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Strategic Projects Manager
Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU)
The Irish Rugby Football Union is the governing body for rugby union on the Island of Ireland (both Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland). The IRFU is responsible for all aspects of the game from schools and clubs to the professional, high performance and international teams
Job Posted- 2 Sep 2026
Status- Full Time
Location- Ireland
Closing date- 11 Sep 2026
The IRFU are inviting applications for the role of Strategic Projects Manager.
The successful candidate will will assist with evolving the project management capability and converting IRFU Strategic goals into a portfolio of projects and cross-functional initiatives. The person will monitor the delivery of projects, reporting on risk and issue management, governance, status and stakeholder engagement.
ROLE AND PURPOSE OF POSITION:
This position will assist with evolving the project management capability and converting IRFU Strategic goals into a portfolio of projects and cross-functional initiatives. The person will monitor the delivery of projects, reporting on risk and issue management, governance, status and stakeholder engagement. The key elements of the role include:
- Co-ordinating the implementation of projects including assisting with delivery, reporting, monitoring and risk management.
- Support and drive cross-functional projects, ensuring clear communication on all levels.
- Lead the implementation of project delivery and governance practices (templates, standards, reporting) to mature scalable project management capability.
- Collaborate with IRFU and Provincial colleagues to contribute to the development and delivery of the next strategy for Irish Rugby.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Monitor and report progress against the IRFU Strategic Plan (2024–2028) by collaborating across the organisation to track KPIs, KRIs, visualise data, and prepare reporting packs for Senior Leadership and Committees.
- Assist in the development of future strategic plans in accordance with the 4-year cycle, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities and stakeholder input (across IRFU and 4 Provinces).
- Co-ordinate key strategic and transformation projects, ensuring delivery on time and within budget, including project planning, governance, reporting, and risk management.
- Co-ordinate risk assessments, preparing reports, and ensuring the prompt delivery of governance documentation to enable informed decision-making. Tracking and reporting of risks, particularly in relation to the strategic plan.
- Support the development of business cases for new initiatives, ensuring clear rationale and measurable outcomes.
- Assist in growing a clear project delivery framework aligned with IRFU strategy and culture.
BACKGROUND AND EDUCATION:
The skills and attributes outlined in this description are not exhaustive, and we welcome candidates who bring relevant and transferable experience:
- Qualified to degree level or equivalent.
- 2–4 years’ experience in consulting or similar role.
- Strategic thinker with experience in planning, performance monitoring and reporting.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify trends and present findings in clear, simple and impactful formats (data visualisation).
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels and present complex information clearly.
- Proven project management skills, including governance, reporting and risk management.
- Attention to detail and pride in the quality and presentation of outputs.
- Flexible, proactive and able to adapt in an ever-evolving landscape.
- Exposure to, or experience in, the sports industry would be desirable.
KEY SKILLS
- Presentation of data – Ideally ability to design and develop (in cooperation with developers) audience tailored dashboarding and reports to clearly communicate status of each initiative, KPIs and associated risks.
- Project Management – The development of project plans with clear roadmaps, dependencies and milestones to drive projects forward and regular reporting
- Stakeholder management – Working with the Senior Leadership Team to update and report to Committees
- Communication – Ability to be succinct, clear and engaging at senior levels.
The successful candidate must be eligible to live and work in Ireland.
Salary for this role is depending on experience.
Our benefits include:
- 22 days basic annual leave entitlement
- Employer pension contribution from first day
- Family friendly policies
- Health insurance from first day
- Birthday leave
- Education assistance Programme
- IRFU Group Scheme – discounts from brands and retailers
- Wellness initiatives, including self care leave
- Bike to work scheme
How to Apply
Please click APPLY NOW to begin the application process.