Chief Executive - Air Nav Ireland

The Organisation

The Irish Air Navigation Service trading as Air Nav Ireland (Air Nav Ireland) is a commercial semi-state company, established under the provisions of the Air Navigation and Transport Act, 2022 (the Act). Air Nav Ireland's main function is the provision of air traffic management (ATM) and related services in Irish controlled airspace and at State Airports. Air Nav Ireland generates revenues from charges and fees raised from airline customers for the provision of ATM and related services. Air Nav Ireland operates independently without any financial support from the Irish Exchequer (see www.airnav.ie for full details on Air Nav Ireland's activities and performance).
Role Summary

The Chief Executive's functions are described in Section 35 of the Act, as follows:

• to carry on, manage and control generally the administration of the Company ;

• to comply with the Board's lawful directions; and

• to advise the Board on any matter relating to or affecting the Company's:

(i) functions relating to the safety of air navigation services

(ii) the Company's other functions

The Chief Executive reports to the Board on the role's primary objective to ensure Air Nav Ireland performs its statutory obligations as set out in the Air Navigation Transport Act, 2022 and does so in accordance with the associated performance and safety deliverables as determined by international and EU requirements.

Air Nav Ireland's primary statutory function as the Irish State's Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP) is to provide safe and efficient air navigation services and air traffic management (ANS/ATM), and to do so on a sound commercial basis. The Chief Executive is particularly responsible for safety matters relating to the delivery of the Company's statutory functions.

The appointment of a Chief Executive of Air Nav Ireland is subject to a regulatory approval process.

Strategic Context

Air Nav Ireland operates in an international environment providing air traffic management and communication services to its customers. The role of Chief Executive is to maintain Air Nav Ireland's strategic position in European and international ATM operations, to support its growth in the global aviation industry, to promote technological advances and innovation and to address regulatory changes that pose challenges to Air Nav Ireland arising from :

• Satellite based and new technologies;

• Growth in the aviation industry; and

• Major European dimensions with Eurocontrol, EASA and the European Union, in addition to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

Air Nav Ireland is a partner in a number of international activities, including:

• Aireon ( www.aireon.com )

• Entry Point North ( www.entrypointnorth.com )

• COOPANS ( www.coopans.com )

• SESAR ( www.sesarju.eu )

• Deployment Manager ( www.sesardeploymentmanager.eu )

Air Nav Ireland works with Eurocontrol ( www.eurocontrol.int ) and EASA ( www.easa.europa.eu ).

Accountabilities

As part of the statutory functions, the Chief Executive must:

• Continue to improve and expand Air Nav Ireland's strong focus on its customers in order to ensure that Air Nav Ireland provides a safe and cost-efficient service to its customers.
• As the accountable manager within the meaning of Regulation (EU) 2017/373 ensure the delivery of safe operations, satisfy regulatory requirements of that position and Air Nav Ireland's compliance with applicable regulations.
• Ensure the formulation and approval by Board and successful implementation of strategic plans, capital plans and budgets that deliver the performance required to meet the needs of customers, European and international regulatory authorities and the shareholders.
• Direct and control capital investment programmes to ensure the long-term technological viability and service delivery of Air Nav Ireland.
• Achieve targets agreed by the Board, making sure that commercial effectiveness is balanced with safety decisions and customer services
• Continue to develop and maintain an organisation structure and a managerial and professional team capable of meeting Air Nav Ireland's business objectives including those as set out in corporate plans.
• Ensure that Air Nav Ireland is positioned to deal with challenges posed by changes in the aviation industry and is resourced to exploit new opportunities.
• Articulate and positively promote Air Nav Ireland and its interests with official representatives, shareholders, the media and other external audiences to promote confidence in and support of Air Nav Ireland's policies, goals and initiatives.
• Participate in international bodies in order to influence changes in the global aviation environment (e.g. Eurocontrol, EASA, ICAO etc.).
• Participate in core strategic alliances as determined by the Board including but not limited to: Aireon; Entry Point North; COOPANS; SESAR; Deployment Manager and work in an integrated manner with Eurocontrol and neighbouring ANSPs e.g. NATS.
• Lead, motivate and develop the staff of Air Nav Ireland in order to achieve their maximum potential in the delivery of business objectives and ensure the delivery of safe services.
• Provide sectoral leadership to ensure and facilitate the growth of Irish civil aviation industry safely and efficiently.
• Develop a positive working relationship with Government departments and participate in Government initiated projects as and when required.

Direct Reports

The Chief Executive is responsible for managing and leading the following direct reports:

• Deputy Chief Executive | Director Human Resources - Responsible for human resources issues generally, including manpower policies, industrial relations, recruitment, pensions and health and safety issues.
• Director Safety - Responsible for overseeing the safety performance of Air Nav Ireland and adherence to safety regulations.
• Director ATM Operations & Strategy - Responsible for directing the air navigation services, including air traffic management, along with ensuring the resources, including capital and operational programmes, are adequate to deliver the ANS/ATM service.
• Chief Strategy Officer Economic Regulation and International Affairs - Responsible for economic strategy including meeting economic regulatory requirements and the representation and coordination of international corporate strategies.
• Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability - Responsible for corporate affairs, sustainability, international relations, PR/Media policies and contingency plans.
• Director Finance - Responsible for all financial aspects of the business.
• Head of Business Innovation & Commercial Strategy - Responsible for overseeing and implementation of commercial opportunities and commercial investments.
• Company Secretary/Solicitor - Responsible for all company secretary statutory duties and acts as in-house legal advisor for Air Nav Ireland.
• Internal Auditor - Carries out independent audits to safeguard the Air Nav Ireland's assets and also carries out any special costing work required by the Chief Executive. Reports to the Board Audit Finance and Risk Committee.
• Director Technical Services - Responsible for the continued service of all technical systems both operation and corporate, to ensure the viability of safe, secure and efficient technical systems.

The Person

The role of Chief Executive of Air Nav Ireland is provided for under Section 35 of the Act.

Essential Requirements

The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate evidence of:

• A technical or professional qualification in an appropriate discipline.
• Proven track record of leadership success at senior management level in a complex organisation within the public or private sector.
• Ability to represent and promote Air Nav's interests and pursue business opportunities in the national and international fields.
• Excellent communication skills and an ability to develop and maintain relationships with and influence the company's key stakeholders, such as the Board, shareholders, employees and global aviation industry.
• Strong financial and commercial acumen, with experience of identifying opportunities and managing significant capital projects
• Proven ability to develop and implement a robust strategic plan, with experience of tracking key milestones
• An understanding and knowledge of the aviation sector, either nationally or internationally and/or another regulated safety critical sector.

Desirable Attributes

The successful candidate should also be able to demonstrate evidence of:

• An understanding of the challenges of working in an economically regulated industry while overseeing and implementing safety and ATM operational regulations all of which underpin the statutory functions of the post.
• Ability to communicate complex technical information to a variety of audiences.
• An understanding of Air Traffic Management Services, their safety and commercial aspects.
• Ability to develop teams and build environments of high performance.
• A knowledge and understanding of sustainable energy initiatives within the aviation industry.

Key Competency Areas

• Strategic Capability
• Dynamic Leadership
• Technical/ Professional Competence
• Business Acumen
• Motivational Skills

Job ID 058c0f9c-4b52-4b73-898a-19277105c6f0