Job Vacancy: General Manager, Meitheal Mara

at  Meitheal Mara

Meitheal Mara, Cork’s Community Boatyard, is seeking a versatile and talented leader to guide the organisation through the next exciting phase of its evolution. The role requires a motivated, enthusiastic individual with exceptional inter-personal and collaborative skills, organisational ability, integrity, a strong social conscience and an affinity for boats and the sea.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The General Manager is the most senior employee of Meitheal Mara, supported by a management team of five and a full staff complement of 25 people. We have additional help from c. 350 volunteers annually. Join us as the head of the team and provide the inspirational leadership and vision to ensure Meitheal Mara operates professionally to achieve its Objectives; to support the Board in meeting best practice standards in governance; to uphold the established ethos and reputation of Meitheal Mara; and to ensure the continued sustainable growth and progression of the company.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE ESSENTIAL FOR THE POST:

• Significant management experience, including at least three years’ experience in a similar position.
• Proven ability to lead a team to a high level of performance.
• Experience of boats and boating and an appreciation for maritime culture and/or craftwork.
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple stakeholders and inputs.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Aptitude in decision-making and problem-solving
• A high level of motivation to help people to progress in their own terms.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Patience and good people management skills with the ability to work well under pressure and deal with the unexpected.
• Ability to work well both independently and in a team environment.
• Be highly motivated by the community development ethos of Meitheal Mara.
• Ability and flexibility to perform all other job-related and ad-hoc duties as required.

• Co-ordinate and implement planned programmes and activities. Activities include woodwork and boat building training; Bádoireacht youth boating (incorporating the longboat, Fionnbarra); Ocean to City Án Ras Mór; Cork Harbour Festival; Interfirm Dragon Boat Challenges; maritime heritage research projects and social enterprise craftwork and services.
• Support the Board, its sub-committees and working groups in the development of policy by identifying emerging needs and legal and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure the Board is provided with all information required to ensure the accountability and sustainability of the company.
• Work with the Board to identify funding sources, apply for grants, secure sponsorships and generate new income streams.
• Support Meitheal Mara’s work with inter-agency partnerships and networks in Cork and nationally (eg, Cesca, Cooperation Ireland Cork, Cork Learning City, Let’s Play Cork).
• Develop and manage Meitheal Mara’s relationship with stakeholders and external bodies, and in particular those associated with the development of the new Cork Maritime Centre/Hub.