Our client the Land Development Agency (LDA) is a key Government Commercial Semi-State Body that delivers affordable and social housing on State and other lands. It is overseen by an independent board of directors and is funded with €5 billion of equity capital committed by the Government. It is also permitted to borrow up to €1.25bn.
The LDA has commenced construction on various state sourced lands and is currently working on over 30 projects delivering over 15,000 homes. It is also delivering affordable housing by working with the private sector on an initiative called ‘Project Tosaigh’, which will yield a further 8,000 homes on land provided by housebuilders.
The growing focus of the LDA is working on the delivery of large-scale strategic areas through assembly and activation in locations such as Limerick Colbert Quarter, the Cork Docklands and Sandy Road in Galway.
The LDA is underpinned by a positive, collegiate, ‘can do’ culture based on our core values of Integrity, Results, Collaboration, Sustainability and Innovation. Our team is around 180 people and growing rapidly.
The Role
Reporting to the Director of Development, the Programme Lead will be responsible for and lead the assessment, assembly, activation and servicing of large scale residential led programme areas. The Programme Lead role is a senior leadership role that will offer the right candidate an exciting opportunity to originate, lead and drive the delivery of a wide range of large scale transformative regeneration programmes across the country. The range of programmes will include regeneration, brownfield development, redevelopment of industrial areas and the delivery of new urban areas.
The ideal candidate will have relevant experience in a leadership role on large scale development/ regeneration programmes with a demonstrable track record of delivering infrastructure and development at scale.
They will have the ability to think strategically, be commercially astute and have a proven track record of leading cross-functional teams and building strong and lasting relationships with diverse ranges of stakeholders.
The successful candidate must have the leadership qualities to manage, mentor and grow the Programme Management Team to be a critical function in the Agency.
Key Responsibilities
• Lead the assessment, assembly, activation and delivery of potential large programme areas for progression by the LDA, working with the internal expert teams such as Planning Services, Property Advisory, Cost, Legal etc
• Undertake initial site feasibility studies and viability analysis in identifying development opportunities and constraints
• Formulate and implement optimum development strategies, including the management of the internal and external governance approval processes, including overseeing preparation of Investment Committee and Board papers and monthly reporting. Support engagement with external governance stakeholders.
• Build the Agency’s Programme Management function by developing and implementing robust and effective policies and procedures. Play a key role in candidate sourcing and the recruitment process to attract top talent. Provide strong leadership by managing, mentoring and empowering a team of LDA development professionals, leading by example to foster growth and excellence
• Collaborate and build relationships with multiple internal and external stakeholders across diverse functions, including managing and resolving competing interests. Take account of broader issues, agendas, sensitivities and related implications when making decisions.
• Proactively manage design teams and other professional service providers from a technical, programme and budgetary perspective. Have the ability to confidently challenge advice and interrogate proposals with the aim to improve outcomes and efficiencies.
• Represent the organisation externally, acting as a professional ambassador for the Agency, consistently upholding and reflecting our core values in all external engagements. Be pro-active in the development of key partnerships, working with key stakeholders to ensure effective coordination and efficient delivery.
• Oversee effective administration and management of all project documentation and governance including, risk management, monthly reports, programmes, development budgets and cashflows, contracts administration, project registers and trackers.
• Provide a clear leadership voice and direction to cross-functional internal and multidisciplinary external teams. Develop clear and realistic objectives and address performance issues if they arise.
• Proactively contribute to wider business development and strategic initiatives, challenge the status quo, identify areas for improvement and bring forward initiatives that will improve ways of working and benefit the wider organisation.
• Maintain the LDA’s Core values at all times.
Person Specifications / Requirements
· At least 15 years’ experience in relevant property development sector.
· Hold a recognised degree level qualification in development related sector. Post graduate qualifications will be an advantage.
· Breadth of experience through the development lifecycle is essential, with origination through feasibility and servicing of particular importance.
· Commercial acumen – strong understanding of viability and cost drivers / ability to drive optioneering and commercial analysis / to draw insights from cost plans & investment appraisals / oversee budgets & cashflows / mitigate cost variations.
· Proactive results focused management style, solutions oriented with the ability to lead, mentor and empower a team.
· Strong interpersonal skills, including ability to foster positive working relationships and work collaboratively with various stakeholders.
· Excellent written and spoken communicator – ability to communicate with focus, simplicity and clarity, adapting to audience.
· Technical knowledge – broad understanding of technical disciplines / promote sustainable climate resilient development / strong knowledge of planning system / understanding of construction buildability / informed challenging of technical solutions.
· Ambition to meet and exceed the highest level of industry standards.
To Apply:
The closing date for applications is 12pm on the 28th April 2025.
The Land Development Agency (LDA) is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to promote and support a diverse and inclusive workforce, and we endeavour to provide reasonable accommodations where requested.