About The Land Development Agency

The Land Development Agency (LDA) is a key Government Commercial Semi-State Body that delivers affordable and social housing on State and other lands. It is overseen by an independent board of directors and is funded with €5 billion of equity capital committed by the Government. It is also permitted to borrow up to €1.25bn.

The LDA has commenced construction on various state sourced lands and is currently working on over 30 projects delivering over 15,000 homes. It is also delivering affordable housing by working with the private sector on an initiative called ‘Project Tosaigh’, which will yield a further 8,000 homes on land provided by housebuilders.

The growing focus of the LDA is working on the delivery of large-scale strategic areas through assembly and activation in locations such as Limerick Colbert Quarter, the Cork Docklands and Sandy Road in Galway.

The LDA is underpinned by a positive, collegiate, ‘can do’ culture based on our core values of Integrity, Results, Collaboration, Sustainability and Innovation. Our team is around 180 people and growing rapidly.

The Role

Reporting to the Programme Management Lead, the Senior Programme Manager will be responsible for the assessment, assembly, activation and servicing of large scale residential led programme areas. The Senior Programme Manager role will offer the right candidate an exciting opportunity to originate and drive the delivery of a wide range of large-scale transformative regeneration programmes across the country. The range of programmes will include regeneration, brownfield development, redevelopment of industrial areas and the delivery of new urban areas.

The ideal candidate will have relevant experience in a senior management role on large scale development and regeneration programmes with a demonstrable track record of delivering infrastructure and development at scale.

They will have the ability to think strategically, be commercially astute and have a proven track record of managing cross-functional teams and building strong and lasting relationships with diverse ranges of stakeholders.

The successful candidate must have the qualities to manage and mentor the Programme Management Team to be a critical function in the Agency.

Key Responsibilities

Lead teams managing workstreams relating to the assessment, assembly, activation and delivery of potential large programme areas for progression by the LDA, working with the internal expert teams such as Planning Services, Property Advisory, Cost, Legal etc
Oversee and participate in initial site feasibility studies and viability analysis in identifying development opportunities and constraints, including activation through infrastructure delivery
Formulate and implement optimum development strategies, including the management of the internal and external governance approval processes, preparation of Investment Committee and Board papers and monthly reporting. Support engagement with external governance stakeholders.
Manage, support, and develop members of the Programme Management team. Foster a collaborative, high-performing, and inclusive team culture. Develop clear and realistic objectives and address performance issues if they arise. Provide direction and hold team members accountable for delivery.
Collaborate and build relationships with multiple internal and external stakeholders across diverse functions, including managing and resolving competing interests. Take account of broader issues, agendas, sensitivities and related implications when making decisions.
Proactively manage design teams and other professional service providers from a technical, programme and budgetary perspective. Have the ability to confidently challenge advice and interrogate proposals with the aim to improve outcomes and efficiencies.
Represent the Agency in professional settings and contribute to external stakeholder management, including local authorities and advisors.
Oversea effective administration and management of all project documentation and governance including, risk management, monthly reports, programmes, development budgets and cashflows, contracts administration, project registers and trackers.
Proactively contribute to wider business development and strategic initiatives, challenge the status quo, identify areas for improvement and bring forward initiatives that will improve ways of working and benefit the wider organisation.
Maintain the LDA’s Core values at all times.

Person Specifications / Requirements

At least 10 years’ experience in relevant property development sector.
Hold a recognised degree level qualification in development related sector with a desire for continued professional development
Strong development/ project management skills, with a proven relevant track record on projects of scale, demonstrating ability to make decisions in the context of the full development cycle while managing programme, budget and milestones
Experience in brownfield development and regeneration projects an advantage
Commercial acumen – strong understanding of viability and cost drivers.
Have the ability to drive optioneering and commercial analysis and to draw insights from cost plans & investment appraisals.
Oversee budgets/cashflows and mitigate cost variations.
Proactive results focused management style, solutions oriented with the ability to lead, mentor and empower a team.
Strong interpersonal skills, including ability to foster positive working relationships and work collaboratively with various stakeholders. Proven ability to negotiate positions while maintaining relationships
Excellent written and spoken communicator – ability to communicate with focus, simplicity and clarity, adapting to audience.
Technical knowledge – broad understanding of technical disciplines with the ability to challenge and improve proposed solutions
Strong knowledge of the Irish planning system
Ambition to meet and exceed the highest level of industry standards.
Experience of progressing developments through the full span of the Development Life Cycle from inception through to construction

To Apply:

Closing date for applications is 27th May at 5pm.

The Land Development Agency (LDA) is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to promote and support a diverse and inclusive workforce, and we endeavour to provide reasonable accommodations where requested.

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