Head of Metro Investment

Duties and Responsibilities The successful candidate will be responsible for the successful delivery of the National Transport Authoritys (NTAs) multi-billion euro metro rail infrastructure investment programme. The cornerstone of the metro investment programme is the MetroLink project, an 18.8km driverless (Grade of Automation 4) metro system travelling from north of Swords through to south city centre in Dublin via Dublin Airport. The route comprises sections of single bore tunnel, open cut channels and sections of above ground running and will deliver capacity of up to 20,000 passengers per hour per direction. The MetroLink project received planning approval on 2 October 2025, and preparation of the tender design and procurement packages is currently underway. It is anticipated that the project will enter initial construction phases in 2027 with commencement of passenger services in 2036. In addition to the MetroLink project, in line with government policy, feasibility studies on the future extension of the MetroLink project will be undertaken over the coming years feeding into the Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy. With a focus on the delivery of new infrastructure, it is an exciting and challenging role, delivering a key element of the north south spine in Dublin, enabling increased sustainable travel and enhancing regional and international connectivity. In addition to the metro investment programme, the role also encompasses engagement across the other areas of transport planning and investment with the NTAs capital investment portfolio ensuring the delivery of an integrated transport system meeting the needs of all users. The principal duties and responsibilities of the Head of Metro Investment may include some or all of the following: Leading the NTAs role in the planning and implementation of MetroLink including but not limited to: managing assurance and approval processes; leading engagement with the delivery bodies, Department of Transport and other key stakeholders; and ensuring that the MetroLink scheme is delivered in a manner that secures the projected benefits and planned outcomes as specified by the NTA. Co-ordinating and leading the work of the NTA in respect of the MetroLink project ensuring that the necessary engagement across all departments is undertaken and NTA inputs are provided in a timely manner to support delivery of the MetroLink project; Preparing investment plans for public transport investment particularly relating to metro investments, and management of the relevant NTAs investment budget, as part of the NTAs overall capital programme which is currently over €1 billion per annum and projected to increase over the next five years to support delivery of the MetroLink and other investment projects; Development, in collaboration with other sections of the NTA, transport strategies, strategic traffic management plans and implementation plans; Management of various engineering and advisory contracts to support the delivery of the Metro and other public transport investment programmes; Management and development of key stakeholder relationships, particularly those involved in the delivery of rail investments including Transport Infrastructure Ireland and Iarnrd ireann; Undertaking the development of business cases, review / approval of business cases and development of the NTAs project appraisal and cost management capabilities; Management of the metro transport investment team; Preparation of tender documentation for services and works related contracts; Preparation of guidance documentation including in the areas of project management, cost management, design standards and project appraisal; Management of various procurement processes in accordance with procurement rules, regulations and NTA procedures; Representing the NTA in public fora as required including presenting at conferences, council meetings, and providing evidence at oral hearings; and Such other duties as may be assigned by the Chief Executive from time to time. Note:The functions and responsibilities initially assigned to the position is 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 NTA. 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 a NFQ level 7 degree in a relevant discipline, being engineering or project management or equivalent; Have at least 9 years satisfactory experience of engineering or project management work, with at least 5 years experience in the management of people or projects; Have significant experience in sponsor or client roles in the design, planning or construction of Metro or tunnelling projects; Have significant experience of managing a large portfolio of projects in a leadership role; and Possess a high standard of technical training and experience. 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: Have a good knowledge of governance and assurance in the management and delivery of major projects; Have a good knowledge of public spending and public service policies, services and activities, particularly related to transport; Be able to work within, and lead, multi-disciplinary teams and have the ability to motivate, empower and encourage personnel under his/her control to achieve maximum performance; Possess strong leadership, management, interpersonal and communication skills; Be able to manage financial resources for a large multi-project portfolio within a budgetary control framework; Have superior report writing skills together with an ability to produce high quality analysis and reporting; and Possess good I.T. skills. Skills: Develops a culture of learning & development Assembles facts Manages multiple agendas and tasks