Temporary Programme Manager

SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION

Local authorities are the closest and most accessible level of government to citizens and are responsible for the delivery of a wide range of services in their functional area with a focus on making urban areas and the countryside attractive places to live, work and invest. Their services include housing, planning, infrastructure, environmental protection, commercial development and the provision of recreational amenities and community infrastructure. They play a key role in supporting economic development and enterprise. In addition, a fundamental role of the democratically elected Council is as a forum for the representation of local communities and to provide civic leadership.

Cork County Council has responsibility for the provision of a wide variety of services to the people living and working in the county. It is the largest local authority in the country in geographical area and the second largest in terms of population and operations. The Council’s administrative area is 7,460 square kilometres, consisting of rural areas, towns and villages and 1,200 km of coastline, and is home to a population of over 360,000. It is served by 55 elected members, who represent 10 electoral areas.

Cork County Council is an ambitious, progressive and innovative organisation and its key role is to ensure that Cork continues to grow as a vibrant county of thriving communities with limitless opportunities. The role of the Council, as provided for in law, is to represent, lead and serve the communities of County Cork.

Cork County Council employs in excess of 2,500 staff and has a revenue budget of €526 million for 2026. Cork County Council’s corporate headquarters is located at County Hall, Carrigrohane, Cork. There are 3 divisional offices located in Mallow, Clonakilty and Skibbereen, there are 20 area offices, 25 libraries and 20 fire stations.

SECTION 2: THE ROLE

The initial appointment will be with the Roads, Transportation & Area Services Directorate where responsibilities will include management of the Directorate’s function, which is tasked with enhancing the presentation of the public realm, and delivery of capital projects.

Reporting to the Director of Service, Roads, Transportation & Area Services, the Programme Manager will be responsible for the efficient management, direction, and development of projects in two of the fastest growing Municipal Districts in Cork County, in Cobh and Carrigaline. The main focus will be the Active Travel, Urban Expansion Areas, public realm, and Urban Regeneration suite of projects in these Municipal Districts and other projects as may be decided by Senior Management.

Managers at this level work within defined parameters relevant to the position, in accordance with the local authority’s vision and objectives as set out in its Corporate Plan. Delivery of efficient services and value for money is crucial.

The Programme Manager will be required to work closely with the Senior Management Team and Elected Members to deliver the full range of services, implement local policy decisions and deliver on strategic corporate objectives in accordance with the general policy direction of the elected council at both full Council and Municipal District level.

Recognising Local Government as the main vehicle of governance and public service, the role will involve leading economic, social and community development, delivering efficient and good value services, and representing citizens and local communities effectively and accountably.

This is an experienced managerial position responsible for leading policy implementation, service delivery and change management in a dynamic and goal-driven environment. This role provides an opportunity to demonstrate leadership, innovation, agility, and a commitment to exceptional customer service. The role of Programme Manager in a local authority is an excellent opportunity to engage with the active delivery of strategic policy at a senior level within local government.

SECTION 2: DUTIES

The duties of the post are to be given to the local authority, and

a. such other local authorities or bodies for which the Chief Executive, for the purposes of the Local Government Acts 2001 and 2014, is Chief Executive, and

b. to any other local authority or body with which an agreement has been made by the local authority, or by any of the authorities or bodies mentioned in subparagraph (a) of this paragraph under the general direction and supervision of the Chief Executive or such other employee as the Chief Executive may from time to time determine, such appropriate services of an executive, administrative or management nature as may be required by any local authority or body hereinbefore mentioned in the exercise and performance of any of its powers, functions and duties to exercise such powers, functions and duties as may be delegated to him / her by the Chief Executive from time to time, including the duty of servicing all committees that may be established by any such local authority or body. The post holder will, if required, act on behalf of an employee of a higher level.

The following are among the principal duties envisaged.

To implement the requirements of the ‘Putting People First: Action Programme for Effective Local Government’, the Local Government Reform Act 2014, and Our Public Service 2020.

To support the work of the Strategic Policy Committees (SPCs) and Corporate Policy Group (CPG).

To achieve and maintain the productive association between Elected Members and the executive delivery of the service.

To develop and maintain relationships with government departments and external agencies in accordance with policy and to ensure the agreements to coordinate work programs are implemented.

To achieve and maintain similar cooperation with local development agencies in accordance with evolving policy on the integration of local government and local and community development.

To work effectively with colleagues to deliver services, often as part of a multidisciplinary team, collaborating and engaging with other teams within the organisation to deliver on the corporate objectives.

To collaborate and engage through cross-disciplinary working to deliver for our public, innovate for the future of local government and develop the people within the organisation.

To set targets, objectives, reporting and key performance indicators and to assist with the development of corporate plans, strategies and annual service plans.

To identify and agree work programmes, targets and deadlines and ensure their subsequent implementation.

Implement the necessary systems and coordinate resources to support the service. This includes systems for budgetary and financial management, procurement, and internal controls, as well as providing information on the pattern of demand and activity, scheduling work programs, and ensuring value for money.

To manage a portfolio of projects, including capital projects, and to prioritise and track progress.

To research funding opportunities.

To lead in the duties as part of the organisational response to Climate Action, to promote and ensure capacity building, empowering change and delivering action.

To problem solve in an environment of complex information and multiple stakeholders remaining aware of what information is critical, working on a solution in a logical fashion and understanding the context and impact of decisions made.

To have a good awareness of the political environment and an ability to work effectively with elected public representatives in a manner which facilitates the implementation of policy across a wide range of areas.

Where appropriate, consult and communicate clearly with stakeholders regarding ongoing works.

To manage and supervise employees up to the position/grade of Senior Executive Engineer or analogous grades and to ensure the training and development of such employees.

To provide leadership and build effective teams, develop motivation and commitment, and maintain sound employee relations and morale in accordance with good employment practice and relevant legislation.

To promote safe work practices in the local authority generally and to ensure that all works in the areas for which you have responsibility are carried out in line with health safety and welfare legislation and regulation.

To ensure compliance with corporate policies (Health and Safety, HR, Data Protection, Child Safeguarding, etc.).

To ensure good governance whilst acting in the public interest at all times.

To uphold the corporate values of Local Government and the Council.

To deputise for the Director of Services as required.

To undertake any other duties of a similar level and responsibilities as may be required from time to time.

SECTION 3: ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA / QUALIFICATIONS

Character

Each candidate must 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.

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 Engineering accredited at CEng or CEng with FL level by Engineers Ireland

Or

(ii) Hold an Ordinary bachelors degree (Level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) in Engineering and a post-graduate masters degree (Level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) in Engineering

Or

(iii) Hold a masters degree (Level 9 in the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) in Engineering attained after completing an integrated masters level programme of at least 4 years duration and which is accredited at CEng level by Engineers Ireland or an equivalent accreditation body internationally

Or

(iv) Have achieved the registered professional title of Chartered Engineer and be registered on the Register of Chartered Engineers of Engineers Ireland or of a professional institute of another country and recognised by Engineers Ireland as of equivalent status

(b) Have at least eight years satisfactory relevant engineering experience including a period of not less than six years satisfactory experience in the direction and supervision of major engineering work.

(c) Possess a high standard of technical training and experience and of administrative experience.

(d) Have satisfactory experience at strategic management level.

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

Essential Skills and Experience

The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated person, with drive and commitment to delivery of quality public services. The candidate career history should display substantial interfacing with Council Management, elected representatives, government agencies, communities, and staff and should demonstrate the highest of public services values in terms of customer service and delivery across multiple programmes. Considerable experience of performance management will be required.

In the context of the key duties and responsibilities for the post of Programme Manager listed above, the ideal candidate should demonstrate through their application form and at the interview that they have the following knowledge, experience, skills and competencies:

• A high level of technical and engineering competence in implementing and project managing all phases of civil engineering projects including road improvement projects.

• Significant experience at senior management level including the ability to lead and work with a multi-disciplined team and demonstrate the ability to motivate, empower and encourage personnel under his/her control to achieve maximum performance.

• Experience in the delivery of projects in compliance with applicable legislation, government procurement guidelines and relevant standards.

• Experience in formulating and implementing agreed strategies to meet organisational objectives.

• Experience in implementation and improvement of quality management systems.

• Experience in establishing efficient and effective working structures, performance management systems and target based objectives.

• Experience in financial and budget management and of establishing internal controls and robust governance structures.

• A high level of IT competence and an excellent knowledge and awareness of health and safety legislation and regulations and their application in the workplace.

• Excellent organisational and communication skills including negotiation and influencing skills. Significant experience in fostering and maintaining wide ranging productive working relationships both internally and externally.

• Strong judgement and capacity to work autonomously.

Desirable

A good knowledge of local government functions, policy, services and activities or the ability to quickly acquire such knowledge.

The ideal candidate shall have:

• An ability to work within and lead multi-disciplinary teams.

• The ability to motivate, empower and encourage personnel under their control to achieve maximum performance.

• Strong planning, operational and project management skills.

• Excellent communication / presentation, facilitation and interpersonal skills.

• Strong leadership and people management skills.

• Have an excellent knowledge and awareness of health & safety legislation and regulations, their implications for the organisation and the employee, and their application in the workplace.

• Have a strong understanding of the role and duties of managers in safety and staff resource management in the workplace.

• Have good financial management skills.

• Excellent report writing and strong IT skills.

• A solution orientated approach and the ability to work in close consultation with the County Council, Strategic Policy Committees, Municipal Districts, Public Participation Network, etc. and to seek co-operation and consensus with a whole range of bodies, business organisations and key stakeholders.

• An ability to achieve delivery of competing demands within prescribed timelines and deadlines.

Age

Age restrictions shall only apply to a candidate where he / she is not classified as a new entrant within the meaning of the Public Services Superannuation Act, 2004. A candidate who is not classified as a new entrant must be under 70 years of age.

Transport

When required to do so, holders of the office shall hold a full driving licence for Class B Vehicles and shall drive a motor car in the course of their duties and for this purpose provide and maintain a car to the satisfaction of the local authority.

SECTION 4: COMPETENCIES

A Competency Based Application form requires you to describe some of your personal achievements to date that demonstrate certain competencies (necessary skills and qualities) required for the position for which you are applying. For each competency, you are given a description of a skill or quality. You are then asked to describe a situation, from your own experience, which you think is the best example of what YOU have done which demonstrates this skill or quality.

It is essential that you describe how you demonstrated the skill or quality in question. Therefore, compose your replies carefully in this section and try to structure what you write so that you give specific information about what you have done. For example, do not simply say that “X was successful”, describe exactly what you did and how you demonstrated the skill or quality in question.

For each example please include the following:

a) the nature of the task, problem or objective

b) what you actually did and how you demonstrated the skill or quality (and, where appropriate, the date you demonstrated it)

c) the outcome or result of the situation and your estimate of the proportion of credit you can claim for the outcome.

SECTION 5: TENURE

The position is fulltime. The post is pensionable. The fixed term contract duration is three years. A panel may be formed to fill temporary vacancies for Programme Manager that may arise during the lifetime of the panel.

SECTION 6: SALARY

The salary scale for the post is: €92,770 – €110,997 basic per annum

€92,770 – €95,045 – €97,310 – €99,586 – €101,855 – €104,136 (Maximum) – €107,565 (LSI1) – €110,997 (LSI2)

In accordance with Departmental Circular letter EL 02/2011, a person who is not a serving local authority employee on or after 1st January 2011 will enter the scale for the position at the minimum point. Rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government Policy.

Rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government Policy.

SECTION 7: LOCATION OF POST

The base for working purposes shall be the location as determined by Cork County Council. Cork County Council reserves the right to assign you to any department, premises or district in use by the Council, now or in the future.

Changes in location of employment will not result in payment of disturbance money or compensation.

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

SECTION 8: WORKING HOURS

The working hours at present provide for a five-day, thirty-five hour working week.

All hours worked will be subject to the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 and the Organisation of Working Time Act (Regulations) 2001.

The successful candidate may be required to work hours outside of normal working hours as required by his / her immediate Supervisor.

SECTION 9: ANNUAL LEAVE

The current annual leave entitlement is 30 days per annum. Cork County Council’s leave year runs from 1st January to 31st December. Granting of annual leave, payment for annual leave and arrangements for public holidays will be governed by the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 (as amended).