Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has an opportunity for a Senior Manager - Recreational Angling Development, Operations & Strategic Projects
to join the Operational team.
This post will primarily be focused on ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of angling and education/outreach activities together with the day-to-day management of Fish Farm Production and any other obligation as required under the Inland Fisheries Act 2010 and/or subsequent legislation. Oversee the development and public engagement on new secondary legislation and policy in their business area.
Encourage high performance across your team and ensure that a culture of continual improvement exists;
Lead your department contribution to ensuring that it is effective, efficient, relevant,and responsive to the needs of its customers and stakeholders;
Ensure compliance and adherence to all appropriate policy, processes, and certification bodies/accreditation requirements, including horizon-scanning for future changes;
To bring best in class expertise while providing innovative solutions which blend with the organisation’s strategic business objectives and annual business plans.
To assist in providing ‘accessible and sustainable world class inland fisheries and sea angling for all.
ABOUT US
Inland Fisheries Ireland are the environmental agency responsible for protecting, managing and conserving Ireland's inland fisheries and sea angling resources.
More information can be found by visiting our website.
VISION, MISSION & VALUES
Vision
To place the inland fisheries resource in the best sustainable position possible for the benefit of future generations.
Mission
To protect, manage and conserve Ireland’s inland fisheries and sea angling resources and to maximize their sustainability and natural biodiversity.
Values
We work collaboratively with professionalism
We are open, transparent and accountable
We act with respect and integrity
We are committed to stewardship and sustainability
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
As the senior manager and as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, contribute to the implementation of the IFI strategy and its supporting mechanisms;
Lead, motivate and manage the staff in the delivery of excellent standards of service to all stakeholders;
Interface with relevant bodies and committees as required to deliver on the strategic priorities assigned;
Ensure all Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and KPIs are communicated and met,with action being taken when performance levels are dropping towards thresholds;
Ensure that the assets and reputation of the organisation are properly protected;
Develop a strategy across the areas of responsibility and implement annual business plans.
Manage the day-to-day operations;
Determine budgets in line with agreed business plans and within pre-assigned limits and ensure a return on investment;
Report on activities and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) as required.
Responsible for delivery to budget, ensure decisions are taken so targets are achieved.
Attend regular management review meetings and be the owner of any actions delegated by the Head of Operations or member of the senior management team;
Be the point of contact for escalated operational enquiries and issues;
Work with external and internal stakeholders, to identify the root cause of issues and oversee the development and implementation of corrective action plans;
Ensure that the assets and reputation of the organisation are properly protected and that the functions of the role are discharged in accordance with legislation;
Represent IFI both nationally and internationally as required and liaise with relevant external bodies, agencies, and organisations;
Undertake all other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time by the Head of Operations or nominee.
Make recommendations as appropriate on improved systems and methods;
Undertake any specified tasks as part of the national operations brief which covers responsibilities as required.
Communication & Engagement
Manage national engagement on all regulatory and angling requirements.
Manage the national engagement on the roll out of article 55 angling regulations
To establish and maintain a strong working relationship with their team, ELT and SLT members.
To advise the Head of Function on issues for development and issues of concern.
Provide a quarterly report to the Head of Function covering activities over the previous three months, critical issues that require discussion/input; suggestions for
Interface with relevant bodies and committees as required to deliver on the strategic priorities assigned.
Ensure all Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and KPIs are communicated and met,with action being taken when performance levels do not meet the standards required.
Be the point of contact for escalated operational enquiries and issues.
Work with internal and external stakeholders, to identify the root cause of issues and oversee the development and implementation of corrective action plans.
Education and Outreach
Generating a programme of community awareness and education aimed at not only attracting youth anglers, less able, existing anglers and the wider community.
Developing strong community and stakeholder ties to ensure continuous growth of public awareness of IFI’s range of programmes
Creating and delivering new education programmes, critical evaluation, and continuous development of existing programmes
Effectively devising and producing promotional materials
Develop and deliver a Novice Angling Strategy
Staff Management
Lead, motive, and manage the staff in delivering excellent standards of service to all stakeholders.
Lead the team contribution to ensure that it is effective, efficient,relevant, and responsive to the needs of its customers and stakeholders.
Provide personal growth development opportunities for employees under the remit.
Angling Marketing & Activities
Providing advice, assistance, and material about the Irish angling product to both national and overseas tour operators and agents
Optimising coverage of the Irish angling product with local, national,and international media
Liaising with Fáilte Ireland, Regional Tourism Organisations, market groups and travel companies to devise coordinated marketing strategies for the promotion of the angling product
Compiling and maintaining an up-to-date database of angling in formation
Assisting at national angling events and providing educational materials,lectures, and courses on the value of the angling resource, conservation,species diversity and angling methods and techniques
Surveying fisheries to identify optimum angling locations and facilities.
Fish Production
Oversight of the day-to-day operations of IFI’s Fish Farms
Responsible for the development and reporting on business plan objectives and the commercial operations of IFI’s Fish Farm; s including fiscal management.
Ensuring facilities are environmentally compliant and fit for purpose
Database, Mapping & IT
Provide support for the electro-fishing database and other databases as they are developed.
Facilitate data requests through collation and retrieval• Promote the use of mapping as a fisheries management tool
Finance
Liaise with the Head of Function to ensure good financial governance including:
Preparation of the annual budget
Preparation and oversight of monthly management accounts including any deviations from budget
The above is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other
duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.
KEY KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
The candidate must, on the latest date for receiving applications for the role, possess
Essential
A Primary relevant degree or equivalent (NFQ Level 7) & five years relevant experience with strong people management skills at multi- site locations or equivalent relevant experience/qualifications.
Substantial experience in working at a professional level in community engagement, stakeholder management and relationship building with multiple and various parties.
At least 5 years’ experience in developing and creating educational programmes
At least 5 years’ experience in managing a team at senior level
Proficiency in working across software platforms: video meetings, social media, Microsoft office.
A knowledge of governance and risk management frameworks including relevant legislation
Experience of managing resources i.e., people, finances etc.
Familiarity with delivering national strategies.
Holder of a full clean driving licence.
Can meet the travel requirements of the post. Prepared to work outside of normal hours as necessary;
Strong skills in MS office suite and exceptionally comfortable with web and IT systems
KEY SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES
Leadership
Demonstrates strategic thinking and decision making through a proven track record;
Results driven with a collaborative style and positive attitude;
Demonstrates an innovative leadership style which is supportive of growth and professional development of our people;
Exceptionally skilled at developing and maintaining positive, professional, and discerning relationships with key stakeholders at executive level, both internally and externally;
Enthusiastic and confident, with a high standard of professional integrity;
A self-starter possessing the necessary interpersonal skills and ability to lead teams and take responsibility for outputs and outcomes;
Collaborative in approach and able to maintain a solutions-focused attitude.
In an effective leader and a positive driver for change and the embedding of the right culture and tone across the organisation.
Operational
Proven ability to deliver on organisational goals and plans;
Effective and efficient financial/budget management experience;
Demonstrable project management skills, with a capability to achieve deliverables on time and within budget.
Organisational and time management skills and the ability to manage and prioritise workloads and deadlines.
Ability to use your own initiative.
Proven track record in systems, policies, and procedures implementation to ensure compliance, best practice, and consistency throughout IFI;
Managing and Delivering Results
Places strong emphasis on achieving high standards of professionalism and excellence
Commits a high degree of energy to well directed activities and looks for and seizes opportunities that are beneficial to achieving organisational goals.
Champions measurement on delivery of results and is willing to take personal responsibility to initiate activities and drive objectives through to a conclusion.
Critical Analysis and Decision Making
Has the ability to assimilate and analyse complex information; considers the impact of decisions and anticipates problems.
Recognizes when to involve other parties at the appropriate time and level
Building Relationships/Communication
Possess the ability to explain, advocate and express facts and ideas in a convincing manner and actively liaise with individuals and groups internally and externally.
Excellent interpersonal, influencing, negotiating, networking and general communications skills;
Is committed to building a professional network to remain up to date with and influence internal and external stakeholders.
Is committed to working co-operatively with and influencing senior management colleagues to drive forward the risk management agenda.
Having strong results focus and ability to achieve results through collaborative working.
High standards in written and verbal communications
Personal Commitment and Motivation
Is personally committed and motivated for this key role.
Demonstrates a strong willingness and ability to operate in the flexiblemanner that is essential for the effective delivery of the role
Demonstrates a commitment to ongoing continuous personal development
REMUNERATION
The salary scale for the position is at the level of Assistant Principal grade. It is a 8-point scale including 2 long service increments (LSI’s):
Point 1€80,708.38, Point 2 €82,425.95, Point 3 €85,443.28, Point 4 €88,462.77, Point 5 €91,484.46, Point 6 €93,217.95, Point 7 €96,267.87(LSI1), Point 8 €99,315.62(LSI2) (IFI AP Grade PayScale as of 01/03/2025)
Candidates should note that salary will not be subject to negotiation and the rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy. New entrants to the public sector will start on point 1 subject to Haddington Road Agreement and subsequent Government Agreements.
LOCATION
This role may be based at any of IFI’s regional offices; Citywest, Dublin / Clonmel, Tipperary / Macroom, Cork / Limerick City, Limerick / Galway City, Galway / Ballina, Mayo / Ballyshannon, Donegal.
TENURE
This post is offered on a permanent contract basis.
APPLICATIONS & SELECTION PROCESS
A cover letter and up to date Curriculum Vitae should be submitted by midnight on Tuesday 19th of August 2025.
Late applications will not be processed.
Short listing will be based on information provided in the Cover Letter and CV.
Canvassing will disqualify.
Inland Fisheries Ireland is an equal opportunities employer.
