What is the job?

Job Title: Project Manager
Location: FAI HQ, Abbotstown, Dublin
Direct Reporting Line: Head of Strategic Projects and PMO
Commencement Date: ASAP
Duration: 12–18-month Fixed Term Contract
Work Model: Hybrid

Purpose of the Role

The Project Manager will lead the planning and delivery of a range of strategic and cross-functional projects supporting the FAI Strategy 2026–2029. The role will ensure projects have clear objectives, defined scope, realistic plans and effective governance, and are delivered within agreed timelines, budgets and resource commitments.
Reporting to the Head of Strategic Projects and PMO, the Project Manager will work closely with Senior Leadership Team sponsors, business owners, internal teams and external partners to coordinate delivery, manage risks and dependencies, resolve issues and track progress against agreed outcomes. The role will also support the continued development and adoption of the FAI’s recently established project management office processes and tools.

Key Responsibilities

The Project Manager will be responsible for the following during the term of the contract:

Lead assigned projects from initiation and planning through to delivery, handover and closure.
Work with project sponsors and business owners to define objectives, scope, deliverables, success measures and resource requirements.
Develop and maintain project plans, budgets and milestones, coordinating activities across internal teams and external partners.
Establish clear roles, responsibilities and governance arrangements in line with the FAI’s PMO framework.
Monitor progress, manage risks, issues and dependencies, and escalate matters requiring decisions or intervention.
Manage changes to project scope, timelines, budgets and resources through agreed governance processes.
Build effective stakeholder relationships and facilitate project meetings and workshops, ensuring decisions are recorded and actions followed through.
Prepare clear project reports, business cases and recommendations for sponsors, governance groups, the Senior Leadership Team and Board, as required.
Coordinate external consultants, suppliers and service providers, including supporting procurement activities where required.
Support business owners with implementation, operational handover and assessment of project outcomes.
Provide project management expertise to support the continued development of the PMO, including its processes, tools, standards and ways of working.

The Person

Person Specification

Exceptional communicator with the ability to engage, influence and build trusted relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.
Highly organised, solutions-focused and comfortable managing multiple projects and competing priorities.
A positive, empathetic leader who inspires confidence and motivates teams.
Professional, resilient and able to handle sensitive or complex stakeholder issues with care.

Experience and Qualifications

Essential:

Minimum of 5 years’ experience managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities. 
Professional
project management qualification (e.g. PRINCE2, PMP, APM) or equivalent. 
Experience in project planning, governance, budgeting, risk management, and reporting. 
Experience coordinating internal teams and managing external suppliers, consultants or service providers.
Demonstrated ability to deliver projects against agreed timelines and budgets. 
Experience preparing reports, business cases, and presentations for senior management and governance groups.
Experience leading cross-functional projects and influencing stakeholders without direct line management authority.

Desirable:

Membership of a relevant professional body. 
Experience delivering organisational change, business improvement, digital or strategic projects.
Experience working with public sector bodies, grant funding programmes, or government agencies. 
Experience operating within a highly regulated or governance-driven environment. 
Knowledge of the Irish sporting landscape and the role of national governing bodies.
Experience in infrastructure project management.
Quantity surveying or Civil Engineering experience.

Skills & Professional Knowledge

Strong understanding of project management methodologies and best practice. 
Knowledge of project governance, procurement, budgeting, and risk management principles. 
Understanding of stakeholder engagement and consultation processes. 
Proficiency in project management and collaboration tools; experience using Asana would be an advantage.
Strong change leadership and organisational influencing skills.
Awareness of GDPR and data protection requirements and their application to project delivery.

Closing details

Closing date for receipt of applications is COB Friday, 6 November 2026.
Shortlisting and interviews will take place thereafter.

The Football Association of Ireland is an equal opportunities employer and promotes Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I).

About us

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) is the national governing body for football in Ireland, driving the growth, promotion, and development of the game at all levels. We are passionate about inspiring participation, supporting talent, and celebrating the power of football to unite communities across the country. With a proud history and an ambitious vision for the future, the FAI is committed to fostering excellence on and off the pitch, ensuring the game is inclusive, accessible, and a source of national pride.

Our Benefits
We are proud of the range of benefits we can provide:
•Two premium level tickets to each home international game
•Sick pay scheme and family friendly leave
•Opportunities to work at international matches
•Company pension
•Life assurance
•Bike to work scheme
•Free onsite parking
•Employee assistance program
•Hybrid working arrangements and flexible hours working arrangements
•Discounted access to the National Aquatic Centre and gym complex
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Project Manager

Benefits

Job Description