Senior Operations Manager

Transport Infrastructure Ireland; Dublin; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Transport Infrastructure Ireland seeks a Senior Operations Manager to oversee Luas Light Rail Services in Dublin, directing the O&M contractor, and coordinating with the National Transport Authority and other stakeholders. You will lead safety compliance, strategic planning, and performance management to ensure efficient and safe operations.

The role requires substantial experience in rail operations, strong leadership, and the ability to drive continuous improvement across the network and its

Qualifications

• Degree or 3rd level qualification in Engineering, Business or related discipline.
• Nine years’ experience, at least five in light rail/transport.
• Proven ability to manage high-value contracts and negotiate commercially.

Responsibilities

• Oversee O&M contractor (Keolis/Amey) performance and KPIs across the contract duration.
• Lead stakeholder engagement with local authorities and national bodies.
• Ensure safety compliance with rail legislation and TII safety systems.
• Develop longer-term plans for light rail network management in Dublin.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Contract management

Strategic oversight

Operations management

Education

Degree in Engineering or Business

Job description

The Senior Operations Manager is responsible for the operation of the Luas Light Rail Services in Dublin. The role involves working closely with the National Transport Authority (as joint client) in managing and providing direction to the Luas Operations and Maintenance contractor, Keolis/Amey. The role requires leadership, strategic oversight, operations and stakeholder management skills to ensure the continued efficient and safe operation of the Luas Light rail system.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the performance of the Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Contractor, Keolis/Amey, ensuring the contractor meets all of its operations obligations and KPIs for the full contract duration.
• Ensure Luas continues to provide high-quality customer service across all its lines/services.
• Ensure compliance with rail safety legislation and TII’ssafety management system/s, and other relevant corporate policies, guidelines, standards and codes of practice.
• Contribute to and support longer term / strategic planning activities for the Light Rail Network Management in Dublin and engaging with various stakeholders in this regard, including the Department of Transport, National Transport Authority and Local Authorities.

The Senior Operations Manager will be required to work closely with other managers within the Light Rail Network Management team in the performance of his/her role, as well as with representatives from the Commission for Rail Regulation (CRR) on safety related matters.

As this is a senior role in the Light Rail Network section, the role holder will be required to contribute to the development of broader light rail strategies and plans, positively promote the values and culture of TII, contribute to the delivery of TII’s sustainability and climate action programmes and plans and represent TII at various national and international forums.

Role and responsibilities include

• Manage the current Luas Operations & Maintenance Contract to ensure that the Operator (Keolis/Amey) fulfils its obligations under the Contract and provides efficient and safe service to Luas customers.
• Lead TII interaction with all stakeholders in the delivery of Luas Services including, Dublin City Council, An Garda Siochana, Dublin Bus, local public representatives, emergency services and other bodies as directed by the Chief Engineer.
• Manage direct reports / staff and ensure their development and performance through performance management and on-going professional development.
• Manage and develop relationships with existing contractors supporting the delivery of Luas services including contractors for advertising, fare evasion, car parking and others.
• Undertake Luas service enhancements in response to customer feedback and growth in demand in accordance with approved plans.
• Prepare the annual budget and five-year plans for the Luas business (in association with the Financial Management section).
• Report to senior management in TII and to the NTA on the performance of the Luas business (in association with the Financial Management section).
• Identify, support, develop and help implement projects which increase Luas capacity and performance including Civil Infrastructure, Track, and Energy and Systems network enhancement project.
• Manage all ticket revenues from Luas, including revenues from All Operator tickets sold by the NTA and revenues from the Leap scheme (in association with the Financial Management section). Manage the subvention requirement from the NTA as required.
• Engage with / report to TII’s Director of Commercial Operations, TII board and to the NTA on the performance of the Luas business (in association with the Financial Management section).
• Work closely with TII Public Transport Capital Projects (PTCP) in integrating new Light Rail projects (e.g. Finglas, Lucan, Poolbeg) into the existing Light Rail Network, and in planning new Luas lines envisioned in TII’s Luas 2050 plan and the GDA strategy.
• Increase the prominence of TII’s role in the management of Luas services in the industry and with stakeholders generally, through attendance at courses, seminars, media engagements and industry conventions.
• Develop an in depth understanding of customer behaviour patterns across the network through the use of census data and other data sources.
• Develop requirements for systems to monitor passenger volume at all platforms and onboard Light Rail Vehicles and consider systems which will automatically provide such information for future deployment.
• Represent TII’s Light Rail Business in various industry associations including UK Tram and UITP, and participating in relevant conferences and industry events.
• Act as the lead TII representative interfacing with the Approving Authority (NTA) in all matters concerning the safe, efficient and sustainable delivery of the Luas Service
• Agree annual O&M budgets with the Approving Authority and report regularly against targets.
• Support the Senior Asset Manager in development and implementation of a comprehensive asset management strategy for the Light Rail Network, aligning with ISO 55001 standards and TII’s asset management framework.
• To support the development of safety management systems for the whole Light Rail Network team with TII’s safety section and collaborate with CRR on safety related matters.
• To lead initiatives to continuously improve operations management and management practices within the light rail network management section, staying abreast of industry developments for the light rail sector.
• Ensuring the implementation of the TII Railway Organisation Safety Management System throughout their section. Ensuring that they and the staff within their function manage light rail system safety in accordance with the policies and procedures set out in the TII Railway Organisation Safety Management System. The Senior Operations Manager may be delegated safety responsibilities by the Chief Engineer Luas Network in accordance with the Safety Management System and may be required to deputise for the Chief Engineer Luas Network in the performance of safety related tasks.
• To undertake such tasks, activities or other duties as may be required or assigned as appropriate to the grade.

Education & Experience

The successful candidate will be required to demonstrate the key competencies for a Senior Advisor Level 1 position as identified in TII’s Competency Directory, as well as the following job-specific requirements:

• Degree or 3rd level professional qualification (FETAC Level 8 or equivalent) in Engineering, Business or other relevant discipline.
• At least nine years’ experience in a responsible position, of which a minimum of five years should be experience in Light Rail operations or other public / private transport related sectors.
• Proven ability in the management of high-value contracts that are technically and operationally complex, and in conducting commercial negotiations in relation to such contracts.
• Strong experience of cultivating and maintaining effective relationships with key stakeholders and contractors.
• Extensive experience of working with colleagues in other disciplines and departments in identifying and implementing solutions to problems.
• Knowledge and experience of methodologies for management of operations, including the application of risk management and project governance.
• Experience in procurement, including writing specifications, preparing data room information, responding to queries from tenderers, and evaluating pre-qualification submissions and tenders.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely to a variety of audiences.
• Good negotiation skills and good stakeholder management and relationship skills.
• A strong commitment to public safety, to the safety of our own staff, and to the safety of those working on our behalf.
• Highly numerate, with strong business acumen.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland is committed to a policy of equal opportunity.