Officer, Product Development (Attractions)

Blended work model with office location in any of the following:

4th Floor Mathew House, Fr. Mathew Street, Street, Cork, T12 TN56

3rd Floor Crescent House, Hartstonge Street, Limerick, V94 K35Y

Áras Fáilte, 88-95 Amiens Street, Dublin 1, D01 WR86

Vacancy Description

We now have a vacancy for an Officer, Product Development – Attractions 

LEVEL 4

Permanent, full-time

JOB PURPOSE

To support and implement the strategy and operational plans of the Attractions Division by working to develop the role of Ireland’s cultural and built heritage assets as visitor attractions for tourism benefit through a range of development initiatives such as advisory supports, investment, and best practice/innovation.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Primary Objectives/Key Responsibilities:

Product Development

Contribute to the development and delivery of innovative and successful visitor attractions around the country. Specifically:

• Contribute to the implementation of Fáilte Ireland’s strategy for the development of visitor attractions in Ireland

• Support the implementation of creative and innovative tourism strategies for investment in the culture and built heritage sector in Ireland

• Develop and improve cultural and built heritage projects and infrastructure in Ireland

• Build subject matter expertise as it pertains to visitor attractions and the development of our culture and built heritage assets

• Assume responsibility for the case management of a number of grant aided projects under Fáilte Ireland’s investment strategy including Strategic Partnerships, Platforms for Growth, Grant Scheme for Large Tourism Projects, RRDF and Just Transition Fund, and other investment schemes as appropriate, to ensure the effective delivery of tourism capital projects in line with Fáilte Ireland’s strategic priorities

• Take the learnings from specialist research in the culture and built heritage area and disseminate in an appropriate and insightful manner to colleagues

• Work with / manage third party service suppliers as required (e.g. project mentors, consultants, etc.)

Stakeholder / Relationship Management

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

• Work to maintain relationships with key stakeholders and local authorities to deliver a range of culture and built heritage tourism projects and programmes, including grant aided capital development projects

• Work collaboratively with internal matrix teams as required, but primarily:

• Support the Fáilte Ireland Regional teams in identifying new product development projects with potential to enhance destinations in the Regions (for example by contributing to Destination Experience Development Plans, advisory projects etc)

• Collaborate with the Fáilte Ireland Strategy Management and Investment Analysis team on investment schemes and subsequent projects for investment, including Investment Committee papers, and Investment Performance Monitoring.

• Work with the Fáilte Ireland Finance team particularly in relation to the forecasting and monitoring of capital expenditure on projects

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

• Provide regular feedback from stakeholders to the organisation

• Communicate the Fáilte Ireland strategy to key stakeholders, where appropriate

Capital Investment Programmes

Contribute to the shaping, implementation and monitoring of programmes for investment in visitor attractions. Specifically:

• Contribute to the design & implementation of a range of capital investment grant schemes and other funding initiatives to support the development of visitor attractions

• Liaise with the Strategy Management & Investment Analysis Division and the Post-Grant Monitoring Unit in the design, evaluation and monitoring of grant-aided projects

• Undertake close supervision and progress reviews for all investments awarded (monthly/quarterly) and contribute to divisional management reports as appropriate

• Work with / manage third party service suppliers as required (e.g. project mentors, consultants, etc.)

Operational: Governance, Reporting and Budget Management

Contribute to the successful functioning and work of the Division on a daily basis. Specifically:

• Contribute to the preparation of documentation and papers for meetings of the Executive Team, Investment Committee and the Fáilte Ireland Authority

• Respond to information requests from the industry, representative bodies, government departments, local authorities and others as appropriate

• Record, produce and distribute minutes of meetings & file notes

• Manage budgets and ensure purchase orders are in place as required

• Maintain all required documentation for internal and external audits

• Contribute to team and divisional meetings

• Effectively manage own time, optimising travel time and meetings schedule

• Adhere to Fáilte Ireland budgetary processes

• Ensure all activities are delivered on time and on budget

• Ensure that any procurement of work f rom a third party is implemented in line with Fáilte Ireland procurement policy

• Contribute to the delivery of Division’s operational plan

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

Carry out all other duties as required and participate as a full member of the Visitor Attractions team and Product Development Directorate by supporting different work projects, as required, f rom time to time.

The role of Product Development Officer requires occasional travel, with attendance at a number of national and regional locations / sites on an annual basis.

This role may require working unsocial hours including bank holidays with regular attendance at Dublin-based divisional and project meetings.

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

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Criteria

We are seeking an individual that can think clearly, strategically and analytically. Strong relationships with internal team members and with external stakeholders are critical, along with the ability to be flexible and responsive to a dynamic working environment. Working within a matrix team towards tight deadlines is a requirement for this role.

Strong relationships with internal team members and with external stakeholders are critical, along with the ability to be flexible and responsive to a dynamic working environment. Working within a matrix team towards tight deadlines is a requirement for this role.

The successful candidate will have a minimum of 3 years’ experience in tourism, o r another relevant sector and a proven track record in product development. We are looking for an individual that has strong interpersonal skills and has an ability to build strong internal and external relationships and networks. They must be able to demonstrate project management experience and good commercial acumen.

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

• Minimum three years’ experience within a relevant role as per the key responsibilities in the job description

• Experience in culture, heritage, leisure or tourism sector

• A project management qualification/certification o r a minimum of 2 years' experience of managing projects

Qualifications/Mandatory Training 

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

Desirable Criteria 

• Evidence of a results-driven track record and experience of successfully delivering to tight deadlines

• Valid full driving licence / access to own means of transport

• Experience of Tourism Product Development / Experience Development

• Experience of playing a key role in initiating, funding, project managing Capital Development for Tourism / Leisure/ Culture / Heritage

Key Competencies 

• Decision Making

• Managing Relationships

• Communicating Effectively

• Project Management

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