National Transport Authority

Senior Programme Manager - MetroLink

Job Description

Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing, monitoring and liaising with the Sponsoring Agencies in the development and the successful delivery of the NTA’s multi-billion-euro metro rail infrastructure investment programme, spanning design, planning, construction and operations.  

The cornerstone of the metro investment programme is the MetroLink project, an 18.8km driverless (Grade of Automation 4) metro system travelling from north of Swords through to south city centre in Dublin via Dublin Airport. The route comprises sections of single bore tunnel, open and covered retained cut, and above ground running and will deliver a capacity of up to 20,000 passengers per hour, per direction.  The MetroLink project received planning approval on 2 October 2025, and preparation of the tender design and procurement packages is currently underway. It is anticipated that the project will enter initial construction phases in 2027 with commencement of passenger services in 2036.

Reporting to the Head of Metro Investment, in the Transport Planning and Investment Directorate, the primary role of the Senior Programme Manager – MetroLink, in the Metro Investment team - is to manage, or assist in the management of, the MetroLink project funded by the NTA. This project is being delivered by other statutory authorities or agencies on behalf of the NTA. In addition, the Senior Programme Manager - MetroLink - will be required to liaise with other key stakeholders such as Government Departments, local authorities, internal NTA stakeholders and other state agencies in respect of projects. With a focus on the delivery of new infrastructure, it is an exciting and challenging role, delivering a key element of the North-South spine in Dublin, enabling increased sustainable travel and enhancing regional and international connectivity.  

In addition to the MetroLink project, in line with government policy, feasibility studies on the future extension of the MetroLink project will be undertaken over the coming years feeding into the Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy.

In addition to the MetroLink project, the role also encompasses engagement across the other areas of transport planning and investment with the NTA’s capital investment portfolio ensuring the delivery of an integrated transport system meeting the needs of all users.

The principal duties and responsibilities of the Senior Programme Manager – MetroLink may include some or all of the following:

• Managing the NTA’s role in the planning and implementation of MetroLink, including but not limited to:
• managing oversight, assurance and approval processes;
• managing engagement with the delivery bodies, Department of Transport and other key stakeholders; and
• ensuring that the MetroLink scheme is delivered in a manner that secures the projected benefits and planned outcomes as specified by the NTA.
• Managing the work of the NTA in respect of the MetroLink project, ensuring coordination of the necessary engagement across all departments is undertaken, and NTA inputs are provided in a timely manner to support delivery of the MetroLink project;
• Providing input to preparation of investment plans for public transport investment, particularly relating to metro investments, and management of the relevant NTA’s investment budget, as part of the NTA’s overall capital programme which is currently over €1 billion per annum and projected to increase over the next five years to support delivery of the MetroLink and other investment projects;

• Management and development of key stakeholder relationships, particularly those involved in the delivery of Metro investments including Transport Infrastructure Ireland;

• Providing input to the development, in collaboration with other sections of the NTA, of transport strategies, policies, strategic traffic management plans and implementation plans;

• Management of various engineering and advisory contracts to support the delivery of MetroLink and other public transport investment programmes;
• Management of Programme Managers and consultants as part of the metro investment team;

• Preparation of tender documentation for services and works related contracts and management of various procurement processes in accordance with procurement rules, regulations and NTA procedures;

·        Undertaking reviews of project designs and project proposals;

·        Overseeing the appraisal of the MetroLink project including reviews of business cases;

·        Managing the MetroLink project in accordance with Government and Sectoral guidance;

·        Preparation of guidance documentation including in the areas of project management, cost management, design standards and project appraisal;

·        Managing a portion of the NTA’s overall capital investment budget, ensuring financial accountability for incurred expenditure;

·        Ensuring compliance of funded projects with national policies including planning and procurement policies;

·        Preparing regular progress/expenditure reports;

·        Developing and assisting in the development of transport strategies and related implementation programmes; and

·        Taking part in other NTA projects and initiatives as required.

How to Apply

Please visit Career Opportunities - National Transport for more information about the role and details on how to apply.