Head of MMC Innovation and Industry Engagement

Job Description

Job title: Head of MMC (Modern Methods of Construction) Innovation and Industry Engagement

Department: Modern Methods of Construction

Reports to: Director of Certification

Grade: Principal Scientific Officer (PSO)

Status: 5 Year Fixed Term

Location: NSAI Santry, Dublin 9 (Hybrid Working Arrangements Apply)

Reference: 27-26

Job Overview

The Head of MMC Innovation and Industry Engagement will provide strategic leadership for the development, promotion and advancement of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) across Ireland.

As a senior leader within the MMC function, working closely with the existing Head of MMC, the role holder will drive innovation, strengthen industry capability, support policy development and promote the adoption of MMC solutions that contribute to national housing, education, infrastructure and sustainability objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement NSAI's strategy for MMC innovation, industry engagement and market development.
• Identify emerging trends, technologies and opportunities relevant to the future development of MMC in Ireland.
• Provide strategic advice and recommendations to senior management on matters relating to MMC, construction innovation and industry development.
• Support the ongoing development and diversification of NSAI's MMC services and activities.
• Contribute to broader NSAI strategic planning and organisational development initiatives.
• Represent NSAI as a senior advocate and MMC expert at national and international levels.

Industry Engagement and Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with manufacturers, developers, contractors, housing bodies, professional institutes, academic institutions and other key stakeholders.
• Establish and facilitate industry forums, stakeholder groups and engagement programmes to support the growth and adoption of MMC.
• Promote awareness and understanding of MMC certification, standards and regulatory requirements.
• Develop structured engagement initiatives designed to improve industry readiness and increase the quality and completeness of applications submitted to NSAI.
• Identify industry challenges, opportunities and emerging needs and ensure these are reflected in NSAI's strategic planning.
• Represent NSAI at conferences, seminars, workshops, exhibitions and industry events.

Government and Public Policy Engagement

• Develop effective working relationships with Government Departments, State agencies, local authorities and other public sector stakeholders.
• Support national policy initiatives relating to housing delivery, public infrastructure, sustainability and construction productivity.
• Contribute to policy consultations, briefing papers, strategic submissions and reports.
• Act as a principal point of contact for strategic MMC initiatives involving Government or public sector partners.
• Support national efforts to accelerate the adoption of MMC across housing, education, healthcare and other infrastructure programmes.

Innovation, Research and Knowledge Transfer

• Promote innovation and collaboration across industry, academia and research organisations.
• Identify opportunities for participation in national and international research and innovation programmes.
• Support the development of technical guidance, toolkits, industry resources and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
• Facilitate the transfer of knowledge and best practice between industry participants, NSAI and other stakeholders.
• Promote evidence-based approaches and international best practice in MMC and construction innovation.

Process Improvement and Digital Transformation

• Lead stakeholder engagement initiatives arising from MMC process improvement programmes.
• Support implementation of operational improvements designed to improve customer experience, application quality and service efficiency.
• Develop initiatives to reduce avoidable delays and improve the quality of submissions received by NSAI.
• Identify opportunities to streamline customer interactions and enhance service delivery through digital technologies.
• Lead the development and implementation of artificial intelligence and Large Language Model (LLM) solutions to support:
• Initial application reviews and triage activities;
• Knowledge management and internal technical resources;
• Industry self-service tools and technical guidance;
• Development of anonymised case studies, examples and learning resources.
• Promote data-driven approaches to continuous improvement across the MMC function.

Future MMC Development and Emerging Technologies

• Monitor developments in MMC technologies, materials and construction methodologies both nationally and internationally.
• Lead NSAI engagement activities relating to emerging MMC sectors and technologies.
• Support organisational preparedness for future certification and assessment activities relating to:

+Mass engineered timber;

+Bio-based materials;

+Advanced off-site manufacturing;

+Volumetric construction systems;

+Other innovative construction technologies.

• Support strategic planning for future growth in non-residential MMC sectors, including:

+Education;

+Healthcare;

+Commercial development;

+Public infrastructure projects.

• Contribute to future organisational design considerations arising from the planned review of the MMC function.

Communications and Thought Leadership

• Develop and deliver industry engagement, communications and outreach programmes.
• Promote NSAI's role as a trusted authority on MMC, innovation and construction quality.
• Support the production of technical publications, guidance documents, presentations and industry insights.
• Act as a spokesperson for NSAI on MMC-related matters.
• Strengthen NSAI's profile and influence within Ireland's construction innovation ecosystem.

Programme and Project Management

• Lead strategic projects and programmes relating to MMC innovation, industry engagement and market development.
• Establish appropriate performance measures and reporting arrangements.
• Monitor engagement outcomes and evaluate the effectiveness of programmes and initiatives.
• Manage budgets and resources in accordance with NSAI governance requirements.
• Ensure projects are delivered in line with agreed objectives, timelines and quality standards.

Leadership and People Management

• Lead, motivate and develop multidisciplinary teams as required.
• Promote a culture of innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Support workforce planning, recruitment and capability development initiatives.
• Encourage knowledge sharing and professional development.
• Act as a role model for NSAI values and leadership behaviours.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

Qualifications

• An honours degree (Level 8 NFQ or equivalent) in Engineering, Construction, Architecture, Building Science, Project Management, Innovation Management or a related discipline.

Experience

Candidates must demonstrate:

• Significant experience in a senior leadership or management role.

• Extensive experience within the construction, engineering, built environment or related sectors.

• A proven track record of strategic stakeholder engagement and partnership development.

• Experience leading organisational, technical or industry-wide initiatives.

• Experience managing complex projects, programmes or multidisciplinary teams.

• Experience influencing policy, strategy or sectoral development activities.

Knowledge

• Strong understanding of Modern Methods of Construction and construction innovation.

• Knowledge of the Irish construction, housing and infrastructure environment.

• Understanding of standards, certification, quality assurance and regulatory frameworks.

• Knowledge of innovation ecosystems, research collaboration and industry development approaches.

• Awareness of emerging digital technologies and their application within technical and regulatory environments.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline.

• Chartered professional status.

• Experience working with Government Departments, State agencies or public bodies.

• Experience of research and innovation programmes.

• Experience in digital transformation initiatives.

• Knowledge of BIM, digital construction, sustainability frameworks or engineered timber systems.

• Experience within a standards, certification or conformity assessment environment.

Technical Competencies

• Experience in the promotion, provision and management of technical projects and services is desirable.

• Project management and planning skills with a record of achievement in delivering under demanding deadlines.

• Experience of building relationships and networks and influencing both internal and external stakeholders.

• Experience at representing the organisation at high-level meetings, with excellent interpersonal and communications skills.

• Experience of a range of IT systems and a working knowledge of file management systems.

To access the Candidate Booklet and full details of this position, please visit the career's page of NSAI's website.