The IT Manager at Cork Airport is responsible for leading and managing the full IT function, ensuring that IT strategy and operations are aligned with the airport’s business objectives.
This includes the delivery, performance, security, and resilience of all IT systems supporting critical airport operations.
Operating in a complex and regulated environment, the role combines technical expertise with strategic oversight and strong communication skills. It supports real-time systems and infrastructure while planning future enhancements in line with daa’s goals and industry best practices.
Key Objectives
- Strategic Alignment: Ensure IT operations support Cork Airport’s broader business goals.
- Infrastructure Oversight: Manage physical networks, comms rooms, and equipment in line with daa IT policies.
- Service Delivery Excellence: Continuously improve IT service processes for consistency and efficiency.
- Support & Collaboration: Provide first and second-level support and manage supplier relationships to ensure quality and value.
The role also includes managing relationships with internal and external daa customers, improving service delivery quality, supporting incident management across all IT tiers.
This role maintains a close working relationship with the daa LABS team, headquartered at Dublin Airport—an industry-leading digital and innovation unit focused on transforming the airport experience through agile delivery, DevSecOps practices, and cutting-edge technology solutions that support Dublin, Cork, ARI, and daa International.
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead and mentor local IT teams (including third party suppliers), ensuring resource capacity meets current and future demand.
- Support training, succession planning, and capability building.
- Foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Operational Management
- Oversee daily IT service delivery, including first- and second-line support.
- Manage service levels, KPI reporting, and business relationships.
- Engage with third-party suppliers to resolve incidents and drive service improvements.
- Support demand management, DRP/BCG activities, and out-of-hours operations.
Stakeholder Management
- Build strong relationships with Senior Cork Airport Management team and business stakeholders.
- Act as liaison with daa LABS which includes Core IT technical, PMO, Development, Data & Analytics, Digital and Security teams.
- Manage vendor performance, and compliance in line with contracts and agreed SOW.
Monitoring & Compliance
- Design and manage an end-to-end IT monitoring operations centre.
- Ensure adherence to IT standards, security, and compliance policies.
- Adhere to ITIL v4 processes and maintain audit-ready documentation.
Cybersecurity & Risk
- Align systems with cybersecurity and regulatory standards.
- Manage internal/external audits and enforce data protection and access controls.
Strategic & Project Delivery
- Lead major IT projects and infrastructure lifecycle upgrades.
- Develop and manage IT budgets for cost efficiency.
- Collaborate with LABS PMO on new application transitions and lifecycle planning.
Escalation & Communication
- Act as escalation point for technical issues.
- Maintain clear communication across all business levels.
Technical Experience
- Strong understanding of IT domains: desktop, networking, databases, infrastructure, and virtualisation.
- Hands-on capability with servers, switches, and application configuration.
- Skilled in troubleshooting across diverse platforms.
- Experience with telecoms providers and fibre circuit delivery.
- Proficient in copper and fibre patching; data centre management.
- Familiarity with cybersecurity requirements and practices.
Non-Technical Experience
- Proven project and budget management.
- Quick learner with strong problem-solving skills.
- Experience managing audits and third-party relationships.
- Innovative and process oriented.
People Management
- Leadership of internal IT teams and external contractors.
- Maintains strong relationships with Central IT.
- Comfortable engaging senior stakeholders and presenting business cases.
- Resource planning and recruitment capability.
- 10+ years in IT, progressing from technical to management roles.
- 5+ years delivering major IT projects in complex environments.
- 3+ years managing IT teams.
- Strong technical troubleshooting and supplier management.
- Strategic and operational agility.
- Experience in compliance, cybersecurity, and audit environments.
- Ability to deliver in a 24-hour operational setting and participate in on-call.
Key Personal Attributes
- Customer and business focused.
- Strong communicator and decision-maker.
- Results-driven with risk awareness.
- Flexible, practical, and proactive.
- Committed to continuous improvement and staying current in the field.
Education & Certifications
- Third-level qualification in IT or equivalent experience.
- Certified in ITIL V3 (Expert level) and ITIL V4.
