Project Manager – Programme Management Office, Westport, Co. Mayo

Project Manager - Programme Management Office

Carraig Donn & Aran Woollen Mills | Westport, Co. Mayo | Permanent | Full-time | €40,000 + bonus

The Opportunity

Carraig Donn and Aran Woollen Mills are embarking on an ambitious programme of growth and transformation as we work towards our 2030 strategy.

With significant initiatives planned across retail, manufacturing, eCommerce, supply chain, property, technology and organisational development, we are looking for Project Managers to join our Programme Management Office (PMO) and help turn strategic priorities into measurable business outcomes.

This is an opportunity to work across two established Irish businesses, with exposure to senior leadership, the CEO and Board, and involvement in projects that will have a direct impact on how the Group grows and operates.

Reporting to the Head of Growth Strategy, you will work with Department Heads and project owners to bring structure, momentum and accountability to strategic projects - from initial planning through to implementation and delivery of benefits.

You will be someone who enjoys taking a complex piece of work, bringing clarity to it, getting people aligned and making sure things actually happen.

What You'll Do

You will support and drive the successful delivery of a portfolio of strategic projects across Carraig Donn and Aran Woollen Mills.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Managing and coordinating strategic projects from planning through to implementation.
• Working with project owners and Department Heads to establish clear objectives, plans, timelines, responsibilities and deliverables.
• Tracking progress, milestones, risks, dependencies, resources and key decisions across projects.
• Identifying potential roadblocks early and working with stakeholders to resolve them.
• Tracking the commercial and operational benefits of projects, including revenue growth, cost savings and efficiency improvements.
• Preparing clear, concise project updates and reporting for senior management and the Board.
• Supporting regular project and strategy review meetings and ensuring agreed actions are followed through.
• Bringing structure and consistency to how strategic projects are planned, monitored and reported across the Group.
• Challenging existing ways of working and identifying opportunities to improve processes and project delivery.
• Building effective relationships with stakeholders across retail, manufacturing, eCommerce, finance, operations, technology and other support functions.
• Helping to develop and embed PMO tools, processes, reporting and governance across the Group.
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What Success Looks Like

Success in this role will mean creating greater visibility, accountability and momentum across the Group's strategic priorities.

You will help project owners understand what needs to happen, by when and by whom. You will provide senior leadership with a clear view of progress, risks and benefits, while helping teams overcome obstacles and keep projects moving.

Over time, you will help establish a more consistent and effective approach to how strategic projects are managed and delivered across Carraig Donn and Aran Woollen Mills.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for a commercially minded project professional who is highly organised, confident working with different stakeholders and comfortable operating in a fast-moving environment.

Ideally, you will have:

• 2-5 years' experience in project, programme or portfolio management.
• Experience managing cross-functional projects involving multiple stakeholders.
• A strong ability to organise, prioritise and bring structure to complex pieces of work.
• Good commercial awareness and an understanding of how projects can impact revenue, costs, efficiency and profitability.
• Strong analytical skills and confidence working with data, spreadsheets and reporting tools.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to turn complex information into clear and actionable updates.
• Strong stakeholder management skills and the confidence to challenge constructively.
• The ability to influence and drive progress without having direct authority.
• A proactive, self-starting approach and the ability to take ownership and follow projects through.
• Excellent attention to detail, combined with the ability to understand the bigger strategic picture.

A recognised project management qualification such as PRINCE2, PMP or an Agile qualification would be desirable.

Experience in retail, manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, property, technology or business transformation would also be an advantage.

Experience working in a consultancy environment, managing multiple projects and stakeholders, would be particularly valuable.

About You

You are someone who:

• Brings structure and clarity to complex situations.
• Enjoys solving problems and finding practical solutions.
• Is commercially aware and comfortable working with numbers and data.
• Builds strong relationships quickly and can work effectively with people at all levels.
• Is confident asking questions and constructively challenging the status quo.
• Is persistent and focused on getting things done.
• Can work independently while knowing when to involve others.
• Is comfortable working with senior stakeholders and presenting clear, concise information.
• Enjoys variety and the opportunity to work across different areas of a business.

Why Join Us?

This is a chance to join two established, family-owned Irish businesses with ambitious plans for the future.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Work on high-profile strategic projects that directly support the Group's 2030 ambitions.
• Gain exposure to the CEO, Board and senior leadership team.
• Work across both retail and manufacturing, gaining broad commercial experience.
• See projects through from strategy and planning to implementation and measurable results.
• Help shape and develop the Group's approach to programme and project management.
• Build your project management, commercial and stakeholder management experience in a growing business.

We offer a competitive salary of €40,000 plus bonus, together with a range of benefits including pension, staff discount, employee wellbeing supports, learning and development opportunities and other employee benefits.

About Carraig Donn & Aran Woollen Mills

Carraig Donn was established in Westport in 1965 by the Hughes family and is a 100% Irish-owned lifestyle retailer, with over 500 employees across Head Office and more than 40 retail stores nationwide. Our Head Office, warehouse and eCommerce operations are all based in Westport.

Aran Woollen Mills is one of Ireland's leading home-based knitwear manufacturers, with a proud heritage of Irish craft and manufacturing. With over 100 employees across its Mayo operations, AWM combines traditional craftsmanship with a focus on innovation, sustainability and future growth.

Together, the businesses employ over 600 people and are entering an exciting period of growth and transformation.

Ready to make an impact?

If you are a commercially minded project professional who enjoys solving problems, bringing structure to complex projects and turning strategy into action, we'd love to hear from you.