Programme Manager

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, 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

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.

1. 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;

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

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

4. 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;

5. 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;

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

7. 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;

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

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

10. 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.

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

12.To research funding opportunities;

13.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;

14. 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;

15. 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;

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

17. 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;

18. 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;

19. 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;

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

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

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

23.To deputise for the Director of Services as required;

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

Further Information and Role Specification are available on Cork County Council's Website