The New Solutions Programme is co-funded by the Irish Government, through the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, and the European Union, through the European Social Fund Plus.

The Rediscovery Centre is currently recruiting an experienced and enthusiastic Operations & Training Manager to join our team. 

The Rediscovery Centre contains four social enterprises working in the reuse and repair sector, all based within our circular economy visitor centre in Ballymun. These social enterprises (Rediscover Furniture, Rediscover Fashion, Rediscover Paint and Rediscover Cycling) are internally known as the Rediscovery Centre’s Eco-Cluster and operate based on a pre-approved set of standard operating procedures. All of our social enterprises run distinct training programmes with Community Employment and TUS participants to develop transferable green skills and enhance future job prospects. 

The Operations and Training Manager will support the Programme Director in the management of the day to day running of the Eco-Cluster, particularly administration, operations and skills development, with a view to scale the operation across multiple national hubs. Recruitment is ongoing for a Furniture Technician & Operations Assistant, who will support the Operations and Training Manager in this development work. 

Following a successful application to the Social Innovation Scaling-Up Fund, the Rediscovery Centre’s New Solutions project will pilot and refine our model in up to three regions, creating training materials, engaging local communities, and building a national framework to increase reuse activity and support Ireland’s just transition goals. The successful candidate will be responsible for writing, reviewing and piloting occupational training and operational modules for this project, according to a pre-defined series of deliverables. Excellent interpersonal skills, a can-do attitude and team working skills are essential. Flexibility with regard to time commitment is required with the expectation of occasional evening and weekend work. 

Working at the Rediscovery Centre 

In line with the organisation’s Strategic Plan, all staff members exemplify our values to support the organisation’s five key objectives.  

• Sustainability: we implement and promote environmental, social, and economic practices that can be maintained long-term without compromising our environment or the ability of others to meet their needs.
• Integrity: we live by what we say. We are transparent, honest, open and ethical in all that we do.   
• Force for Good: we pioneer creative solutions, support people to think differently about how we live and inspire bold action towards Ireland’s transition to a more sustainable way of life.
• Equality: we promote an inclusive circular economy, leaving no one behind, and ensure that social equality is delivered through the solutions we provide.   
• Excellence: we aim for excellence, professionalism and to be innovative leaders in the circular economy and sustainability.  
• Collaboration: We actively collaborate and foster collaboration internally and externally at all levels, within and across sectors. We value the input of all stakeholders, recognising the broad remit of the circular and social economy. 

The Role 

Reporting to: Roger Warburton, Programme Director 

Place of Work: Rediscovery Centre, Boiler House, Ballymun, Dublin 9, D09 HK58 

Hours of Work: 5 days per week (with evening and weekend work as required)  

Specific Purpose Contract: The role supports the New Solutions Social Innovation Fund and is expected to continue until 31 March 2028 

As part of this role specific responsibilities will include but not be limited to:  

• Support the Programme Director in the day-to-day running and administration of the EcoCluster at the Rediscovery Centre, to include operations and skills development
• Through this support, assist in the development of key outputs of New Solutions project:
  • Development of operational modules, working from a robust collection of pre-existing material and pilot delivery for three New Solutions Hubs
  • Development and delivery of structured training programmes at the Rediscovery Centre in Ballymun and pilot delivery for three New Solutions Hubs
• Develop and deliver regular training to Eco-Cluster staff members using existing policies and procedures; maintain plans and records in relation to the training development plans of trainees
• Manage the Furniture Technician & Eco-Cluster Operations Assistant, with support from Furniture Programme Manager
• Co-ordinate and supervise workshop activities alongside social enterprise Programme Managers, including Health & Safety management and review
• Support with measuring and monitoring Eco-Cluster progress success, including trainee progression and personal development of Eco-Cluster teams.  
• Following up on predefined impact metrics to ensure accurate reporting  
• Coordinate & implement Health & Safety policies and procedures at the Rediscovery Centre in Ballymun, with the support of the executive management team
• Participate in company events, promotions and meetings as required
• Liaise with all departments and staff of the Rediscovery Centre as required
• Assist with general marketing, retail and customer service activities associated with the centre
• Any other duties determined necessary for the successful operation of the New Solutions project and other Rediscovery Centre associated operations 

Role Requirements 

Essential: 

• Relevant qualification (Level 5 or higher), or at least two years’ work experience, in operations and/or training development and delivery
• Experience in writing, reviewing and piloting occupational training according to a pre-defined series of deliverables
• Excellent organisational skills
• Exceptional people management and communications skills
• Good presentation skills
• Good computer literacy (MS, Google Workspace), including calendar management
• Basic project management experience  
• Ability to work on own initiative and lead a team
• Full driving license (applicable for use in Ireland)
• Excellent training skills (training qualifications and/or experience preferred) 

Desirable 

• Health & Safety management experience  
• Practical experience related to one or more fields related to the Rediscovery Centre’s social enterprises: furniture, textiles, bicycles and paint
• Experience of Salesforce or other CRM 

Terms and conditions of employment  

Note: This summary is supplied for information only and does not constitute contractual terms. 

This is a fixed-term full-time contract of service, five days over seven, with a probationary period of 3 months.  

Remuneration: €45K per annum  

Some work outside normal office hours will be required from time to time. This position is subject to satisfactory references, Evidence of permit to work in Ireland, Garda Vetting and foreign police clearance (if applicable).  

Full clean driving license (valid for use in Ireland) is needed.