We are an independent voluntary organisation providing services and support for people with disabilities and their families for more than 70 years. Our work positively impacts the lives of over 12,000 people with disabilities, equipping them with the confidence, skills, and self-belief to achieve their expressed goals.

WE WELCOME ALL BACKGROUNDS AND ABILITIES!

We are an inclusive employer and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, including those with different abilities.

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible work environment for all individuals. If you require any reasonable accommodations during the application process or once employed, please let us know. Examples of accommodations we can provide include modified workstations, flexible work hours, assistive technologies, or adjustments to communication methods during interviews or in the workplace. Our goal is to ensure that all candidates and employees have the support they need to succeed in their roles.

Please contact us at any stage. We will work with you to meet your needs.

JOIN OUR TEAM AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Design and Development Manager

Permanent, Full time / 39 hours

Location flexible- Hybrid working model

Job Purpose

The Design and Development Manager will manage the strategic development of inclusive, high-impact education and training services that attract and support students in progressing to further education, higher education, and employment. Using Universal Design principles, the role ensures programmes are accessible, engaging, and responsive to the needs of diverse students and employers. This position drives innovation and relevance by aligning offerings with labour market demands and coordinating cross-functional teams to deliver measurable outcomes. The manager will collaborate with students, educators, employers, and stakeholders to embed sustainable, outcome-orientated, person-centred solutions into the core of National Learning Network’s educational infrastructure.

What we're looking for:

*        A third-level qualification (NFQ Level 8 or higher) in a relevant discipline such as: Education, Training and Development, Social Sciences, Human-Centred Design or Service Design.

*        A minimum of five (5) years’ relevant work experience. 

*        A demonstrated ability to apply an evidence-based approach to programme and service design, using national and regional labour market intelligence outputs to ensure alignment with current and emerging skills needs. 

*        Design and Development skills - Skilled in the delivery and assessment of QQI-accredited programmes and other accredited programmes in line with national quality standards 

*        Demonstrated expertise in Universal Design and inclusive education, with a passion for creating accessible, learner-centred programmes that improve student and employee experiences. 

*        Advanced analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to interpret labour market intelligence, synthesise complex data, and translate insights into actionable programme design strategies. 

*        Proven project coordination and team leadership abilities, with experience managing multidisciplinary teams in agile, iterative environments to deliver high-impact outcomes. 

*        Excellent digital literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), and familiarity with collaborative tools and platforms used in programme design and delivery. 

*        Proven experience in coordinating multidisciplinary project teams, managing timelines, resources, and stakeholder input to design and develop inclusive, high-impact programmes and services. 

*        Flexibility to travel across multiple regional centres in line with organisational and operational requirements. 

Your Responsibilities

*        Develop and Implement a Design & Development Framework: Lead the creation and rollout of a practical, evidence-based Design and Development Framework and Toolkit. This will guide research, feasibility analysis, and service development to ensure all new initiatives are aligned with demographic trends, labour market intelligence, progression pathways, accreditation standards, and funding opportunities. 

*        Conduct Applied Programme Research: Use qualitative and quantitative research methods to understand the needs of students and employees. Translate insights into actionable programme and service designs that are inclusive, market-relevant, and outcomes-driven. 

*        Drive Innovation and Responsiveness: Monitor emerging trends in education, technology, regulation, and funding. Identify opportunities to design innovative, person-centred services that enhance student experience, meet employer needs, and position the organisation as a leader in inclusive education. 

*        Lead Stakeholder Engagement: Internal: Engage with students and employees across all directorates to ensure services reflect real user needs. External: Collaborate with employers, funders, education providers, Disabled Person’s Organisations, and civil society to co-create relevant, future-focused programmes. 

*        Design and Pilot New Programmes/Services/Initiatives: Lead the design and development of pilot initiatives that test new concepts. Use feedback and evaluation to refine models and inform broader implementation across National Learning Network. 

Closing Date: April 5th, 2026

Salary starting from €61,306.00 subject to negotiation based on experience and qualifications.

What we Offer:

*        Company Pension Scheme

*        Paid maternity/paternity/adoption leave

*        Educational leave

*        27 days annual leave

*        Bike to work scheme

*        Tax saver travel scheme

*        Income protection

*        Unpaid leave

*        Health and Wellbeing programme

*        Company credit union scheme

*        Employee discount scheme

*        Digital Doctor

*        Financial support for studying and study leave

*        Long Service Reward Scheme

*        Sick leave

*        Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

To view the full extensive job description, please click apply to visit our company site and download the attachment at the bottom of the page.

These duties and responsibilities are a reflection of the present service requirements and may be subject to review and amendment to meet the changing needs of the services.

The Rehab Group is an equal opportunity employer.