Senior Project Manager

Role overview

A public-sector healthcare client is seeking a Senior Project Manager to support a national, high-impact identity management programme. This appointment is initially for 12 months and is based in Drogheda with a hybrid working arrangement. The successful person will join the agency as an employee and contribute at senior management level to the National IHI and wider Identity Management programmes aligned to the Digital for Care strategy.

The post calls for a highly motivated self-starter who can lead strategic initiatives across healthcare organisations, manage several workstreams at once, and work closely with clinical, operational, technical and governance stakeholders. The work must be delivered efficiently, meet all applicable regulations and standards, and produce measurable improvements for service delivery, patient outcomes and operational effectiveness.

Working arrangement and pay

You will work 35 hours per week. Pay is €45.49 per hour, which is based on an annualised salary of €83,081. Annual leave accrues at 30 days per year, and paid bank holidays are included.

What you will do

• Take the lead on a major healthcare change initiative and drive it to successful completion within the 12-month timeframe.
• Own the programme direction, setting priorities and providing proactive leadership to keep milestones and objectives on track.
• Bring together clinical, operational, technical and governance stakeholders and keep them aligned with project goals.
• Build, implement and track detailed project plans, approaches and timelines.
• Encourage clear communication and productive collaboration across all parties involved in delivery.
• Spot project risks early, put mitigations in place and act quickly to prevent delays.
• Maintain compliance with healthcare regulations, standards and accepted best practice throughout the project lifecycle.
• Support ongoing improvement and innovation in delivery methods and project management processes.
• Lead and support team members to create a high-performing and cooperative working environment.
• Use resources efficiently so the project delivers within the available time and scope.

Principal responsibilities

• Apply strong project management practice to deliver consistent, high-quality outcomes.
• Lead projects, service activities and functions through to completion.
• Partner with key stakeholders to define requirements, governance arrangements and scope.
• Work professionally with internal and external partners to identify and deliver suitable projects.
• Recognise barriers to delivery and ensure appropriate actions are in place to reduce risk.
• Provide expert input to working groups when required.
• Build a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the project team.
• Measure progress and demonstrate the impact of project delivery.
• Capture lessons learned and carry them forward into future planning.
• Report status, progress and key issues to the General Manager, Senior Management Team and Project Sponsor.

Strategy and planning

The role contributes to service planning and strategic development, including expected service levels, new service development, the national service plan and capital planning. It also involves assessing project performance using both qualitative and quantitative methods, including tools such as Power BI, and preparing reporting that shows how workstreams align with strategic priorities.

In addition, the position supports governance by ensuring new proposals are consistent with shared organisational objectives and values. Regular face-to-face discussions with senior management and peers around resources, timelines, quality and reporting will form part of the job.

Communications and stakeholder engagement

• Serve as the main point of contact for project stakeholders.
• Put effective communication channels and processes in place to influence, support and coordinate multiple stakeholders.
• Listen to the needs of different parties and engage constructively and professionally.
• Keep communications proactive with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Facilitate collaboration so that stakeholder expectations are understood and met.
• Act as spokesperson for the client when needed.

Qualifications and experience

• Background in leading or contributing to projects of national importance, including business, technical, governance and legal activities across the full project lifecycle.
• Substantial experience in business operations, change management or project management, with use of structured change and project methods in complex environments.
• A qualification in Health Administration, Project Management, Business or a closely related discipline is required.
• Project management certification is an advantage but not mandatory.
• Ability to manage multiple projects at the same time, with a strong record of successful delivery.
• Experience creating and putting into practice standards, policies, procedures and guidelines relevant to the role.
• Experience working cross-functionally in a complex environment with many internal and external stakeholders.
• Must have the knowledge and capability, including the required suitability and management ability, to carry out the duties of the role properly.

Professional knowledge and expertise

• Proven project management experience and a sound understanding of recognised best practice.
• Experience analysing and interpreting data, including the use of critical appraisal skills.
• Strong analytical ability and the capacity to manage several concurrent projects.
• Experience of engaging with multiple stakeholders at strategic national level.
• Awareness of relevant legislation, regulation and strategy, including the Health Identifiers Act 2014, FOI, data protection law, Sláintecare, the Digital Health Roadmap and Digital for Care 2030.
• Knowledge of the Irish health service and wider healthcare system structures.
• Strong IT capability, including project management systems and tools.

Leadership, direction and teamwork

• Demonstrated leadership in a demanding environment, with evidence of innovation and improvement.
• Ability to organise, motivate and support staff through periods of change.
• Focus on delivery, accountability and taking personal responsibility for seeing work through to completion.
• Capability to support, supervise, develop and empower staff while adapting working practices in a difficult environment.
• Ability to balance change with continuity and sustain focus and resilience in complex conditions.
• Track record of positive change leadership and performance improvement.
• Comfort working with multidisciplinary and multi-sector teams to drive high performance and clear objectives.
• Flexibility and adaptability to meet changing role requirements.

Operational excellence and delivery

• Strong ability to prioritise, organise and schedule varied workloads.
• Experience handling competing priorities and tight deadlines while maintaining standards and relationships.
• Evidence of excellent planning and programme implementation.
• Energy and drive to pursue opportunities that support organisational goals.
• Capability to negotiate objectives and ensure they are delivered.
• Strong commitment to quality, performance measurement and delivery to conclusion.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure while managing multiple tasks.

Critical analysis and decision making

• Excellent analytical skills, including data extraction and interpretation from multiple sources.
• Ability to assess complex information quickly and make sound decisions.
• Judgement to consider options, involve the right people and reach balanced decisions in time.
• Strategic thinking with strong reasoning and judgement.
• Ability to gather and summarise evidence from diverse sources.
• Practical understanding of evidence-based decision making.
• Effective problem-solving ability in complex working environments.

Additional information

This role is offered on an agency basis for a public-sector healthcare client. Applicants must be legally eligible to work in Ireland at the time they apply. The position may be subject to Garda Vetting and Foreign Police Clearance where applicable, and these checks must be completed before starting work. The employer is an equal opportunities employer.

Employment details

Employment type: temporary. Location: Drogheda, Ireland. Working pattern: hybrid.