Manager Aerodromes

IRISH AVIATION AUTHORITY

VACANCY

 Manager Aerodromes 

Note:               This Notice should be brought to the attention of all eligible serving employees, including employees absent from duty.

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Role: Manager Aerodromes 

Salary Scale: €125,796 to €158,383 (Incremental Pay Scale)

Reports to: Head of Aviation Infrastructure 

Location: The Times Building, 11-12 D'Olier Street, Dublin 2.

Position: Full time

Duration: Permanent

THE IRISH AVIATION AUTHORITY

The IAA is the civil aviation regulator for Ireland. We are responsible for the regulation of safety, security, and consumer interests. Our responsibilities are set out in the framework of applicable global, European, and national legislation/regulation. For more information, please visit our website: About the Irish Aviation Authority (iaa.ie).

Mission: The Irish Aviation Authority regulates to the highest professional standards to ensure a safe, secure, sustainable and consumer-focused civil aviation environment. We support world-class performance and innovation in Irish and global aviation.

Values: Our values reflect what we believe in and how we behave when engaging with each other, our clients and partners, and the society in which we live.

Safety first: We Uphold the highest standards of Civil Aviation safety and security in everything we do for the benefit of aircraft passengers and aviation personnel and in the public interest.

Consumer-Focused: We protect the rights of consumers, ensuring a safe, secure and efficient civil aviation experience.

Sustainability: We Support the development of aviation in a sustainable manner that meets the present demands for safeguarding the needs of the future.

Integrity & Accountability: We Act with transparency, fairness and responsibility in all our decisions and actions.

Professionalism: We Maintain the highest levels of expertise, ethics, responsiveness, efficiency and conduct in our work, and we recognise our true strength is in our people.

Collaboration: We Work closely with stakeholders to promote trust, alignment and shared success.

Respect & Inclusion: We Value diverse perspectives and foster an inclusive, respectful workplace and stakeholder environment.

Job Description

The Manager Aerodromes reports to the Head of Aviation Infrastructure and will manage and ensure the regulatory oversight of all civil licenced, certified, or otherwise approved, aerodromes in Ireland. 

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Leadership & People Management: Lead, motivate, and support the team to deliver organisational and team objectives by setting clear priorities, performance expectations, and timelines, while fostering an inclusive, professional, and adaptable working environment and ensuring equality of opportunity for all employees in accordance with IAA Equality Policies.

• Performance Management & Coaching: Implement the Authority’s Performance Management System by providing clear direction, guidance, motivation, constructive feedback, and timely intervention to direct reports; addressing performance issues; and supporting employee development within the Aerodromes Division.

• Planning, Organisation & Delivery of Results: Take accountability for delivering objectives by planning, prioritising, and managing multiple workstreams; delegate effectively; and apply appropriate systems, controls, and quality assurance to ensure high‑quality, timely outcomes

• Decision‑Making, Problem‑Solving & Strategic Awareness: Make sound, evidence‑based decisions, considering organisational, policy, and stakeholder impacts, and take responsibility for outcomes

• Change & Continuous Improvement: Identify and support opportunities to improve processes, performance, and service delivery, contributing positively to change initiatives

• Communication & Stakeholder Management: Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders; act as an effective link between reporting employees and senior management; and communicate clearly and confidently in both written and verbal formats; and implement and monitor effective two-way communication including Team Briefing,

• Self-Development: Demonstrate commitment to continuous professional development to enhance capability and effectiveness in the role

Manager Aerodromes Duties:

•  Manage the Aerodromes Division to ensure effective and efficient operation, mindful of the mission and values of the organisation.

• Exercise entry control by granting: 

  -approvals to individuals to carry out specific activities (e.g. safety training officer, rescue fire training officer, etc.) 

  -certificates to an organisation or individual for the provision of aerodrome services, products, equipment, parts, facilities, procedures or systems, etc. 

• Ensure surveillance of the aerodrome system to determine that participants comply with the required safety standards. This includes audits, spot checks, inspections, periodic meetings with operators, collection and analysis of data, and liaising with the industry. 

• Ensure the provision of information and support to the operators within the aerodrome system for the purposes of clarification, policy announcements, technical information, accident information, etc. Support includes giving advice on regulations and standards. 

• Ensure corrective action (i.e. administrative and if necessary legal measures) is taken to comply with the required standards. 

• Advise the Head of Aviation Infrastructure on exit control for all licence (i.e. individuals) or certificate holders (i.e. organisations) involving aerodrome services, products, equipment, parts, facilities, procedures or systems regarding the: 

-variation 

-suspension 

-revocation, or 

-disqualification 

of the licence or certificate; as well as on the detention of aircraft, products or parts; and the exercise of exit control over those voluntarily leaving the system. 

• Lead and direct the Aerodromes oversight team to ensure that all Irish civil licenced, certified, or otherwise approved, aerodromes meet the safety requirements published by the IAA, the EU, and ICAO. 

• Maintain an ongoing analysis of the aerodrome system to determine aviation safety trends. 

• Advise the Head of Aviation Infrastructure on specific or general matters relating to the aerodrome system and represent the Head of Aviation Infrastructure on matters relating to the aerodrome system. 

• Provide technical advice in the development of safety standards and in the development of regulations for aerodromes. 

• Maintain and preserve records and documents relating to activities within the aerodrome system for recording in the Civil Aviation Document Register and in particular the Electronic Terrain and Obstacle Database. 

• Provide technical advice and support to the Safety Analysis & Performance Division for the investigation of accidents and incidents. 

• Monitor, maintain and develop ISO 9001:2015 quality standards. 

This job description is not exhaustive, and other duties may be added as the Authority may reasonably require.

The successful candidate should have the following qualifications and skills:

Required:

Candidates must meet one of the following qualification and experience requirements:

• A minimum of 5 years’ experience as a civil aviation safety regulator, Aerodrome Operations Manager, or Airport Engineer; or

• Experience as an Air Traffic Controller or Air Traffic Safety Electronics personnel, with at least 10 years’ overall experience, including a minimum of 5 years in airport operations and management; or

• Experience as a professional pilot, whether civil, commercial or military, with at least 10 years’ overall experience, including a minimum of 5 years in airline management or equivalent; or

• A degree in Civil Engineering, or equivalent, with at least 10 years’ experience in the civil aviation system; or

• A master’s degree in Airport Planning, or equivalent, with at least 10 years’ experience in the civil aviation system.

Candidates must also demonstrate:

• A thorough understanding of aviation safety management system principles.

• Proven experience managing technical personnel.

• Experience delivering or supporting projects in a technical or regulatory environment.

• A strong working knowledge of ICAO, EASA and other relevant international requirements and agreements.

• The ability to engage with industry stakeholders in an approachable, credible and professional manner.

• Excellent IT capability, including proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, together with the ability to quickly become proficient in specialist software systems as required.

Desirables:

• A relevant third‑level qualification (Level 7 or higher on the National Framework of Qualifications) or equivalent relevant professional experience.

• Where applicable, relevant professional certifications, training, or management development programmes will be viewed as an advantage.

• Knowledge of, or experience working within, the public sector or regulated environments is desirable.

• A formal management qualification or primary or higher degree in management or technical discipline

• A good understanding of the financial principles that apply to aviation and in particular aviation regulation

KEY COMPETENCIES REQUIRED FOR EFFECTIVE PERFORMANCE:

For assessment of applicants the following competency model will be used. This model reflects the changing and more complex environment in which those at this level operate. Each competency is supported by a list of key performance indicators set out below.

EFFECTIVE PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Leadership 

•  Actively contributes to the development of the strategies and policies of the Department/ Organisation

• Brings a focus and drive to building and sustaining high levels of performance, addressing any performance issues as they arise

• Leads and maximises the contribution of the team as a whole

• Considers the effectiveness of outcomes in terms wider than own immediate area

• Clearly defines objectives/ goals & delegates effectively, encouraging ownership and responsibility for tasks

• Develops capability of others through feedback, coaching & creating opportunities for skills development

• Identifies and takes opportunities to exploit new and innovative service delivery channels

Judgement, Analysis & Decision Making

• Researches issues thoroughly, consulting appropriately to gather all information needed on an issue

• Understands complex issues quickly, accurately absorbing and evaluating data (including numerical data)

• Integrates diverse strands of information, identifying inter-relationships and linkages

• Uses judgement to make clear, timely and well-grounded decisions on important issues

• Considers the wider implications, agendas and sensitivities within decisions and the impact on a range of stakeholders

• Takes a firm position on issues s/he considers important

 Management & Delivery of Results

• Takes responsibility for challenging tasks and delivers on time and to a high standard

• Plans and prioritises work in terms of importance, timescales and other resource constraints, re-prioritising in light of changing circumstances

• Ensures quality and efficient customer service is central to the work of the division

• Looks critically at issues to see how things can be done better

• Is open to new ideas initiatives and creative solutions to problems

• Ensures controls and performance measures are in place to deliver efficient and high value services

• Effectively manages multiple projects

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

• Presents information in a confident, logical and convincing manner, verbally and in writing

• Encourages open and constructive discussions around work issues

• Promotes teamwork within the section, but also works effectively on projects across Departments/ Sectors

• Maintains poise and control when working to influence others

• Instils a strong focus on Customer Service in his/her area

• Develops and maintains a network of contacts to facilitate problem solving or information sharing

• Engages effectively with a range of stakeholders, including members of the public, Public Service and the political system

Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development

• Has a clear understanding of the roles objectives and targets of self and the team and how they fit into the work of the unit and Department/ Organisation

• Has a breadth and depth of knowledge of Department and Governmental issues and is sensitive to wider political and organisational priorities

• Is considered an expert by stakeholders in own field/ area

• Is focused on self-development, seeking feedback and opportunities for growth to help carry out the specific requirements of the role

Shortlisting

The number of applications received for a position generally exceeds that required to fill the position. While a candidate may meet the eligibility requirements of the competition, if the numbers applying for the position are such that it would not be practical to interview everyone, we may decide that a smaller number will be called to the next stage of the selection process. In this respect, we provide for the employment of a shortlisting process to select a group who, based on an examination of the application forms, appear to be the most suitable for the position.

This is not to suggest that other candidates are necessarily unsuitable or incapable of undertaking the job, rather that there are some candidates, who based on their application, appear to be better qualified and/or have more relevant experience.

Application documents will be reviewed against shortlisting criteria. The shortlisting criteria may include both the essential and desirable criteria specified for the position. It is therefore in your own interest to provide a detailed and accurate account of your qualifications/ experience in your application.

REFERENCES

It would be useful if you would begin to consider names of people who would be suitable referees and that we might consult (2 names and contact details). The referees do not have to include your current employer but should be able to provide a reference for you. The referees should be able to provide relatively recent information on your performance and behaviour in a work context.

You may wish to select referees that can provide such information from different perspectives or in different work contexts. Please be assured that we will only contact referees should you come under consideration after preliminary interview stage. Please note, should you be successful at final interview, we will require a reference from your current employer prior to recommendation for appointment.

Successful candidates may be required to complete several clearance processes such as Health and Character Declaration and any other relevant checks required for the particular role.

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

The IAA will not be responsible for refunding any expenses incurred by candidates.

The admission of a person to a competition, or invitation to attend interview, or a successful result letter, is not to be taken as implying that the IAA is satisfied that such a person fulfils the requirements or is not disqualified by law from holding the position.

Prior to recommending any candidate for appointment to this position the IAA will make all such enquiries that are deemed necessary to determine the suitability of that candidate. Until all stages of the recruitment process have been fully completed a final determination cannot be made nor can it be deemed or inferred that such a determination has been made. Should the person recommended for appointment decline, or having accepted it, relinquish it, the IAA may at its discretion, select and recommend the candidate who came second for appointment on the results of this selection process.

Applications will be treated in strict confidence. Deeming of candidature to be withdrawn - Candidates who do not attend for interview when and where required, or who do not, when requested, furnish such evidence as the IAA require in regard to any matter relevant to their candidature, will have no further claim to consideration.

Candidates' Obligations

Candidates should note that canvassing will disqualify and will result in their exclusion from the process.

Candidates must not:

• knowingly or recklessly provide false information

• canvass any person with or without inducements

• interfere with or compromise the process in any way

In addition, where a person found guilty of an offence was or is a candidate at a recruitment process, then:

• where they have not been appointed to a post, they will be disqualified as a candidate and

• where they have been appointed after the recruitment process in question, they shall forfeit their appointment.

SALARY RATE

The salary range for this role is Point 1 €125,796 to Point 7 €158,383..

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

The position is subject to a probationary period of 6 months from the date of actual commencement and is subject to the provision of satisfactory performance during that period.

HOURS OF ATTENDANCE

Hours of attendance will be fixed from time to time but will amount to not less than 41 hours gross per week. The successful candidate will be required to work additional hours from time to time as may be reasonable and necessary for the proper performance of their duties subject to the limits set down in the working time regulations.

ANNUAL LEAVE

Annual Leave excluding public holidays is 30 days per annum.

PENSION

The successful candidate will on date of joining become a member of the Irish Aviation Authority pension scheme details of which will be communicated to the successful candidate on offer of appointment.

OTHER BENEFITS

• Access to cycle to work scheme

• Tax free Bus/ Luas/ Rail to assist with travel costs to and from work

• Access to Employee Assistance Programme

• Access to IAA health and wellbeing initiatives

• Learning and Development opportunities

LOCATION

The IAA is based in the Times Building, 11-12 D'Olier Street, Dublin 2 near Trinity College. We are convenient to all Luas lines; several Dublin Bus routes and are about 5 minutes from Tara Street Railway Station. We are also just minutes from O’Connell Street and St. Stephen’s Green.

Hybrid working arrangements may be agreed in line with IAA Flexible Working policy. 

APPLICATION

Applications must consist of the following to be considered for shortlisting:

• A letter of motivation (max. two A4 pages) outlining why you wish to be considered for the post and where you believe your skills and experience meet the requirements of the position.

• A comprehensive CV.

Complete applications including a CV and letter of motivation should be received no later than 5pm, Wednesday 9th September 2026.

ELIGIBILITY

Candidates should note that eligibility to compete is open to citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, the UK and those with an IRP with stamp 4. To qualify candidates must be citizens of the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or have an IRP with stamp 4 on the date of application.

Please click this link to view current member states in the EEA:

Countries | European Environment Agency's home page

The IAA are not in the position to offer sponsorship for this role.

The IAA promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from people from diverse backgrounds and under-represented groups including, but not limited to, ethnic minority and people with disabilities. IAA firmly believes that such diversity enriches our workplace culture and drives innovation.

If you have a disability or need any specific accommodations during the application or selection process, please let us know. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments to ensure all candidates have an equal opportunity to participate fully in the recruitment process. You can contact us at human.resources@iaa.ie.