Project Communications Manager (Secondment)

Project Communications Manager (Secondment)

Location: Dublin, Cork or Galway

Join Us in Shaping the Future of Ireland’s Water Infrastructure

Are you an experienced communications professional who can turn complex infrastructure programmes into clear, engaging and trusted communications? This is an opportunity to play a leading role in supporting the delivery of major water and wastewater projects across Ireland.

As Project Communications Manager - Secondment, you will work at the heart of infrastructure delivery, partnering with technical specialists, project teams, clients, contractors and communities. You will lead communications programmes that help stakeholders understand, engage with and support projects that will deliver long-term benefits for Ireland’s water services.

Purpose & Scope of the Role

As Project Communications Manager, you will lead the design and delivery of communications programmes for major water and wastewater infrastructure projects, from early-stage concept through to construction. Working on a seconded basis within a client project team, you will manage project communications activities, client relationships and communications contracts across a portfolio of projects. You will work closely with project managers, engineers, environmental specialists, local authorities, statutory bodies, contractors, elected representatives and community stakeholders to develop and implement communications and stakeholder engagement plans, manage delivery in line with project objectives and regulatory requirements, provide strategic communications advice, and translate complex technical information into clear, accessible messages. Your responsibilities will include preparing project briefings, press releases, website and social media content, planning and delivering public information and consultation events, online briefings and project launches, managing stakeholder mapping and contact databases in line with GDPR requirements, leading stakeholder meetings and workshops, coordinating communications outputs, quality assurance, resources and delivery schedules, mentoring junior colleagues, and contributing to the strategic development and performance of the wider communications team. You will join a team of 16 communications professionals working across an active portfolio of projects, ranging from defined communications assignments to multi-annual, multi-phase consultation programmes for major infrastructure developments.

Your Impact in This Position

Your work will help ensure that essential water and wastewater infrastructure projects are understood, supported and successfully delivered. You will lead communications delivery for live infrastructure projects, maintain strong client and stakeholder relationships, and support the successful progression of projects through effective engagement, consultation and issue resolution. By building trust and understanding between project teams, communities, businesses, elected representatives and other stakeholders, you will ensure that technical and project information is communicated clearly, accurately and appropriately. You will also help project teams identify, manage and respond to communications risks and emerging issues, contribute to positive project outcomes by ensuring stakeholders are informed and engaged at the right time, influence communications approaches across a portfolio of projects valued at approximately €1 billion per annum, and support continuous improvement, knowledge sharing and the development of junior communications professionals.

Core Capabilities

Trusted Adviser and Client Relationship Manager

You will be a confident and credible adviser to clients, contractors and internal project teams. You will provide expert communications advice, manage client relationships and ensure a consistently high standard of service delivery.

You should have significant experience of leading client relationships and managing communications services in a fast-paced and evolving environment. The ability to prioritise, delegate, take accountability and build trust will be essential.

Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Professional

You will act as a key point of contact for clients, project teams and external stakeholders. You will lead meetings, briefings, consultations and engagement activities, while ensuring that complex technical information is translated into clear and relevant messages.

You will bring experience of developing and delivering communications strategies, communications materials, media and social media campaigns, events and stakeholder engagement programmes.

Project Management and Delivery

You will take ownership of communications delivery from project design through to construction. This includes coordinating outputs, managing deadlines, maintaining quality standards, planning resources and monitoring delivery against project requirements.

You will be comfortable working to project schedules, managing multiple priorities and contributing to forward planning, including three-month delivery lookaheads. Formal project management experience is advantageous, and relevant training will be available.

Risk Management and Governance

You will be systems-aware and capable of identifying, managing and escalating communications and project risks. You will contribute to risk registers, governance arrangements, quality assurance and performance monitoring.

You will help ensure that communications activities comply with relevant planning, regulatory, data protection and client requirements, while supporting a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Strategic Leadership and Collaboration

You will operate effectively at both strategic and operational levels, working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and senior stakeholders. Strong analytical skills will enable you to develop targeted communications plans and respond effectively to changing project needs.

You will also support the development of colleagues by sharing knowledge, mentoring junior team members and contributing to the wider performance and strategic direction of the communications function.

Qualifications & Experience

Expected:

• A Level 8 degree or equivalent qualification in Communications, Public Relations, Social Sciences, Behavioural Economics, Law, Business or a related discipline.
• At least seven years’ relevant postgraduate experience in communications, with significant experience in infrastructure, engineering, environmental or climate action projects.
• At least eight years’ professional experience in leading client relationships and service delivery, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Demonstrable experience of developing and implementing communications and stakeholder engagement strategies.
• Experience of managing communications programmes or projects through the project lifecycle.
• Experience of producing communications materials, including briefing documents, press releases, website content and social media content.
• Experience of planning and delivering public consultations, stakeholder meetings, community engagement events or project launches.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills.
• Strong analytical, organisational and prioritisation skills.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.

Beneficial:

• A Level 9 postgraduate qualification, such as an MSc in Strategic Communications, Public Relations, New Media or a related subject.
• Experience of working on water, wastewater, renewable energy, sustainable transport, engineering or other major infrastructure projects.
• Experience of working with public bodies, local authorities, statutory agencies, elected representatives, contractors or community organisations.
• Formal project management training or certification.
• Experience of risk management, governance, compliance, quality assurance or performance monitoring.
• Fluency in written and spoken Irish.
• Equivalent professional experience may be considered in place of specific academic qualifications.

Working Environment

This is a full-time role, normally working five days per week, delivered on a seconded basis through a blended working pattern. You will spend two days per week working on-site in the client’s office, two days working from a Tetra Tech office in Dublin, Cork or Galway, and one day working from home. The role will involve regular attendance at project team meetings, stakeholder meetings, public consultations, briefings and events, and some travel may therefore be required depending on project needs. Flexible and part-time working options may be considered, with working arrangements agreed collaboratively between the employee and line manager. Reasonable adjustments can also be made to support candidates and employees who require additional arrangements.