Manager, Product Development - Activities

Job Purpose

To manage & influence the development and implementation of strategic product development initiatives aligned to Fáilte Ireland’s organisational strategy, with a focus on the enhancement and development of Ireland’s natural heritage assets to support Ireland to become a leading sustainable destination that protects, restores and champions our natural environment.

Job Description

Primary Objectives/Key Responsibilities

Product Development

Strategic:

•    Contribute to the development and implementation of organisation & regional strategies to deliver on Fáilte Ireland’s objectives.

•    Collaborate across the product development directorate on the design and implementation of capital investment schemes to ensure they deliver high quality tourism projects that will meet the objectives of Fáilte Ireland’s strategic priorities.

•    Manage a portfolio of investments that will deliver exceptional and inclusive visitor experiences that meet the needs and expectations of visitors, support a positive economic contribution to the host destination and deliver a positive return on investment.

•    Actively work with grant-aided projects to shape and mould the project into a better tourism visitor experience that is ‘best in class’. Collate and manage acquired knowledge and learning in relation to tourism infrastructure, experience development, innovation, inclusivity and sustainable tourism development.  Work collaboratively and efficiently with other business units across the matrix.

•    Liaise with the Regional Programme teams in identifying product development priorities through the Destination & Experience Development Plan process specifically relating to activity infrastructure developments.  

•    Build subject matter expertise as it pertains to Activity Tourism development to contribute to the development of Fáilte Ireland's future strategic plans.

•    Work with matrix colleagues across the organisation to ensure the Product Development agenda is well socialised and ensure that cross-divisional work remains aligned with Fáilte Ireland’s strategy.

•    Take the learnings from specialist research in the Activity area and disseminate in an appropriate manner to colleagues & key stakeholders.

•    Display initiative and innovation.

Foster and maintain excellent stakeholder relationships to achieve organisation and programme objectives.

•    Manage relationships with key national stakeholders including our Strategic Partners and Public Bodies incl. Local Authorities to deliver a range of tourism capital projects, specifically grant aided capital development projects.

•    Provide regular feedback from stakeholders to the organisation.

•    Communicate the Fáilte Ireland strategy to key stakeholders.

•    Develop and maintain positive and effective relationships with internal colleagues across the matrix to deliver on the annual operational plans and achieve organisation objectives and priorities.

Lead and support direct reports and team colleagues to perform to the best of their ability individually and collectively within the team to meet predetermined objectives.

•    Set clear goals and KPI’s for the team that are aligned to the corporate strategy and annual operational plans.

•    Conduct Performance Reviews in line with Fáilte Ireland policy.

•    Monitor the deployment of resources to ensure optimal outcomes for your team.

•    Manage all staff reporting to the position, support and motivate them to maximise their development potential in line with Fáilte Ireland’s personal development policy.

Proactively develop collaborative working across the project teams to deliver agreed projects and KPI’s.

Comply with all aspects of organisation policy and programme management.  Promote good governance amongst direct reports and divisional colleagues.  

Specifically:

•    Contribute to Divisional planning and reports. 

•    Ensure that project metrics and updates are available in an agreed format and on time for Executive Team and Board reports.

•    Ensure all activities are delivered on time and on budget.

•    Budget management & adherence to procurement and financial policies.

•    Proficiency & compliance with GDPR and Fáilte Ireland’s processes to adhere to GDPR policies.

•    Compliance with Fáilte Ireland’s ICT processes and procedures

•    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 Activities team by supporting different work projects, as required, from time to time

This role  requires travel, with attendance at a number of national and regional  locations / sites on an annual basis

This role will require regular attendance at Dublin-based divisional and project meetings.

The flexibility to travel domestically, and on occasion internationally is an element of this role.

Personal Specification

•    Excellent interpersonal & collaborative skills including the ability to relate well to people on all levels and to encourage and motivate direct reports.

•    Ability to think critically and creatively while understanding the risks involved for all parties.

•    Previous experience and understanding of implementing investment schemes.  

•    Proven delivery of key strategic projects or key milestones within projects in the last 5 years. 

•    Results orientated with a demonstrated ability to manage and execute multiple tasks within challenging timeframes and deadlines.

•    Highly proficient oral and written skills at a senior level.

•    Ability to work on own initiative whilst contributing as a member of team.

•    To be personally well organised with excellent planning skills and the ability to prioritise work and meet deadlines. 

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

•    Three years’ relevant experience in a development role that includes strategic projects and some elements of people management

•    Evidence of stakeholder engagement with public bodies at a management level to deliver projects

•    Demonstrate strong project management skills in delivering on projects with multiple stakeholders

•    Proven track record in the effective management of budgets.  

•    Evidence of leveraging external sources of funding for the purposes of product development.

•    Access to your own means of transport.

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

•    Demonstrate a knowledge of the tourism landscape in Ireland, and particularly Fáilte Ireland’s regional brands through previous work experience.  

•    A knowledge and working experience of State Aid would be  an advantage.

•    Demonstrate an understanding of sustainable development in previous work experience.

Key Competencies

•    Strategic Thinking

•    Managing Relationships 

•    Project Management

•    Embracing Innovation

How to Apply:

Please go to Fáilte Ireland’s Careers Page for the most up-to-date details on this role.

Closing Date: 4th December 2024 at 3pm

All applications should  be made using the relevant Fáilte Ireland application form, via this portal. Only applications correctly completed and fully submitted online will be accepted into the campaign.

Please note that CV's will not be accepted or considered for this role.

If you have any queries about the role, please contact us at failte@consciatalent.com