Public Transport Contracts Manager

Duties and Responsibilities Management and administration of public transport contracts to include reviewing and analysing operator reports. Verifying and auditing of operational data and liaison with operators, including identification and monitoring of initiatives to improve operator performance and data quality. Reviewing operator proposals for variations to contracts and services and initiating or negotiating Authority led contract variations with operators as required. Managing contract budgets and assisting in the preparation of cost reports and annual budget submissions for management and departmental review. Analysis and review of rail and bus operator data for larger contracts including passenger loading data and operator performance data. Preparation, review and circulation, and presentation of summary reports and presentations, including on contract performance trends, to both internal and external stakeholders, including NTA management and operators. Overseeing the calculation of contractual payments due, including performance related deductions, bonus payments and incentives. Managing external consultants in supporting the public transport contracts teams work. Managing NTA surveys and audits of operator performance, including mystery passenger surveys, fare evasion surveys, passenger loading surveys and other performance surveys/audits that may be required from time to time. Preparation and review of material for annual statistical bulletins for public transport services. Analysis of fare structures, fare levels and revenue forecasts. Financial and economic evaluation of costs and benefits of service changes. Collation and review of cost, performance or other contract related data for internal and external audit purposes and meeting with auditors as required. Monitoring, improving and implementing quality procedures to ensure high quality outcomes from the public transport teams work. Supporting the procurement of public transport service contracts, including the preparation of contract documents, technical schedules and service specifications for public transport services contracts, appropriate to the type of services being procured, working with NTA legal and technical advisors as required, responding to bidder enquiries and evaluation of tender submissions. Leading in contract implementation prior to commencement of services. Liaison with other departments within the National Transport Authority in relation to proposed service amendments or new contracted services, and equipment, infrastructure or travel information required to support the delivery of contracted public transport services. Active engagement with other functions within the Authority including finance, technology, customer experience, public affairs, service planning and regulation. Other contract management or data analysis related tasks as required. Note:The functions and responsibilities initially assigned to the position are based on the current organisational requirements and may be changed from time to time. The person appointed requires the flexibility to fulfil other roles and responsibilities at a similar level within the Authority. Essential Criteria Please note: In order to satisfy the shortlisting panel that you meet these criteria you must explicitly reference how you meet same in your application. Failure to demonstrate these may prevent your application progressing to future shortlisting stages. Each candidate must meet the following requirements at the time of the competition closing: Hold a minimum of an NFQ level 7 in a relevant numerate discipline, such as engineering, mathematics, statistics, science, economics or equivalent; Have at least 5 years relevant work experience of which 2 years should be in an analytical, or contract management or procurement environment; Have excellent analytical skills, with the ability to overview situations, review andevaluate, defining plans and setting targets in order to achieve goals; Have superior report writing skills together with an ability to produce high quality analysis and reporting in a clear and concise manner; and Possess excellent IT skills, particularly in Microsoft Excel or similar packages. Desirable Criteria Please note: Should further shortlisting be required after essential criteria above, a selection of the following may be assessed. The ideal candidate will also: Possess a high standard of technical training and experience preferably in a transport or related environment; Be able to work within, and contribute positively to, multi-disciplinary teams; Have a good knowledge of public transport services, policies and governance arrangements, or the ability to quickly acquire such knowledge; Have experience in cost control and budgetary management; Have a good working knowledge of relevant European and national public procurement law, procedures and best practice in relation to public service contracts or, the ability to quickly acquire such knowledge; Be able to lead and direct the work of a project team; Have good time, quality and cost management skills to manage and deliver tasks that run concurrently, and that require both internal and external resources; and Have a creative approach to problem solving and a collaborative approach to working with others to reach a solution.