Operations Manager – Light Rail Business
Background
TII is a statutory public agency responsible for managing and improving the country’s national road, cycling, light rail network and future MetroLink Metro service. The annual expenditure of the organisation is currently in the order of €1.0 to 1.5 billion. TII is based in Dublin, with some regional and local project offices TII is responsible for managing significant road and light rail networks and assets on behalf of the state and these networks are used by millions of customers every year. TII works closely with the Department of Transport, the National Transport Authority, Local Authorities and various safety bodies (including the Commission for Rail Regulation) to fulfil its remit.
The Luas light rail network operating under the brand name (Luas) is a vital component of Dublin’s transport system and carries significant passengers (c. 55 million passenger journeys in 2025), requiring ongoing asset management to maintain high standards of service, safety, and reliability. The current network spans approximately 43km with 67 stops and TII is currently working on extending the network a further c.30 km (with an additional c.32 stops) as part of the Government’s NDP to connect the network to Finglas, Lucan, Poolbeg and Bray.
Role and Responsibilities
Reporting to the Senior Operations Manager, the Operations Manager role will sit within the broader Operations team within the Light Rail Network Management Section and will have a number of staff directly reporting to him/her. The primary responsibilities of the role are:
i. Support the mobilisation of the new O&M contract with Keolis Amey and the smooth transition from the outgoing O&M Contractor to the incoming O&M Contractor and the exit management of the outgoing contractor.
ii. Manage the performance of the new Luas Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Contractor Keolis/Amey, ensuring the contractor meet all if its operations and maintenance obligations and KPI over the 7 - Year contract duration.
iii. Support the Senior Operations Manager in engagement and interaction with all stakeholders in the delivery of Luas Services including, Dublin City Council, An Garda Siochana, Dublin Bus, Local public representatives, emergency services and other bodies as directed by the Chief Engineer.
Other responsibilities include:
- Managing the current Luas Operations and Maintenance Contractor (Transdev), ensuring that they fulfil their obligations during the handover and transition to the new Operations and Maintenance Contractor (Keolis/Amey).
- Managing all operations and performance obligation of the new Luas Operations and Maintenance Contractor (Keolis/Amey).
- Interfacing with the Approving Authority (NTA) in all matters concerning the safe, efficient and sustainable delivery of the Luas Service.
- Management of direct reports / staff and ensure their development and performance through performance management and on-going professional development.
- Manage and develop relationships with exiting contractors supporting the delivery of Luas services including contractors for advertising, fare evasion, car parking and others.
- Implementation of Luas service enhancements in response to customer feedback and growth in demand in accordance with approved plans
- Support the Senior Operations Manager in the preparation of annual budgets and five-year plans for the Luas business (in association with the Financial Management section)
- The preparation of reports on the performance of the Luas Operations & Maintenance contract
- Support the delivery of projects which improve Luas services , sustain the condition of the Luas asset improve the overall resilience and robustness of the Luas Light Rail network.
- To monitor demand for Luas services and manage necessary changes to the Luas timetables as required.
- Support the TII communications at various industry associations including UK Tram and UITP, and participate in relevant conferences and industry events
- Working with stakeholders to actively manage anti-social behaviour and vandalism which affect Luas services and assets.
- To support the development of safety management systems for the whole Light Rail Network team with TII’s safety section and collaborate with CRR on safety related matters.
- Continuously improve operations management and management practices within the light rail network management section, staying abreast of industry developments for the light rail sector.
- Ensuring the implementation of the TII Railway Organisation Safety Management System throughout their sections. Ensuring that they and the staff within their function manage light rail system safety in accordance with the policies and procedures set out in the TII Railway Organisation Safety Management System. The Senior Programme Manager may be delegated safety responsibilities by the Chief Engineer Luas Operations in accordance with the Safety Management System and may be required to deputise for the Chief Engineer Luas Operations in the performance of safety related tasks.
- The Operations Manager will be required to work closely with the other colleagues within the Light Rail Network Management team as well as with TII’s safety section and the Commission for Rail Regulation (CRR) on safety related matters.
- To undertake such tasks, activities or other duties as may be required or assigned as appropriate to the grade.
Education & Experience
- Degree or 3rd level professional qualification (NFQ Level 8 or equivalent) in Engineering, Business or other relevant discipline.
- At least seven years’ experience in a responsible operations position, with a preference for candidates who have 3 years experience in an operations management role in light rail operations or other public transport operations related roles.
- Good contract management experience. Involvement in commercial negotiations in relation to such contracts would be beneficial.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple workstreams concurrently, effectively prioritising tasks to ensure focus on critical activities.
- Strong experience of cultivating and maintaining effective relationships with key stakeholders and contractors.
- Good people management skills and proven team player who is willing to work as part of a wider team.
- Good experience of working with colleagues in other disciplines and departments in identifying and implementing solutions to problems.
- Knowledge and experience of management of operations, including the application of risk management and project governance.
- Some experience in public procurement, including writing specifications, preparing data room information, responding to queries from tenderers, and evaluating pre-qualification submissions and tenders, would be advantageous.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely to a variety of audiences.
- Good negotiation skills and good stakeholder management and relationship skills.
- A strong commitment to public safety, to the safety of our own staff, and to the safety of those working on our behalf.
To apply for, or to locate further information on, these posts please visit our website: https://www.tii.ie/careers/
The closing date for applications is 12pm Thursday 28th May at 12pm.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland is committed to a policy of equal opportunity.
