Job Title: Major Infrastructure Project Manager
Location: Hybrid Working and FAI HQ Abbottstown
Direct Reporting Line To: Head of Strategic Projects and PMO
Commencement Date: ASAP
Duration: 12-month Fixed Term Contract
Introduction:
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) is the national governing body for football in Ireland, driving the growth, promotion, and development of the game at all levels. We are passionate about inspiring participation, supporting talent, and celebrating the power of football to unite communities across the country. With a proud history and an ambitious vision for the future, the FAI is committed to fostering excellence on and off the pitch, ensuring the game is inclusive, accessible, and a source of national pride.
Purpose of the Role:
As part of their role, the Major Infrastructure Project Manager will lead and coordinate the development of the FAI National High Performance Centre from design stage through to project readiness and delivery. The purpose of the role is to provide dedicated leadership for this strategic infrastructure project, ensuring progress is achieved in line with the FAI's objectives, governance requirements, budget, and stakeholder expectations.
Working as part of the Project Management Office team and working closely with the COO, Senior Leadership Team, Infrastructure Team, funding partners, consultants, and key football stakeholders, the Major Infrastructure Project Manager will oversee project planning, design development, stakeholder engagement, procurement, and governance activities. The role will ensure the successful development of a world-class facility that supports the current and future needs of Irish football while managing project risks, driving decision-making, and maintaining momentum across all project workstreams.
Key Job Responsibilities:
The Major Infrastructure Project Manager will be accountable for delivering the following outcomes during the term of the contract:
-
Progress the National High Performance Centre project through the design and development phase in line with agreed project milestones and timelines.
- Manage and coordinate external consultants, advisors, and design teams to ensure the timely delivery of project outputs.
- Develop and maintain a comprehensive project plan, including governance, risk management, budget oversight, and reporting frameworks.
- Support the completion of planning, statutory, environmental, and regulatory requirements as required.
- Lead stakeholder engagement and consultation processes with government agencies, funding partners, local authorities, football stakeholders, and community representatives.
- Support the delivery of other FAI facilities, infrastructure and construction projects as required
- Support the development and implementation of procurement processes for key project workstreams.
- Prepare high-quality reports, recommendations, and business cases for the Senior Leadership Team and the FAI Board.
- Support funding applications, grant drawdowns, and funder reporting requirements where applicable.
- Establish the foundations required for the successful transition from design and development into the construction and delivery phase of the project.
- Ensure the project remains aligned with the FAI's strategic objectives and the long-term development needs of Irish football.
Person Specification:
-
Exceptional communicator with the ability to engage, influence and build trusted relationships across a diverse range of stakeholder groups.
- Highly organised, solutions-focused and comfortable working in a fast-paced, multi-channel environment.
- A positive, empathetic leader who inspires confidence and motivates teams.
- Professional, resilient and able to handle sensitive or complex stakeholder issues with care.
Experience and Qualifications:
Essential
- Degree qualification in Project Management, Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Quantity Surveying, Business Management, or a related discipline.
- Professional project management qualification (e.g. PRINCE2, PMP, APM) or equivalent experience.
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
- Experience in project planning, governance, budgeting, risk management, and reporting.
- Experience managing external consultants, contractors, and professional service providers.
- Demonstrated ability to deliver projects against agreed timelines and budgets.
- Experience preparing reports, business cases, and presentations for senior management and governance groups.
Desirable:
- Qualification in procurement, construction, governance, or contract management.
- Membership of a relevant professional body.
- Experience managing capital, infrastructure, construction, property, or sports facility development projects.
- Experience working with public sector bodies, grant funding programmes, or government agencies.
- Experience operating within a highly regulated or governance-driven environment.
- Knowledge of the Irish sporting landscape and the role of national sports infrastructure.
Skills and Professional Knowledge:
- Strong understanding of project management methodologies and best practice.
- Knowledge of project governance, procurement, budgeting, and risk management principles.
- Understanding of stakeholder engagement and consultation processes.
- Desirable: Knowledge of planning, statutory approval, construction processes and sports facility development
- Strong change leadership and organisational influencing skills.
- Strong understanding of GDPR and data protection compliance.
Core Competencies:
1. Innovation & Continuous Improvement (Progress)
Thinks creatively and with an open mind to identify new opportunities for growth and improvement. Embraces change positively and contributes to building a better future for Irish football.
2. Drive & Commitment (Passion)
Demonstrates energy, enthusiasm, and pride in everything they do. Takes initiative, delivers results, and strives to make a meaningful impact on the game and the organisation.
3. Collaboration & Teamwork (Togetherness)
Works effectively and respectfully with others to achieve shared goals. Supports, challenges, and motivates colleagues to perform at their best, recognising that success is achieved together.
4. Communication & Influence (Togetherness / Passion)
Communicates clearly, openly, and respectfully with colleagues and stakeholders. Builds positive relationships, inspires trust, and represents the FAI with professionalism and integrity.
5. Accountability & Professional Excellence (Progress / Passion)
Takes ownership of performance and upholds high standards in all tasks. Acts responsibly, follows through on commitments, and contributes to the FAI’s vision of continuous progress and excellence.
Our Benefits:
-
We are proud of the range of benefits we can provide:
- Two premium level tickets to each home international game
- Sick pay scheme and family friendly leave
- Opportunities to work at international matches
- Company pension
- Life assurance
- Bike to work scheme
- Free onsite parking
- Employee assistance programs
- Hybrid working arrangements and flexible hours working arrangements
- Discounted access to the National Aquatic Centre and gym complex
Closing date for receipt of applications is close of business on Friday, 14th August 2026
Shortlisting and interviews will take place shortly afterwards.
The Football Association of Ireland is an equal opportunities employer and promotes Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I).
