Executive Engineer

About the Organization

Cork City Council is seeking qualified professionals to join a panel for potential filling of both temporary and permanent Executive Engineer positions. Successful candidates will contribute to the city's infrastructure and public works.

Role Overview

The Executive Engineer role involves diverse responsibilities spanning project management, staff oversight, budget control, and community engagement. You will guide projects from initial design through to completion, ensuring adherence to health and safety standards and achieving quality results that benefit the Cork community. The position requires excellent communication and leadership skills as you will work closely with elected officials, local groups, contractors, and various stakeholders. Reporting lines include Senior Engineer, Senior Executive Engineer, or other designated officers.

Main Duties

• Oversee and perform engineering and related services including work programme preparation and management.
• Support comprehensive project delivery: develop project briefs, manage design, planning, procurement, supervise construction, ensure quality, resolve disputes, and handle financial management in line with best practices.
• Manage consultants and contractors, including procurement procedures.
• Administer construction contracts, acting as Employer’s Representative when required.
• Manage staff performance, conduct, development, and handle associated industrial relations matters as needed.
• Prepare and monitor budgets to ensure projects stay within financial limits and secure timely drawdown of funds from relevant agencies.
• Promote a strong Health and Safety culture in the workplace ensuring full compliance with applicable legislation and regulations.
• Discharge Project Supervisor duties for Construction Stage (PSCS) and Design Process (PSDP) as per council health and safety systems across capital projects.
• Respond to input from elected members and community organizations.
• Represent the council at meetings with elected officials, community groups, businesses, and residents; prepare required reports.
• Lead public consultation and engagement activities, facilitating communication with the public and stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate, detailed records in paper, digital, and GIS formats.
• Collaborate effectively with elected members and council staff across all directorates to ensure service delivery success.
• Liaise with other local authorities, government departments, and statutory bodies.
• Work with senior management in developing and implementing strategies aimed at improving service efficiency.

Eligibility and Qualifications

• Applicants must hold at least an ordinary bachelor’s degree (Level 7 or higher on Ireland's National Framework of Qualifications), accredited with a minimum of 180 ECTS credits, in Engineering; OR
• An ordinary bachelor’s degree (Level 7 or higher) plus a postgraduate master’s degree (Level 9 in NFQ) in Engineering; OR
• An integrated master’s degree (Level 9), at least four years in duration, accredited at Chartered Engineer (CEng) level by Engineers Ireland or equivalent internationally.
• Minimum five years of satisfactory relevant engineering experience.
• Strong technical and administrative expertise.
• Knowledge or capability to acquire knowledge of public service organizational structures.
• Full driving licence for Class B vehicles without disqualifications is required (as the role may involve driving duties).

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Familiarity with health and safety laws and regulations.
• Experience managing and supervising staff.
• Understanding of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and its application in design, construction, and asset management.
• Ability to manage deadlines and multi-task effectively.
• Experience overseeing all phases of civil engineering projects from planning to delivery.
• Strong interpersonal skills for effective communication with internal teams and external stakeholders, including interest groups and public representatives.
• Competence in delivering updates, presentations, and reports; incorporating feedback to improve outcomes.
• Proven budget and financial management skills ensuring value for money.
• Solid general ICT (Information and Communications Technology) capabilities.