Programme Manager - Level E Research Centres, Permanent role

The Programme Manager is responsible for leading and managing Research Ireland programmes or portfolios, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities and the effective delivery of multiple interrelated projects, awards or initiatives. The role owns programmelevel decisionmaking, stakeholder engagement and performance oversight within an agreed remit.

Core Accountabilities

The Programme Manager will:

• Lead the design, implementation and ongoing management of programmes or portfolios
• Oversee programme objectives, delivery plans, governance and performance monitoring
• Manage programmelevel risks, interdependencies and resource allocation
• Oversee project delivery within the programme and provide direction to Project Managers and contributors
• Lead programme review, assessment and evaluation processes
• Manage programme budgets and financial oversight within agreed authority
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Contribute to the development of initiatives aligned with organisational priorities

Decision Making & Autonomy

• Makes and owns routine and nonroutine decisions within a defined programme remit
• Exercises judgement in balancing priorities, risks and stakeholder expectations
• Escalates strategic or organisationwide issues appropriately

Essential Skills

• Considerable professional experience (typically 3-5 years) managing programmes, portfolios or complex initiatives
• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in complex stakeholder environments
• Strong analytical, planning and organisational skills
• Ability to influence, coordinate and lead across functions
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Competencies

• Complexity & Error Detection: Work is substantially complex and varied, involving multiple interrelated activities and stakeholders. Independent judgement is required to interpret policy, guidance and precedents. Errors may not be immediately apparent and can affect programme outcomes.
• Decision Making / Impact: Makes and owns decisions within a defined programme or portfolio. Decisions have moderate to considerable impact on outcomes, efficiency, costs and stakeholder confidence.
• Interactions & Communication: Extensive engagement with senior internal and external stakeholders. Communication frequently requires interpretation, explanation and persuasion.
• Visioning & Leadership: Contributes to the development of short to mediumterm priorities and translates organisational goals into programme delivery. Leads programmes and may have responsibility for people or delivery teams.

Role Focus & Context

This represents an exciting opportunity for a suitably qualified individual to join the Research Ireland Centres team and help shape one of Ireland's most significant research and innovation investments. The team leads the strategic oversight, performance management and development of Research Ireland's portfolio of large-scale, multi-institutional research centres, supporting excellence in research, talent development, industry collaboration and societal impact.

The team also leads the stewardship of the recently launched Rinn Network, a €460 million national investment comprising seven large-scale research centres across areas including AI, energy, advanced therapies, medical devices, quantum science, semiconductors and pharma/biopharma. Designed as a new model of radical collaboration, the Rinn Network aims to strengthen Ireland's ability to mobilise research capability at scale and address major societal and economic challenges.

Working closely with centre leadership, research organisations, industry, government and international partners, the team plays a key role in ensuring that Ireland's research centres and the Rinn Network operate as a coherent national asset, delivering world-class research and innovation with meaningful economic, societal and environmental impact.

Desirable Experience

• Hold a third-level qualification (PhD, MBA, Master's degree) in a relevant discipline, with a PhD strongly preferred.
• Have at least five years' relevant experience in research, innovation, research funding, programme management or a related field, including experience of managing complex stakeholder relationships and strategic initiatives.
• Have demonstrated ability to work at a strategic level yet also drive daily execution.
• Have proven analytical, problem-solving and interpretive skills with an ability to think strategically and use sound judgement on complex issues.
• Be well-organised with the ability to multitask, prioritise, meet deadlines and manage competing and changing priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Proven experience in building and maintaining high-level relationships with diverse stakeholders, including researchers, policy-makers, investors, and entrepreneurs.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present information in a confident, logical, and convincing manner.
• Experience in managing budgets
• Ability to measure impact, evaluate interventions, and provide insights to inform strategic decision-making.
• Have a professional and positive attitude, aligned to delivering the objectives and goals of Research Ireland.
• Ability to work well under pressure, demonstrating integrity, energy, and resilience.

Application Process:

To apply for this post, applicants must submit a cover letter demonstrating how the applicant meets the requirements for this role (maximum of two pages) as set out in the job specification together with an up-to-date CV. Please note that the cover letter is essential.

Applications must be submitted as one document online through the online applicant management system Cezanne on or before 1pm Irish Local Time on 13th August 2026.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend for an interview, which may include a competency-based interview, a presentation on a topic of relevance to the role and/ or other such assessment methods as deemed appropriate. Research Ireland reserves the right to invite candidates to a second-round interview and to undergo further assessment, including the use of psychometric assessment if so required. Please note, interviews may take place over videoconference or other remote technology where appropriate.

Salary:

The salary for this post will be €82,290 per annum for new entrants to the Public Sector. This salary will rise over time, as per the salary scale detailed below.

Level E salary scale: €82,290 - €101,065 per annum with contributory superannuation (pension). Government policy continues to be that starting pay on recruitment from open competition for all posts within the public sector should be at the minimum of the relevant salary scale and are not subject to negotiation. Remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government policy.

Benefits:

We offer several key Benefits and perks, such as:

Competitive salary with defined progression through the grade

Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (Single Public Service Pension Scheme)

Excellent progressive Policies including a favourable Blended Working Policy, Sick Leave, and other family-friendly policies

Modern office facilities with a subsidised canteen

Life Insurance

30 Days Annual Leave

Learning and development opportunities