Programme Manager - CellCheck Programme

Job Description

Position: Programme Manager for the Animal Health Ireland CellCheck Programme

The Organisation

Animal Health Ireland (AHI) is a not-for-profit, public-private partnership involving farmers, vets, processors, service providers and Government. Its mission is to improve the profitability and sustainability of Irish farming by controlling non-regulated diseases of livestock. The CellCheck Programme, one of AHI’s flagship programmes, is the country’s leading national mastitis control initiative. It was established to coordinate and support sustainable improvements in udder health, milk quality and the overall profitability of the Irish dairy sector.

Description

The successful candidate will be responsible for leading, managing and developing the CellCheck Programme in alignment with the strategic objectives of Animal Health Ireland and national policy frameworks. The role, reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, will require working within a busy organisation, ensuring effective collaboration among key stakeholders across the dairy industry, the veterinary sector, farm businesses, research institutions and government agencies. The role is a full-time position based in Animal Health Ireland’s office in Carrick on Shannon, with flexibility for national travel.

Key Responsibilities

Programme Leadership and Management

· Lead strategic planning, implementation and evaluation of the CellCheck Programme.

· Manage programme activities, budget and progress reports, ensuring clear timelines, measurable outcomes and high-quality standards.

· Oversee the work of technical working groups and expert panels, ensuring effective coordination and integration of scientific and practical expertise.

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

· Build and maintain strong partnerships with dairy farmers, industry partners, researchers and relevant state agencies.

· Represent AHI and the CellCheck Programme at industry and stakeholder meetings, conferences and public events.

· Communicate programme progress, findings and recommendations clearly to stakeholders, including the farming community, through a range of communication channels.

· Support and coordinate knowledge transfer initiatives to promote best practice in mastitis prevention and control.

Data and Research Management

· Oversee the collection, analysis and interpretation of data relating to milk quality, mastitis incidence and antimicrobial use.

· Work with research partners to identify and address knowledge gaps in mastitis control and udder health.

· Ensure evidence-based decision making across all programme activities.

Governance and Reporting

· Report regularly to the Chief Executive Officer on programme performance and outcomes.

· Ensure compliance with organisational governance, reporting and financial management policies.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

· A primary degree in veterinary science, agricultural or animal science or a related discipline.

· Professional experience in animal health, dairy production or agricultural programme management. Practical understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the dairy farming environment.

· Demonstrated experience in managing multi stakeholder programmes or projects.

· Strong understanding of mastitis control, milk quality management and the Irish dairy sector.

· Proven leadership, organisational and interpersonal skills.

· Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

· A postgraduate qualification in a related area.

· Experience in knowledge transfer, stakeholder engagement or extension services.

· Familiarity with national and European policies relevant to animal health and dairy production.

Personal Attributes

· Strategic and analytical thinker with strong problem-solving skills.

· Collaborative and adaptable with the ability to build effective working relationships across diverse groups.

· Self-motivated with a commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in delivery.

Selection Process

Candidates are required to submit a cover letter, and a curriculum vitae to the Chief Executive Officer, Animal Health Ireland [email protected]. Applications must be submitted by Friday, 21st November 2025. Further information about Animal Health Ireland and the CellCheck Programme can be found at www.animalhealthireland.ie. Animal Health Ireland is an equal opportunity employer.