In a move that will intrigue anyone who carries out information management tasks, the Republic of Ireland has defined the information manager’s role and responsibilities.
The definitions form a key part of implementing the BIM mandate in the Republic of Ireland. While primarily designed to provide clarity for recruitment and grading within the public sector, the definitions also provide benchmarking guidance for the private sector. However, given the widespread concern among digital construction professionals about the lack of a clear career path and salary inequity, information managers in the UK may wish to compare and contrast their own roles and responsibilities with those in the guidance.
The guidance is explicit about the information manager’s part in delivering the government’s Project Ireland 2040 plan: “The information manager (BIM) is responsible for the planning, management and assurance of information production and exchange on capital works projects, ensuring compliance with ISO 19650, Capital Works Management Framework, infrastructure guidelines, deliverables and client asset information requirements. This role spans the project lifecycle, from strategic definition through to handover, operation and end of life.”
Four levels of seniority
The guidance provides four levels of seniority, each broken down by key tasks and responsibilities, competencies, experience and qualifications. The four levels are:
- assistant information manager – supports the delivery of information management tasks under supervision and has up to two years’ experience;
- information manager – leads information management for small to medium projects and has three to five years’ experience;
- senior information manager – oversees information management on complex high-risk projects or portfolios and has six to eight years’ experience; and
- lead/principal information manager – sets organisational information management strategy, assures compliance and mentors teams, and has more than eight years’ experience.
The guidance also provides public sector pay scales for each of the four roles, ranging from a minimum of €39,974 for an assistant information manager to a maximum of €132,450 for a lead/principal information manager.
Key competencies at all levels include:
- information management planning;
- CDE management;
- information exchange and assurance;
- structured data and asset information delivery; and
- digital construction and technology integration.
Designed to accelerate delivery
The guidance was produced by Build Digital, the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI), and the Infrastructure Division, Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation (DPER).
David O’Brien, principal officer of the Infrastructure Division at the DPER, said: “The correct appointment of suitably graded and competent personnel is not optional – it is essential to maintaining public value, transparency and delivery confidence.”
NSAI CEO Geraldine Larkin added: “Digitalisation of the sector only delivers when information is well‑governed. Standards‑aligned information management is now central to delivering confidence across public works. These roles, which embed ISO 19650 practice, will help accelerate delivery, improve productivity, and build skills, turning digital policy into assured outcomes for the public.”
