Manager, Product Development  - Activities

Level 3

Full-Time, Permanent 

Closing date: 4th November 2025 at 3:00pm

Fáilte Ireland invites applications for the position of Manager Product Development - Activities. The role will report to the Head of Product Development - Activities.

Job Purpose:

The role will be a key role within Fáilte Ireland’s Product Development directorate  the requirement to execute investment programmes to award funding, manage the development of the projects from opening to operation and monitor the impact of this investment. This is a fantastic opportunity to join Failte Ireland where  you will contribute directly to positioning Ireland as a leading sustainable outdoor activity destination, inspiring visitors to choose Ireland for their holidays and supporting the long-term growth of sustainable & inclusive tourism across the country. 

Job Description:

Primary Objectives/Key Responsibilities

Product Development: 

• Collaborate on the development and implementation of Fáilte Ireland’s Investment Plan 2025-2030 and future investment plans. 
• Contribute to the development and implementation of organisation & regional strategies to deliver on Fáilte Ireland’s strategic objectives. 
• Manage a portfolio of investments that will deliver sustainable, exceptional and ‘best in class’ sustainable visitor experiences that are accessible and inclusive to all visitors and which support a positive economic contribution to the host destination and deliver a positive return on investment. 
• Proactively work with investment grant-aided applicants to ensure that  projects are being delivered within the timeframe set out within the respective schemes and that the applicant is adhering to the terms and conditions of the investment agreement. Escalate issues and risks that may impact on the delivery of investments within the agreed timeframes and budget. Successfully engage with multiple projects simultaneously. Ensure that all  project documentation is in place and kept up-to-date.   
• Be part of the evaluation team and review and make recommendation on the awarding of applications.  
• Collaborate and work with the Regional Programme teams in identifying product development priorities through the Destination & Experience Development Plan process specifically relating to activity & tourism infrastructure developments.   
• Work with matrix colleagues across the organisation to ensure the Product Development agenda is innovative, creative and well socialised, and ensure that cross-divisional work remains aligned with Fáilte Ireland’s strategy. 
• Build subject matter expertise as it pertains to Activity Tourism development to contribute to the development of Fáilte Ireland's future strategic plans. 
• Collate and manage acquired knowledge and learning in relation to tourism infrastructure, experience development, innovation, inclusivity and sustainable tourism development. 
• Take learnings from specialist research in the Outdoor Activity area and disseminate in an appropriate manner to colleagues & key stakeholders. 
• Display initiative and innovation. 

Stakeholder / Relationship Management 

Foster and maintain excellent stakeholder relationships both internally & externally to achieve organisation and programme objectives.  Specifically: 

• Manage relationships with key national stakeholders including our Strategic Partners - Coillte, NPWS, Waterways Ireland, BnM and Public Bodies incl. Local Authorities to deliver a range of outdoor tourism infrastructure and activity-based tourism capital projects. 
• Work collaboratively with relevant internal matrix teams in particular the Regional Programme  teams to provide support and guidance in identifying product development projects with potential to deliver on the organisation’s strategic imperatives and to enhance the tourism industry and help grow tourism in Ireland 
• Collaborate with other internal teams when relevant e.g. Strategy Management & Investment Analysis, Finance, Procurement, Legal Services, Corporate Communications & Public Affairs, Consumer Planning & Insights. 
• Develop a productive working relationship with third party providers and provide regular feedback and review of performance  
• Provide regular feedback from stakeholders to the organisation  
• Communicate Fáilte Ireland’s strategic objectives to key stakeholders  

Resource Management: 

Lead and support direct reports and team colleagues to perform to the best of their ability individually and collectively within the team to meet predetermined objectives.  Specifically: 

• Set clear goals and KPI’s for the team that are aligned to the corporate strategy and annual operational plans. 
• Conduct Performance Reviews in line with Fáilte Ireland Performance Management policy. 
• Monitor the deployment of resources to ensure optimal outcomes for the division and organisation. 
• Manage all staff reporting to the position, support and motivate them to maximise their development potential in line with Fáilte Ireland’s personal development policy. 
• Proactively develop collaborative working across the project teams to deliver agreed projects and KPIs. 
• Collaborate with peers to optimise the use of project resources in terms of the skills and capacity of the whole team. 
• Work closely with the Head of Division to deliver on the annual divisional plan and to  foster the development of the entire Division 

Governance/Reporting and Budget Management: 

Comply with all aspects of organisation policy and programme management.  Promote good governance amongst direct reports and divisional colleagues.  Specifically:    

• Effective management of projects to ensure delivery on time and within budget. 
• Risk management of all investments and appropriate risk mitigation measures & strategies implemented. 
• Contribute to divisional planning and other inputs as appropriate for management reporting.   
• Ensure that project metrics and updates are available in an agreed format and on time for Executive & Leadership Team and Board reports. 
• Ensure effective budget management of individual projects and accurate forecasting of expenditure  
• Ensure adherence to procurement and financial policies. 
• Ensure adherence with GDPR policies and Fáilte Ireland’s processes in this area 
• Compliance with Fáilte Ireland’s ICT processes and procedures 
• Ensure that any procurement of work from a third party is implemented in line with Fáilte Ireland procurement policy.

Carry out all other duties as required and participate as a full member of the Product Development – Activities team by supporting different work projects, as required. 

This role requires regular travel to Dublin as part of this role.  

Person Specification:

Essential Criteria:

This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated and experienced individual to lead meaningful change and drive improvements across the tourism sector. We are seeking a dynamic, action-oriented individual with proven management experience who can take ownership of projects to deliver impactful results from the outset. 

The ideal candidate will bring a strong track record in the design and delivery of capital investment schemes and projects within tourism, outdoor recreation, or related sectors. This role requires excellent communication, leadership and collaboration skills.   

In order to be eligible to apply for this role you must have / demonstrate in your application form the following   

• A minimum of five years’ relevant experience in a development role in delivering capital projects in a relevant sector  
• Experience in developing and managing people  
• Previous experience in the design of capital schemes (or categories within a scheme) and delivery of capital projects  
• Valid full driving licence/Access to own means of transport 

Qualifications/Mandatory Training 

• A professional qualification (minimum Level 6 under the QQI Framework) in a related discipline is essential 

Desirable Criteria 

• Demonstrate your experience of the Irish tourism sector and in particular the outdoor activity and/or tourism infrastructure sector 
• Demonstrate experience in the application of sustainable development practices. 
• Experience and knowledge of State Aid, the Infrastructure Guidelines & the Capital Works Management Framework would be an advantage. 

Key Competencies 

• Strategic Thinking 
• Managing Relationships
• Project Management 
• Decision Making 

Selection Process 

Shortlisting will be based on applications and the selection process may involve two competency based interviews. A panel of successful candidates may be formed following the selection process. 

Fáilte Ireland is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace which values and benefits from the diversity of the workforce. We encourage you to reach out to us directly at recruitment@failteireland.ie should you require assistance or reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process.