JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Head of Sustainability & Built Environment (S&BE)
DIVISION: Certification
DEPARTMENT Sustainability & Built Environment (S&BE)
UPDATED: August 2025
REPORTS TO: Director of Certification
GRADE: Principal Scientific Officer (PSO)
STATUS: Permanent
FTE: Full-time
LOCATION Dublin, Cork, Limerick or Galway (Hybrid working available, with occasional attendance at NSAI’s Dublin offices required)
REFERENCE 41-25
Job Overview
The Head of Sustainability & Built Environment (S&BE) will provide strategic and operational leadership to the S&BE Department, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, innovative, and compliant certification services for construction products, materials, and systems in Ireland. They will lead a specialist team in the provision of national and international product approvals and the publication of Agrément Certificates for construction product manufacturers.
Key Tasks and Responsibilities
* Lead the S&BE function, setting strategic direction for certification services in line with national priorities and industry best practices.
* Develop, implement, and continuously improve S&BE certification schemes and operational processes to support the evolving needs of the Irish construction sector.
* Work closely with colleagues in NSAI’s Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and Building Information Modelling (BIM) Departments
* Align Departmental activities to support Government initiatives, such as ‘Housing for All’.
* Build and sustain effective relationships with Government Departments, State Agencies, Local Authorities, clients, and industry bodies, representing NSAI at national and international fora as appropriate.
* Ensure robust quality management and risk mitigation systems are in place to support the integrity of certification decisions and the delivery of accredited projects.
* Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team of technical and administrative staff within the S&BE Department.
* Manage departmental budgets, including forecasting, resource allocation, and revenue generation.
* Oversee the preparation of work programmes, project plans, and technical documentation, ensuring projects are delivered on time and to the required standard.
* Promote NSAI’s S&BE services through industry seminars, professional publications, and trade events.
* Stay abreast of regulatory and technological developments affecting product certification and the built environment.
* Represent NSAI at national and international committees and events.
* Contribute to NSAI’s Leadership Management Team (LMT) meetings and cross-departmental initiatives.
* Some travel will be required.
* Perform any other duties as may be required by the Director of Certification.
This job specification is intended as a guide to the general range of duties for this post.It is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive and will be subject to periodic reviewwith the post holder.
Qualifications and Experience
Essential
* Successful completion of a relevant third-level degree (e.g. engineering, construction, architecture, surveying, or equivalent - NFQ Level 8 or above).
* Minimum of 5 years’ experience in the construction, certification, or building products sector, including in product assessment, regulation, or compliance.
* Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a leadership or senior management role, managing teams and projects.
* In-depth knowledge of construction-related certification concepts, processes, and relevant Irish and international regulations.
* Experience managing budgets and financial planning.
Desirable
* Master’s Degree and/or Chartered status in a relevant technical field (e.g. Chartered Engineer)
* Excellent knowledge of Irish Building Regulations, Construction Product Regulations (CPR), and product testing requirements.
* Experience in technical report writing, quality management, and the promotion of technical services.
* Strong familiarity with digital tools and certification management software.
Technical Competencies
* Leadership and Strategic Direction: Develop departmental strategies and policies, drive high performance, and encourage innovation.
* Judgement & Decision Making: Analyse complex issues, integrate data, and make timely, evidence-based decisions considering wider implications.
* Management & Delivery of Results: Plan, prioritise, and deliver projects to a high standard, implement controls, and manage resources efficiently.
* Interpersonal & Communication Skills: Represent NSAI confidently, promote teamwork, maintain stakeholder networks, and deliver clear information in writing and verbally.
* Specialist Technical Knowledge: Remain an expert in construction-related standards and certification, pursue continuous professional development, and represent NSAI at key events.
How to Apply
As part as of the application process you will be required to submit the following documentation:
1. A comprehensive CV detailed as relevant to the position (no longer than 3 pages);
2. A short cover letter/ personal statement (i.e. no more than 2 pages)outlining why you wish to be considered for the post and where you believe your skills and experience meet the requirements for the position.
3. Completed Key Achievements form- this can be found in the link below.
Please note:
* CV and Cover letter must be submitted in a single word document or PDF.
* Key achievements form must be submitted as a separate document in either word document or PDF format.
Please ensure to download, complete, and upload your Key Achievements form before submitting your application.
Please note that omission of any or part of the 2 requested documents, as set out above, will render the application incomplete. Incomplete applications will not be considered for the next stage of the selection process.
For details of the position can be found here:41-25 Head of Sustainability & Built Environment-Candidate Booklet
Key Achievements form can be downloaded here:Key Achievements Form
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