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Regional Infrastructure Manager - Job Opportunity at Waterways Ireland

Dublin, Ireland
Full-time
Senior
Posted: July 1, 2025
Hybrid
EUR 99,000-123,000 per year

Benefits

Hybrid working arrangements providing flexibility to balance on-site operational requirements with remote work capabilities, positioning the role as progressive in accommodating modern work-life balance expectations
Work from home benefits that complement the hybrid structure, offering substantial cost savings on commuting and increased productivity for administrative tasks
Permanent position security providing long-term career stability and pension contribution opportunities typical of public sector infrastructure roles
Senior Management Team membership offering executive-level exposure, strategic decision-making participation, and enhanced career development through high-level organizational involvement

Key Responsibilities

Direct comprehensive navigation infrastructure management across metro canal areas, positioning the role as critical to Dublin's waterway transportation network and tourism infrastructure development
Develop and execute strategic operational frameworks that drive public engagement and recreational value enhancement, directly impacting regional economic development and community well-being
Ensure rigorous Health & Safety compliance and risk management standards, protecting organizational liability while maintaining operational excellence in high-visibility public infrastructure
Lead and develop multidisciplinary teams spanning technical, administrative, and operational functions, building organizational capability and ensuring knowledge transfer across critical infrastructure operations
Orchestrate complex project delivery through internal and external partnerships, managing multi-million euro infrastructure investments that shape Dublin's urban development landscape
Build and maintain strategic alliances with government bodies, local authorities, and funding partners, positioning the organization for continued investment and policy support
Serve as primary regional spokesperson and stakeholder representative, influencing public policy and infrastructure investment decisions at executive levels
Oversee comprehensive financial management including procurement, capital budgeting, and contractor relationships, ensuring optimal resource allocation and project delivery efficiency
Contribute to corporate strategic planning as Senior Management Team member, influencing organizational direction and long-term infrastructure development priorities

Requirements

Education

Level 8 Degree in Civil/Structural Engineering or a related Business/Public Management field

Experience

Minimum 5 years' senior management experience in a relevant sector (infrastructure, water resources, construction, or engineering)

Required Skills

Proven ability to manage large teams and complex operational functions Demonstrated experience delivering large-scale infrastructure or development projects Strong stakeholder engagement and partnership development skills Thorough understanding of Health & Safety standards within infrastructure or maintenance works Full clean driving licence or equivalent access to transport Right to work in Ireland

Certifications

Chartered Engineer status (or equivalent professional membership) - Desirable Project Management Qualification (e.g. PMP, Prince2) - Desirable
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Infrastructure digitization and smart city initiatives are driving demand for managers who can integrate traditional waterway management with modern IoT sensors, real-time monitoring systems, and data-driven maintenance scheduling, making technical leadership skills increasingly valuable in public infrastructure roles. Climate change adaptation and flood management requirements are expanding the scope of waterway infrastructure roles, with managers now responsible for implementing resilient infrastructure designs and emergency response protocols that protect urban areas from extreme weather events. Public-private partnership models in infrastructure development are creating new funding mechanisms and project delivery approaches, requiring managers to navigate complex stakeholder relationships and hybrid financing structures that blend public sector governance with private sector efficiency. Urban regeneration projects increasingly center around waterway restoration and recreational development, positioning canal and waterway managers as key contributors to city planning, tourism development, and property value enhancement in metropolitan areas.

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range of EUR 99,000-123,000 represents competitive compensation for senior infrastructure management roles in Dublin, sitting approximately 15-20% above the national average for similar positions while remaining aligned with public sector pay scales that typically offer comprehensive pension benefits and job security premiums.

Role Significance

The role typically manages 20-40 staff members across technical, administrative, and operational functions, including engineers, maintenance crews, administrative support, and contractor relationships, representing a significant people management responsibility requiring advanced leadership capabilities.
This role operates at senior management level with direct reporting to executive leadership and responsibility for strategic planning, budget management, and regional operations oversight, indicating substantial organizational influence and decision-making authority equivalent to department head or regional director positions.

Key Projects

Multi-million euro canal infrastructure modernization projects including lock system upgrades, bridge replacements, and visitor facility development that directly impact Dublin's transportation network and tourism economy Climate resilience initiatives involving flood defense systems, sustainable drainage implementation, and emergency response infrastructure that protect urban communities and commercial districts Digital transformation projects implementing smart infrastructure monitoring, predictive maintenance systems, and public engagement platforms that modernize traditional waterway management approaches Cross-regional coordination initiatives that standardize operational procedures, share resources, and optimize maintenance scheduling across Ireland's inland waterway network

Success Factors

Developing strong relationships with multiple government agencies, local councils, and EU funding bodies requires exceptional stakeholder management skills and understanding of complex bureaucratic processes that influence infrastructure investment decisions and regulatory compliance. Balancing heritage preservation requirements with modern infrastructure needs demands deep knowledge of historical waterway systems, conservation regulations, and innovative engineering solutions that maintain cultural authenticity while meeting contemporary safety and accessibility standards. Managing the intersection of public recreation, commercial navigation, and environmental protection requires sophisticated project prioritization skills and the ability to negotiate competing interests while maintaining operational efficiency and public safety. Leading digital transformation initiatives in traditional infrastructure environments requires change management expertise and the ability to upskill established teams while implementing new technologies and data-driven decision-making processes.

Market Demand

High demand exists for experienced infrastructure managers in Ireland due to significant government investment in climate resilience, urban development, and tourism infrastructure, with waterway management expertise particularly valued given Dublin's canal system regeneration projects and EU funding for sustainable transportation networks.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Stakeholder engagement and partnership development skills are absolutely essential as this role requires constant negotiation with government agencies, local authorities, funding bodies, and community groups, each with different priorities and decision-making processes. Success depends entirely on building consensus and maintaining relationships that influence funding decisions and regulatory approvals. Large-scale infrastructure project delivery experience is critical because the role involves managing multi-million euro capital projects with complex technical requirements, strict safety standards, and public accountability measures. Failure to deliver projects on time and budget directly impacts organizational credibility and future funding availability. Health and Safety expertise in infrastructure environments is paramount given the high-risk nature of waterway operations, public access requirements, and potential for serious accidents involving water, heavy machinery, and structural work. Regulatory compliance failures can result in legal liability, operational shutdowns, and career-ending consequences.

Beneficial Skills

Chartered Engineer status provides professional credibility and technical authority when engaging with consulting engineers, contractors, and regulatory bodies, while also ensuring access to continuing professional development resources and peer networks that enhance technical decision-making capabilities. Digital project management and data analytics skills are increasingly valuable as infrastructure management becomes more technology-driven, with predictive maintenance, real-time monitoring, and performance optimization requiring managers who can interpret technical data and guide digital transformation initiatives. Climate change adaptation and environmental management expertise will become increasingly important as waterway infrastructure faces new challenges from extreme weather events, changing precipitation patterns, and enhanced environmental protection requirements that influence project design and operational procedures.

Unique Aspects

Managing waterway infrastructure that serves dual functions as transportation networks and heritage tourism assets requires specialized knowledge of maritime engineering, historical preservation, and tourism development that is rarely found in other infrastructure management roles.
Cross-border operational context involving coordination with Northern Ireland authorities and EU regulatory frameworks provides exposure to international governance structures and diplomatic considerations uncommon in domestic infrastructure positions.
Direct involvement in Dublin's urban regeneration strategy through canal district development creates opportunities to influence property development, commercial planning, and community development initiatives that extend far beyond traditional infrastructure management scope.
Integration of recreational waterway management with commercial navigation requirements demands sophisticated scheduling and resource allocation skills to balance competing user groups including pleasure boaters, commercial vessels, and waterside event organizers.

Career Growth

Career progression to executive roles typically occurs within 3-5 years given the strategic nature of this position and the networking opportunities inherent in Senior Management Team membership, with accelerated advancement possible through successful delivery of high-visibility infrastructure projects.

Potential Next Roles

Chief Executive Officer or Managing Director positions within Waterways Ireland or similar public infrastructure organizations, leveraging regional management experience and stakeholder relationships to drive national policy and strategic direction Director of Infrastructure or Operations Director roles in larger public bodies such as Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Local Government Management Agency, or similar organizations managing national infrastructure portfolios Senior consulting positions with major infrastructure consulting firms specializing in waterway management, urban planning, or climate resilience, offering international project exposure and higher compensation potential European Union or international development organization roles focusing on sustainable transportation, climate adaptation, or heritage infrastructure, utilizing Ireland-specific experience in broader policy and funding contexts

Company Overview

Waterways Ireland

Waterways Ireland operates as a cross-border public body established under the Good Friday Agreement, responsible for managing over 1,000 kilometers of inland navigable waterways across Ireland and Northern Ireland, including the Grand Canal, Royal Canal, and Shannon Navigation systems that represent significant cultural heritage and economic assets.

As the sole statutory body responsible for Ireland's inland waterways, Waterways Ireland holds a unique monopoly position with guaranteed government funding and EU structural support, providing exceptional job security and access to multi-million euro infrastructure investment programs that are largely recession-proof.
The Dublin region represents Waterways Ireland's highest-profile operational area, encompassing economically vital waterways that serve major tourist attractions, commercial developments, and residential areas, making this regional manager position particularly influential in shaping organizational success and public perception.
Public sector environment emphasizing collaborative decision-making, comprehensive consultation processes, and long-term strategic planning, with strong emphasis on work-life balance, professional development opportunities, and pension benefits that attract career-focused professionals seeking stability and meaningful public service contributions.
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