Schools Project Manager (Maternity Cover)

HEAnet are seeking to appoint a Project Manager to the Schools team for a fixed purpose contract (maternity leave cover) to manage the successful delivery of both internal and client-facing projects. The HEAnet project portfolio is wide-ranging and stretches across network connectivity, infrastructure, identity-management, hosting solutions and brokerage projects.HEAnet provide all of Ireland’s primary and post-primary schools (approx. 4,000 schools) with high-availability Internet and network security services to more than 900,000 teachers and students.Along with connectivity, the HEAnet Schools Team provide a range of essential services to both primary and post- primary schools, which include:Internet Content FilteringManaged router in all 4,000 schoolsFirewall Services & VPNIP Address AllocationLDAP directory for the PDST and Ireland’s teachersAnti-spam & anti-virus serviceHEAnet also hosts identification for www.scoilnet.ie the Department of Education and Skills (DES) official portal for Irish education.These essential services make the HEAnet Schools Network one of the largest proactively managed networks in the country.The successful candidate will have proven track record of successful delivery of large-scale projects, ideally in a technology solutions environment, with the ability to engage effectively with external stakeholders, clients, vendors, as well as Management and technologists within the HEAnet organisation being a key requirement. The role will report to the Schools Network Manager.For a view of the current Schools services catalogue, please visit: https://www.heanet.ie/schools Key Responsibility AreasThe successful candidate will undertake the following:Manage the successful delivery of a portfolio of projects under the guidance of the Schools Network Manager;Work closely with the Schools Network Manager in advancing HEAnet strategy for Schools;Preparing tender and framework documentation, running & evaluating mini-competitions;Gathering school, Department & PDST requirements in advance of tenders;Liaising with HEAnet Brokerage team/OGP as required;Work closely with the Schools Network Manager with Government Departments to represent HEAnet as technical advisor;Provide leadership and vision for technical evolution of Schools Network;Manage the successful delivery of Schools services;Coordinate efforts with specialists from across HEAnet, service providers, application vendors and clients to ensure successful delivery of projects;Define network security policies for Schools Network in liaison with HEAnet Security team & Department of Education;Adhere to the HEAnet PMO project methodology for each project assigned, including preparation of project initiation documents, project plans, risk mitigation and issue resolution strategy, project reporting, project closure, and so forth;Contribute to defining and managing project budgets, and associated contingency management; To define and measure delivery against success metrics;To manage project change in a structured and controlled manner over the life of each project;Co-ordinate with the relevant HEAnet Managers regarding resource planning for project delivery;Planning resource activities, priorities, dependencies, constraints, quality management activities and milestones;Work closely with other teams to ensure the smooth operation and delivery of Schools Internet services;Creating and maintaining technical documentation;Contribute to developing and maintaining policies and procedures.Any other duties within the general requirement of the role which may be required from time to time.Required Experience, Skills & AptitudesEssential A background of at least three (3) years experience in a project management role with proven experience in managing the implementation of complex systems or infrastructure projects;A degree or equivalent academic or professional 3rd level qualification, or similar relevant experience.Knowledge and experience of project management approaches, tools and phases of the project lifecycle;A proven track record of excellent communication and customer service skills enabling successful collaboration with key stakeholders;A proven ability to translate client requirements into tangible projects;Experience in effectively managing project budget;Sound judgment, problem solving and collaboration in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions to problems;A flexible attitude to the evolving needs of the post and its environment;Ability to work as a team member and individually; Trustworthy, open and transparent, with a high degree of personal integrity;A high level of motivation and enthusiasm for the job;Strong attention to detail;An organised approach to work and an ability to prioritise effectively in a busy and changing environment;Must be capable of proactively identifying work in advance and ensuring its completion ahead of deadlines.Other Relevant InformationDesirable Previous experience or strong understanding of the Education & Research Sector;Knowledge of public procurement tendering processes;Experience of change management methodologies;Good understanding of ICT technologies, in particular Networks and ISP environment;A good understanding of finance to support procurement, budgeting & driving value for money across the Schools team;Knowledge of Network and Systems security.Closing Date We aim to fill this vacancy as quickly as possible and will close adverts as soon as we have found the right candidate. We would therefore advise interested applicants to submit an application as early as possible.Equal OpportunityHEAnet is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.