We are looking for someone with an interest in understanding what drives the complex and dynamic communications sector to join ComReg and work as our Strategic Planning Manager. The person must be a creative thinker with high levels of personal motivation and strong interpersonal skills. The environment is multi-disciplinary where economists, engineers, lawyers, accountants and other technical experts work collaboratively across a wide and diverse range of substantive and operational areas.
Manager, Strategic Planning and Economics
Strategy and Economics
Dublin 1
* All new entrants will join the organisation at the bottom of the pay scale. Pay increases will be awarded annually subject to satisfactory performance and to the terms of any government agreements.
This role is based in the Strategy & Economics function of ComReg, which is led by the Director – Strategy and Economics. The Strategy and Economics function resides within the Commissioners’ Office and the principal areas of responsibility are:
The Strategic Planning process;
Research;
Data Strategy and Analytics;
Economic Advice and professional leadership of economics; and,
International Activities.
In practice these five distinct roles operate in a complementary and overlapping fashion.
This is an exciting time to join ComReg. Technologically, the sector is at a turning point. Ubiquitous fibre rollout, while not complete, is within sight thanks to extensive public and private investment in the sector. Similarly, investment in next generation wireless technologies is underway. Competition, facilitated by regulation has taken hold in key markets and the scope of access regulation in particular is becoming more focussed.
The strategic significance of the communications sector has never been greater. The communications sector is at the heart of the digital economy. The networks, services and applications provided by firms in the communications sector are embedded in our lives in a way that was difficult to imagine ten years ago, and perhaps impossible to imagine twenty years ago. These trends are set to continue.
Reporting to the Director of Strategy and Economics, the Strategic Planning Manager will have four principal areas of responsibility:
Strategic Planning Process: The facilitation, coordination and ongoing development of ComReg’s strategic planning process, including the production of strategy statements, stakeholder engagement and analysis of strategic issues relevant to ComReg’s evolving role and remit.
Competitive Intelligence: The Strategic Planning Manager will lead ComReg’s efforts to gather, analyse and respond to competitive intelligence. This will involve, inter alia, tracking:
Key developments across the range of markets in which ComReg has regulatory responsibilities;
Key developments in adjacent markets where outcomes may impact on the evolution of regulated markets and regulatory measures; and,
Other key strategic data relevant to the achievement of ComReg’s regulatory objectives.
Strategic Research Projects: Shaping research projects, aimed at deepening ComReg’s understanding of topics of strategic interest. Research topics will typically be of a cross-organisational nature and will be undertaken in the context of an organisational research programme. The Strategic Planning Manager will, managing a small team, lead on certain projects.
Economics: contribute to a variety of economics projects as directed by the Director of Strategy and Economics.
In the context of these four areas of accountability, the role involves managing external consultant engaged for the purposes of specific projects, including research projects. Across all of the four categories, there is a requirement to interact throughout the organisation, to collaborate, influence, show thought leadership and the ability to identify and articulate key economic concerns.
Job Deliverables include:
Overseeing production of ComReg’s ECS Strategy Statement and five-year organizational strategy
Development of a Research Strategy for ComReg, including the use of market research, to inform ComReg’s Leadership Team.
Regular engagement with internal and external stakeholders on a range of topics relevant to the role.
Management of a small team within the Strategy & Economics Unit
Qualifications and Experience
Essential
Post graduate qualification in economics, business, finance, data analytics, or other equivalent qualification;
Demonstrable post-graduate work experience, including experience in a project leadership role involving the management of multidisciplinary teams;
Proven track record in managing the delivery of complex projects, in an individual and team capacity;
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to apply new and creative approaches as appropriate; and,
Strong communications skills with specific ability to express ideas clearly and concisely – verbally and in writing – with a view to engaging and influencing.
Desirable
Postgraduate qualifications in economics, business, finance, data analytics, or other equivalent qualification;
Excellent qualitative and quantitative analytical abilities and practical experience in the application of data analysis within a research, regulatory and/or business environment;
Experience of working in a regulatory environment, whether in a governmental organisation, consultancy or corporate entity; and/or,
Familiarity with electronic communications, digital, broadcasting and technology sectors and the national/EU legal framework under which ComReg operates.
Experience designing and managing primary data collection.
Core Competencies for the Role
Strategy and Leadership: Articulates future developments and applies this to operational situations. Creates a climate of cooperation and respect where people strive to achieve common organisational goals and share knowledge. Takes a broad view.
Contextual Understanding: Understands the regulatory, legislative, political, industrial, economic, societal and cultural environment within which ComReg operates. Uses this understanding to interact effectively. Considers the wider impact of actions and decisions.
Communication and Influencing: Communicates clearly, confidently and respectfully. Engages, persuades and convinces others to follow a particular course of action. Ensures all relevant parties are appropriated updated and notified.
Planning and Organising: Establishes and monitors priorities, systematically differentiating between urgent, important and unimportant. Manages activities to deliver results. Meets objectives within predetermined time frames.
People Skills: Uses interpersonal skills to create engagement and clarity. Manages conflict and implements practical solutions. Recognises the impact of own behaviour and adjusts as required. Actively develops others.
Decision Making and Judgement: Effectively builds evidence base to support the decision-making process. Assesses alternative options. Uses judgement to adapt to specific and challenging requirements of the organisation.
Our Package
We are offering an attractive package:
Salary €101,222.94 (Pay increases will be awarded annually subject to satisfactory performance)
Dublin city centre location on Luas line
28 days Annual Leave per year
Hybrid working opportunities
Access to wellbeing programme
Further Education and Training Opportunities
Attractive pension scheme
Travel tax saver scheme, Access to Cycle to Work Scheme
Access to Employee Assistance Programme
*(entry will be at the minimum point and the rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy.)