Senior Consumer Protection manager

Job Description

Entity/ Authority: The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) – Ireland

Division: Consumer Protection

Reporting to:  Deputy Director – Consumer Protection

Location: Dublin, Ireland

Salary: Further information on salary contained within Candidate Booklet

Employment details: Full time/ Permanent, subject to 12 month probation.

Role Summary

This is an opportunity for a solutions and outcomes focussed Senior Manager, who enjoys working with great teams and is seeking a challenging role in an important and dynamic regulatory environment.

Role Purpose

The Consumer Protection Division (‘CPD’) is primarily responsible for exercising the CCPC’s functions in the areas of consumer protection. CPD has a wide remit across a broad spectrum of consumer interests. At a high level it works to ensure that the interests of customers are protected in line with National and European legislative requirements. The Platform to Business (P2B) Unit is a newly formed Unit and is one of four Units that form part of the CPD.

The CCPC’s P2B functions were introduced through S.I. No. 256 of 2020 and CPD has responsibility to ensure that the CCPC meets all of its obligations under that regulation. The person appointed will primarily have responsibility for the newly created P2B Unit and will work with the Deputy Director regarding the establishment and functioning of the new P2B Unit.

The objective of the P2B Regulation is to provide a set of rules creating a fair, transparent and predictable business environment for smaller businesses and traders on online platforms and allowing for effective redress possibilities if appropriate. Having fair and transparent marketplaces helps businesses and protects consumers.

The role holder will be expected to contribute to and engage with the overall management of the Division and to undertake any additional tasks as may be necessary from time to time. The role holder will be primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of this new Unit and ensuring that the Unit build the capabilities required to undertake the roles and responsibilities as provided for under the new P2B Regulation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead on the establishment of a new functional P2B Unit whose role will be to manage the regime for monitoring compliance with P2B Regulations as well as engagement with traders.
• Develop and implement a complaint and query handling policy. Oversee the assessment/ screening of complaints in relation to alleged breaches of the P2B Regulations and development of a case pipeline.
• Use the CCPC’s statutory powers when required under the P2B Regulations. This shall include making recommendations to the Deputy Director in relation to formal investigations and enforcement actions.
• Manage all aspects of investigations to ensure effective outcomes. Provide guidance to Authorised Officers, set realistic timeframes and monitor progress. Ensure that the Unit implements sound operational and investigative practices, having regard to CCPC procedures as well as best practice nationally and internationally.
• Develop policy, processes and procedures in relation to establishing and maintaining a register of unlawful acts in accordance with Article 14(2) of the P2B Regulations.
• Develop and implement an approach to stakeholder engagement as well as a strategy to raise awareness about the implications of the P2B Regulations.
• Report to the Deputy Director on progress, achievements, issues and results. Contribute to overall divisional reporting where required.
• Develop an expert knowledge of the P2B Regulations and understanding of the working relationships between business users and the platforms.
• Build knowledge bases and competencies of new unit to ensure there is an understanding of the sector and the implications of the P2B Regulations. Develop and roll out training aids that are available from the CCPC.
• Monitor developments at a European level that may impact the role and responsibilities of the P2B Unit and the CPD. Build relationships with competent authorities in other member states and monitor the implementation of the Regulations across the EU.
• Manage the CCPC’s approach to encouraging the adoption of industry codes of conduct that contribute to the proper application of the P2B Regulation.
• Work closely with the other members of the CPD Management Team to ensure integration with the wider divisional structures and divisional activities.
• Carry out any other additional tasks that may be assigned by the Director or Deputy Director in order to support the work of the division.
• Contribute to the achievement of the strategic goals of the organisation by participating in cross-divisional projects.

Technical and Professional Requirements

Essential

• Relevant Degree or equivalent in economics, law, regulation or compliance, or comparable professional experience in the conduct of investigations and enforcement actions.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience of successfully leading and managing a specialist team, preferably in a regulatory environment, (experience in a relevant role within the technology sector may be considered where it is related to commercial arrangements between traders and digital platforms).
• Excellent drafting skills and attention to detail.
• Proven ability to lead and deliver on parallel projects within tight time frames and with multi-disciplinary and cross Divisional participation.
• Demonstrable communication and influencing skills including the ability to build effective working relationships.
• Demonstrable experience and ability to lead and manage teams.

Desirable

• Knowledge and experience of Consumer Protection legislation,
• Experience of E-commerce, the collaborative economy, the platform economy,
• Knowledge and experience of best practice in document/record/case management,
• Knowledge and experience of information analysis including the collection and processing of complex information from multiple sources,
• Experience of implementing change management processes and/or previous exposure to and engagement with the creation of a new team,
• Experience of working across agencies and/or in an international environment/ networks.

How to apply:

The deadline for applications is Thursday, 06 May 2021 12:00, GMT.

You can apply through our recruitment portal @ https://www.ccpc-careers.com/senior-consumer-protection-manager

Additional information can be requested from [email protected]