Capital Planning Manager

Dublin and Cork Airports serve as the primary gateways to Ireland, with Dublin recognised as a leading international hub connecting Europe to the United States. daa has set out an ambitious plan to invest over €5 billion in the next decade to enhance infrastructure at both airports while improving sustainability and the overall passenger experience.

Delivering an investment programme of this scale requires careful and integrated planning that balances immediate operational needs with long-term growth. In this context, an exciting opportunity has arisen within the Planning and Regulation function for a driven and capable individual to join the Capital Planning Team as an Capital Planning Manager.

The Capital Planning Manager is responsible for leading the development and ongoing management of masterplans and strategic development planning for Dublin and Cork Airports. The role ensures that capital planning activities support operational needs, future growth, and regulatory requirements.

Working closely with the Head of Capital Planning, the role drives the identification of development needs, the preparation of feasible solutions, and the progression of projects through governance to delivery. It also supports the preparation of Capital Investment Plans and engagement with key stakeholders, including the Irish Aviation Authority, airlines, and internal business functions.

The role provides strategic guidance on land use, infrastructure development, and third-party impacts, ensuring alignment with long-term airport objectives. It plays a key role in shaping and delivering the medium- to long-term infrastructure strategy across both airports. 

Responsibilities: 

Ensure airport development is aligned with long-term masterplanning, medium-term strategies, and immediate operational needs to support traffic growth, stakeholder expectations, passenger demand, and sustainability objectives.

Lead the assessment of infrastructure requirements, operational needs, and regulatory constraints to enhance safety, optimise asset utilisation, and identify improvement opportunities.

Undertake data analysis and capacity assessments to define infrastructure needs, aligning outputs with capital development programmes.  

Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders including airlines and key airport functions to ensure requirements are reflected in masterplans and development proposals and effectively communicated to senior leadership.  

Lead the development of masterplan and development concepts, including feasibility studies, presentations, and high-quality visual materials including drawings, models, and graphics to support decision-making.  

Oversee the preparation of consultation materials and maintain masterplanning documentation, including reports, drawings, and plans.

Support and coordinate with the wider Planning and Regulation and Capital Development teams in delivering masterplanning and development planning initiatives.

Provide expert advice and influence strategic decision-making across senior management and executive levels. 

Assist in the maintenance of a masterplan compliance and query register to support governance and ensure alignment with strategic objectives.

Manage external consultants and coordinate with procurement and infrastructure teams as required.

Contribute to the development and delivery of the long-term vision and objectives for Dublin and Cork Airports. 

Experience 

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in an airport masterplanning or airport design role, or alternatively at least 5 years’ experience in a senior design, project architect, project engineering, or urban planning role. Experience must include stakeholder or client-facing engagement. 
• Experience in design project management and C level presenting 
• Knowledge of airport strategy, capacity planning, terminal and airfield design, and infrastructure development is essential. Previous airport masterplanning experience is highly desirable. 
• Experience in high level architectural or engineering sketch design, cad and Sketchup or similar required 
• Experience managing and influencing a wide range of stakeholders to achieve optimal outcomes. 
• Strong understanding of the airport business, including airport operations, development, and masterplanning.  
• Proven ability to lead and deliver complex projects to scope, budget, and programme. Strong understanding of governance and capital delivery processes. 

Skills 

• Technical Design and Spatial Planning - Strong architectural or engineering background with the ability to develop high-level masterplan concepts and spatial layouts for terminals and airfields. Proficient in producing 2D drawings (CAD) and 3D models (e.g. SketchUp or similar). 
• Analytical and Numerical Capability - Excellent analytical skills with the ability to assess complex data sets, undertake capacity assessments, and translate findings into clear conclusions. Experience in developing Excel-based models, particularly for airport capacity analysis, is required. 
• Report Writing and Communication - Excellent report writing skills with strong attention to detail and the ability to produce high-quality outputs to tight deadlines. Ability to summarise complex information clearly and concisely. Proficient in Microsoft Word and presentation tools. 
• Problem Solving and Decision Making - Ability to anticipate, identify, and resolve issues proactively, applying sound judgement and creative problem-solving skills. 
• Organisation and Prioritisation - Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively under pressure to meet strict deadlines. 
• Commercial and Strategic Awareness - Strong commercial acumen with an understanding of cost, phasing, and deliverability considerations within large-scale airport infrastructure programmes. 

Qualifications: 

A third‑level degree is required, with an academic qualification in Architecture, Architectural Technology, Engineering, Planning, Transportation, or Aviation Business Studies; a relevant post‑graduate qualification is preferred.

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