Senior Operations Specialist

Job Type – Full-time, 18 month Fixed Term Contract

Location – Flexible, Hybrid, some travel to WEI office in Naas and regional travel may be required.

Working hours – Typically 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday but hours of work are flexible (a part-time role may also be considered for the right candidate as above)

Salary - Competitive Package.

Reporting to – Head of Renewable Energy Skills

The candidate:

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in the coordination of training activities within Green Tech Skillnet (GTS), the training unit of WEI.

You will be a self-motivated, enthusiastic individual with a keen eye for detail who enjoys working on your own initiative and is naturally organised.

Wind Energy Ireland:

Wind Energy Ireland (WEI) is Ireland’s leading renewable energy representative body with over 200 members involved in wind and renewable energy development in Ireland. We represent members with projects across the development spectrum - in operation, under construction, awaiting connection and along the whole supply chain. Our members are involved in over 95% of connected and planned onshore and offshore wind projects in Ireland.

Our primary purpose is to promote the use of wind energy in Ireland, coordinating the work of our members, pooling information and resources. We carry out and commission research to contribute to the development of Government policy on renewable energy and we work closely with statutory bodies and State agencies to support the growth of renewable energy and wind in particular. Through our partnerships with Skillnet Ireland, we are leaders in renewable energy training and upskilling provisions for companies throughout Ireland.

Our vision is to lead Ireland to a zero-carbon electricity system by 2035.

Role Description:

Green Tech Skillnet (GTS), the training unit of WEI, requires a self-motivated, enthusiastic individual to coordinate the training bookings and data entry of the network, along with working with accounts and facilitating the procurement activity of the network. The role is based in Naas, Co. Kildare, working remotely for the foreseeable future.

Working closely with the Skills Operations Manager, Head of Renewable Energy Skills, Head of Finance the Skills team and wider Wind Energy Ireland team along with GTS and Wind Energy Ireland Member Companies, the successful candidate will administrate the timely and efficient delivery of GTS training data, finance information, procurement preparation and compliance requirements.

The role requires an ability to multitask, support the current team and be an advocate of high-quality training, communication, data input and report generation. 

Essential Duties:

Duties will be varied and will include but are not limited to:

• Support on applications for funding for future training development programmes.
• Support the monitoring the Network Operating Framework to ensure that the network is delivering on its KPIs.
• Coordinate the activities of numerous network stakeholders, primarily the management of the operations of the training activities of Green Tech Skillnet.
• Provide support to the Skills Operations Manager and work with broader team in leading key objectives from Green Tech Skillnet Strategy.
• Prepares financial statements and records on centre projects, progress, status or other special reports for management or outside agencies
• Ensure the effective and efficient delivery of the highest quality operational services, in line with the network’s strategy.
• Feed into the leadership of the network operations team in the effective delivery of the annual operating plan and coordinating the delivery of its associated projects.
• Lead the operational excellence agenda and driving continuous improvement in the operating model.
• Manage activities of network with other projects, departments and work strands to ensure optimum efficiency and compliance with appropriate policies, procedures and specifications.
• Undertake other duties as directed by the Head of Renewable Energy Skills.
• Provide direction and mentorship to junior staff members setting and managing project management milestones providing guidance for all operational activities. 

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• All employees are expected to be flexible and support activities outside their specific role where required.
• Attending conferences, meetings, and industry events. All employees are expected to be flexible and support activities outside their specific role where required.
• A positive attitude towards the work, enthusiasm and willingness to work as part of a cross-functional team.
• Strong customer focus in line with WEI values and our commitment to members. 

Note: This list is not exhaustive but serves to reflect the nature of the duties included in the role.

Essential

• Business or other relevant third level qualification.
• Typically four years post-graduation work experience.
• Strong communication skills both verbal and written.
• Very strong interpersonal skills in particular the ability to manage diverse and complex stakeholder relationships.
• Well-developed presentation and meeting management skills.
• Ability to lead on and develop a number of work strands simultaneously.
• Ability to organise, delegate and deliver work within tight deadlines.
• Strong project management experience, financial and commercial management skills, and risk analysis capability.
• Self-directed and resilient, taking personal responsibility for the delivery of goals and objectives and overcoming challenges.
• Strong attention to detail.
• A proven ability to collaborate and gain the commitment of stakeholders.
• Minimum of 3-5 years personal and/or executive assistance experience.
• Experienced Microsoft Office user including excellent Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Teams skills.

Desirable

• Experience of working in a similar environment.
• Familiarity of Skillnet or government systems.
• Familiarity with Public Procurement processes
• An aptitude to adapt quickly to unfamiliar systems and procedures.
• A familiarisation with marketing and design tools such as Canva, Adobe Photoshop or other.
• A service minded approach with a strong customer focus in line with WEI values and our commitment to members.

Work Environment and Benefits

Wind Energy Ireland prides itself on being a good employer, creating a people focused company, developing teams, enhancing roles and supporting its people.

We are committed to a positive progressive culture that facilitates a great work environment.

·        WEI’s offices are based in Naas, Co. Kildare. We accommodate flexible working arrangements, and staff are required to be available to attend meetings and/or work from the office when needed (typically approx. 4 days per month).

·        Staff are also required to be available to attend WEI conferences and policy forums (typically 4-5 events annually).

Wind Energy Ireland currently provides the following non-salary benefits:

·        WEI offers 23 annual leave days and 4 company days, plus an option to buy-back an additional 3 days annual leave each year.

·        Healthcare scheme provided by VHI following 6 months’ service.

·        Pension scheme with employer contributions following 6 months’ service.

·        WEI facilitate and have systems in place to allow for hybrid working and support flexible working.

·        Supportive maternity & paternity schemes and parents leave.

·        Employee Assistance Programme available for each staff member.

·        WEI operates a competitive sick pay scheme.

·        WEI supplies a phone and laptop, along with home office equipment.

·        WEI pays mileage at standard civil service rates.