Hours of Work

The successful candidates’ normal hours of work will be 35 hours per week. SDCC reserves the right to alter your hours of work from time to time.

Annual Leave

Annual leave entitlement for this position is 30 days.

Qualifications

Character

Candidates will be of good character.

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.

Essential Education, Training and Experience

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

Have a strong academic record in relevant disciplines (for example, Facility Management, spectator management) and related health and safety qualifications;

or

In the absence of related academic qualifications, at least five years’ recent relevant work experience in the area of large public facility or stadium management (comparable to Tallaght Stadium).

Desirable Education, Training and Experience

Have extensive recent relevant experience of managing a large facility and events of scale (comparable in scale to Tallaght Stadium).

Be capable of managing multi-disciplinary teams in both ongoing management of facilities and the delivery of specific visitor events within budget.

Have excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to network, manage critical relationships and diverse audiences.

Demonstrate excellent knowledge, awareness and practical experience of relevant Health and Safety legislation and regulations, the implications for the organisation and the employee, and the application of safety management in the workplace.

Have a proven ability in spectator management and managing health and safety requirements for events with significant attendance.

Have the ability to troubleshoot and respond to emergency and urgent situations arising in relation to facility and event management.

Have a clear appreciation and understanding of customer service, value for money, procurement, financial management, performance management and public relations requirements of the role.

Demonstrate a clear understanding of all governance and oversight requirements adhered to by the Council.

Have an understanding and appreciation of public sector economic development and tourism functions, the wider functions of the Council and the strategic objectives in the Corporate Plan.

On the date of appointment possess a current unendorsed full driving licence (category A1, A and/or B) as they may be required to drive in the course of their duties.

Key Competencies / Skills

• Strategic Management and change

• Delivering results

• Performance through People

• Personal effectiveness

• Local government knowledge and understanding

Candidates are requested to give an example of a situation which highlights the behaviour, skills and attitude that underpin effective performance in these areas, and which demonstrates their suitability to meet the challenges of this role. Candidates should ensure the example used clearly demonstrates their ability in this area and that the scale and scope of the example given is appropriate to the post and level of the post.

Duties

Duties will include but are not limited to:

Day-to-day management of Tallaght Stadium Development and Operations, including operations, planned and routine maintenance, financial management, staffing and relationships with tenants and contracted operators, sponsors, sporting, statutory and other relevant agencies and regulatory bodies.

Provide strategic and operational input into capital investment planning, including identifying infrastructure needs, contributing to business cases, and advising on prioritisation of stadium development and refurbishment projects.

Event attraction and management, including health and safety management, security arrangements and so on for all matches and events in the Stadium and other South Dublin County Council facilities or events as required.

Close liaison with the Tourism Unit on promotional opportunities and events in the Stadium and County, including developing and managing the online profile of the Stadium through website, social media and so on.

Management and oversight of tenant licences and leases and day-to-day maintenance and management matters associated with same, including regular reviews and management of sponsorship opportunities.

Close liaison with relevant bodies including An Garda Síochána, HSE, Civil Defence and Dublin Fire Brigade in relation to event planning at the Stadium.

Developing and managing a Strategic Commercial Plan for the Stadium, including actively pursuing opportunities that develop the profile and/or income stream for the Stadium (that have regard to the primary sports use of the playing surface).

The marketing and development of Tallaght Stadium as a multi-disciplinary events venue, working with branding and naming partners as applicable.

Liaison with tenants and external organisations, particularly national sporting organisations, on promoting the use and profile of Tallaght Stadium.

Regular reporting on financial status, review of recent events, details of planned events and overall stadium management issues, and ongoing review of budget.

Managing the communications strategy for the Stadium in conjunction with the Tourism Unit.

The marketing and development of Tallaght Stadium as a multi-disciplinary events venue.

Working with any future sponsorship partner in relation to the operation of a Stadium branding and naming initiative, including brand activation and associated event management.

Any other appropriate duties as may be assigned by the Council.