Head of MMC Innovation and Industry Engagement (27-26)
Posted:
27 July 2026 (30+ days ago)
Application Deadline:
26 October 2026
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
| Job Description | ||
| Job title: | Head of MMC Innovation and Industry Engagement | |
| Division: | Certification | |
| Department: | Modern Methods of Construction | |
| Updated: | July 2026 | |
| Reports to: | Director of Certification | |
| Grade: | Principal Scientific Officer (PSO) | |
| Status: | 5 Year Fixed Term | |
| Location | NSAI Dublin Office (Hybrid Working Arrangements Apply) | |
| REFERENCE | 27-26 |
Job Overview
The Head of MMC Innovation and Industry Engagement will provide strategic leadership for the development promotion and advancement of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) across Ireland. The role will position NSAI as a national centre of expertise for MMC through proactive engagement with industry Government academia representative bodies local authorities and other key stakeholders.
As a senior leader within the MMC function and working closely with the existing Head of MMC the role holder will drive innovation strengthen industry capability support policy development and promote the adoption of MMC solutions that contribute to national housing education infrastructure and sustainability objectives.
The role has been established to support the continued growth of the MMC programme and the implementation of operational improvements identified through NSAIs MMC expansion programme. By assuming responsibility for innovation stakeholder engagement strategic development and industry outreach activities the post will enable the Head of MMC to maintain a primary focus on technical oversight certification governance standards compliance and service delivery.
The role holder will also lead the development of strategic initiatives to improve the efficiency and accessibility of MMC services including the application of emerging artificial intelligence and Large Language Model (LLM) technologies to enhance application review processes knowledge management and industry guidance resources.
The position will provide organisational flexibility to support future developments within the MMC function including potential specialisation between residential and non-residential MMC applications and the development of expertise in emerging technologies and materials including mass engineered timber bio-based materials and other innovative construction systems.
This role presents a unique opportunity to shape the future of Modern Methods of Construction in Ireland supporting national housing and infrastructure objectives while ensuring that NSAI remains at the forefront of innovation industry engagement certification excellence and construction technology development.
The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in building Irelands MMC capability and strengthening NSAIs position as a trusted leader in construction innovation.
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 review with the post holder. Some elements of the role will be co-shared with the existing Head of MMC and this division of labour will be agreed with the successful candidate prior to taking up the post so as to ensure adequate cover across the MMC function at all times.
Also note that the role and responsibilities of the Head of MMC Innovation and Industry Engagement are subject to change on foot of an external 3rd party review of NSAIs MMC function which will be conducted review will consider the structure resourcing processes procedures and systems of the Department.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and implement NSAIs strategy for MMC innovation industry engagement and market development.
- Identify emerging trends technologies and opportunities relevant to the future development of MMC in Ireland.
- Provide strategic advice and recommendations to senior management on matters relating to MMC construction innovation and industry development.
- Support the ongoing development and diversification of NSAIs MMC services and activities.
- Contribute to broader NSAI strategic planning and organisational development initiatives.
- Represent NSAI as a senior advocate and MMC expert at national and international levels.
Industry Engagement and Stakeholder Management
- Build and maintain collaborative relationships with manufacturers developers contractors housing bodies professional institutes academic institutions and other key stakeholders.
- Establish and facilitate industry forums stakeholder groups and engagement programmes to support the growth and adoption of MMC.
- Promote awareness and understanding of MMC certification standards and regulatory requirements.
- Develop structured engagement initiatives designed to improve industry readiness and increase the quality and completeness of applications submitted to NSAI.
- Identify industry challenges opportunities and emerging needs and ensure these are reflected in NSAIs strategic planning.
- Represent NSAI at conferences seminars workshops exhibitions and industry events.
Government and Public Policy Engagement
- Develop effective working relationships with Government Departments State agencies local authorities and other public sector stakeholders.
- Support national policy initiatives relating to housing delivery public infrastructure sustainability and construction productivity.
- Contribute to policy consultations briefing papers strategic submissions and reports.
- Act as a principal point of contact for strategic MMC initiatives involving Government or public sector partners.
- Support national efforts to accelerate the adoption of MMC across housing education healthcare and other infrastructure programmes.
Innovation Research and Knowledge Transfer
- Promote innovation and collaboration across industry academia and research organisations.
- Identify opportunities for participation in national and international research and innovation programmes.
- Support the development of technical guidance toolkits industry resources and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
- Facilitate the transfer of knowledge and best practice between industry participants NSAI and other stakeholders.
- Promote evidence-based approaches and international best practice in MMC and construction innovation.
Process Improvement and Digital Transformation
- Lead stakeholder engagement initiatives arising from MMC process improvement programmes.
- Support implementation of operational improvements designed to improve customer experience application quality and service efficiency.
- Develop initiatives to reduce avoidable delays and improve the quality of submissions received by NSAI.
- Identify opportunities to streamline customer interactions and enhance service delivery through digital technologies.
- Lead the development and implementation of artificial intelligence and Large Language Model (LLM) solutions to support:
- Initial application reviews and triage activities;
- Knowledge management and internal technical resources;
- Industry self-service tools and technical guidance;
- Development of anonymised case studies examples and learning resources.
- Promote data-driven approaches to continuous improvement across the MMC function.
Future MMC Development and Emerging Technologies
- Monitor developments in MMC technologies materials and construction methodologies both nationally and internationally.
- Lead NSAI engagement activities relating to emerging MMC sectors and technologies.
- Support organisational preparedness for future certification and assessment activities relating to:
- Mass engineered timber;
- Bio-based materials;
- Advanced off-site manufacturing;
- Volumetric construction systems;
- Other innovative construction technologies.
- Support strategic planning for future growth in non-residential MMC sectors including:
- Education;
- Healthcare;
- Commercial development;
- Public infrastructure projects.
- Contribute to future organisational design considerations arising from the planned review of the MMC function.
- Develop and deliver industry engagement communications and outreach programmes.
- Promote NSAIs role as a trusted authority on MMC innovation and construction quality.
- Support the production of technical publications guidance documents presentations and industry insights.
- Act as a spokesperson for NSAI on MMC-related matters.
- Strengthen NSAIs profile and influence within Irelands construction innovation ecosystem.
- Lead strategic projects and programmes relating to MMC innovation industry engagement and market development.
- Establish appropriate performance measures and reporting arrangements.
- Monitor engagement outcomes and evaluate the effectiveness of programmes and initiatives.
- Manage budgets and resources in accordance with NSAI governance requirements.
- Ensure projects are delivered in line with agreed objectives timelines and quality standards.
Leadership and People Management
- Lead motivate and develop multidisciplinary teams as required.
- Promote a culture of innovation collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Support workforce planning recruitment and capability development initiatives.
- Encourage knowledge sharing and professional development.
- Act as a role model for NSAI values and leadership behaviours.
Essential Qualifications and Experience
Qualifications
- An honours degree (Level 8 NFQ or equivalent) in Engineering Construction Architecture Building Science Project Management Innovation Management or a related discipline.
Required Experience:
Director
About Company
NSAI (National Standards Authority of Ireland) is Ireland’s official standards body. We are the national certification authority for CE Marking and provide a certification service to enable business demonstrate that Irish goods and services conform to applicable standards