Network Manager, Engineering Skillnet

The Network Manager, Engineering Skillnet leads, coordinates, and strategically expands the network to drive workforce development and skills innovation across Ireland’s engineering sector. Reporting to the Head of Engineering Industries Ireland, this Senior Executive role holds end-to-end accountability for operational execution, financial management, regulatory compliance, and governance alignment with Skillnet Ireland and Ibec guidelines. 

The Network Manager manages key relationships across member companies, academic institutions, service providers, and state agencies, acting as a strategic partner to industry leadership. By leading a dedicated operations team, conducting in-depth sector research, and embedding continuous improvement, sustainable practices, and digital tools, the role ensures the network meets its targets and delivers high-impact learning solutions for the sector.

The closing date for applications is 3pm on 23rd September 2026.

Strategic Direction & Network Growth

• Partner with the Network Steering Committee and Engineering Industries Ireland leadership to develop and execute strategic and annual operational plans.
• Promote the network and drive ongoing membership development, recruiting and retaining member companies across all industry sub-sectors.
• Identify emerging skills needs, trends, and opportunities for expanded activity, leading the preparation of competitive funding applications and proposals.
• Lead cross-sector collaboration and innovation initiatives to align workforce development with broader national economic priorities.

Governance, Compliance & Financial Management

• Oversee network governance, ensuring strict compliance with legislative, Skillnet Ireland, and Ibec operational procedures.
• Manage financial performance, budget planning, and financial reporting, establishing robust internal controls, risk management protocols, and audit readiness.
• Manage transparent procurement processes, leading tender evaluations, supplier selection, and contract negotiations in line with guidelines.
• Direct accurate data management, activity tracking, and milestone reporting using systems such as Sonraí and Navision.

 
Steering Committee & Stakeholder Management

• Deliver high-level secretariat and committee facilitation support to the Network Steering Committee and advisory groups, overseeing meeting schedules, documentation, and action tracking.
• Lead stakeholder mapping and engagement planning, cultivating trust-based relationships with senior executives across member companies, universities, state bodies, and service providers.
• Represent and advocate for the initiative across industry conferences, national seminars, media, and promotional platforms.

Operations, Team Leadership & Programme Delivery

• Provide strong leadership, team management, and performance development for the project team, fostering a supportive, inclusive, and high-performing culture.
• Oversee programme development, event design, and logistics management for network events, workshops, and industry briefings.
• Drive service delivery excellence and user experience across all training interventions and member offerings.
• Leverage social and digital engagement platforms, web channels, and AI tools to promote network activities and streamline operations.

 
NOTE: This list is not exhaustive but serves to reflect the nature of the duties included in the role. Given the nature of the organisation and the need to respond to members’ needs on an ongoing basis, the role is subject to change over time.

Qualifications, Experience & Knowledge

• Primary degree in Engineering, Science, Business, or a related discipline; postgraduate qualification preferred.
• 5+ years of professional experience in project management, operational leadership, or workforce development, ideally within the Engineering or Life Science sectors.
• Proven track record of managing large-scale, target-driven initiatives involving public and industry funding.
• Deep understanding of the skills landscape, education frameworks, and economic drivers shaping Ireland's engineering industry.
• Demonstrated experience in team leadership, budget oversight, contract negotiation, and multi-stakeholder governance.
• Strong background in marketing, event execution, and digital engagement.
• Requirements: Must hold a full driver's licence and have access to a car, as the role involves national travel.

Core Leadership & Operational Competencies

• Strategic Stakeholder Management: Expert at building, influencing, and aligning complex matrixed relationships across industry, academia, and government. Experienced in board/committee facilitation, negotiation, and executive-level storytelling.
• Project Delivery & Financial Control: Advanced capability in overseeing multi-stream project execution, mitigating operational risks, and managing complex budgets, financial controls, and ROI reporting.
• Governance, Compliance & ESG: Deep expertise in association governance, regulatory compliance, and procurement standards, paired with a commitment to embedding inclusive accessibility and sustainable ESG practices across programs.
• Sector Intelligence & Data Analytics: Skilled in analysing market trends, conducting skill-gap assessments, and validating operational data to drive evidence-based strategic planning and continuous process improvement.
• Program Innovation & Community Engagement: Proficient in designing high-impact industry events, executing multi-channel digital campaigns, and deploying emerging AI and digital tools to optimize operations and drive innovation.
• People Leadership: Dedicated to mentoring cross-functional teams, fostering collaborative partnerships, and cultivating a performance-driven, adaptable operational culture.

 
Ibec Core Competencies
 
Bias towards action

• Collaborative – work together as ‘one Ibec’.
• Dynamic – approach initiatives with careful planning, energy, drive, and resilience.
• Decisive – make clear, well-informed decisions.  

 
Member and Customer Focus

• Agile and Adaptive – embrace change and be adaptive to members’ needs and in ambitious situations.
• Creative and Innovative – not afraid of dynamic thinking in finding solutions.
• Curious and Critical Thinking – open minded and proactive in gathering data in developing opinions.  

 
Drive and Personal Leadership

• Ambitious – driven and can take responsible risks.
• Accountable – committed to highest standards and takes ownership of actions.
• Continuous Improvement – proactive on personal and professional development.  

 
Ibec is an equal opportunity, and inclusive employer is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for potential and existing employees with a disability. Should you wish to request a reasonable accommodation please email Kenny at Kenneth.kelly@ibec.ie