We are the people behind Ireland’s electricity grid. We operate the power system with world leading levels of variable asynchronous renewable generation, ensuring that everyone has power when they need it. But that’s not all, we are now transforming the power system for future generations.

And that’s just the beginning of our story. We have a critical purpose. That purpose is to transform the power system to enable our society to reduce our carbon emissions and meet our climate change and net zero ambitions.

Be part of the transformation!

The Opportunity
The role of the Chief Transformation and Technology Office (CTTO) is to vision, lead, transform, digitise, deliver and support the transformational programme to deliver the power system and market to 2030 and beyond maximising the integration of renewables in a sustainable way at an affordable cost taking on board the voices of all aspects of our society. With an ultimate target of having a decarbonised power system in advance of 2050.
We are now seeking an ambitious and dynamic Director of Innovation and Planning to join the Chief Transformation & Technology Office.
The successful candidate will report directly to the Chief Transformation & Technology Officer and be a member of Eir Grid’s extended leadership team.
As Director of Innovation and Planning will be responsible for visioning and developing an implementation plan to transform the power system to be capable of delivering the zero net carbon ambition, which captures Ireland’s natural resources while facilitating and supporting Ireland competitiveness in a sustainable manner. .

You will lead the programme of visioning the power system of the future to achieve Government's Ambition of 2030 and the net zero carbon by 2050, the possible scenarios and plans to deliver on these ambitions, and the technological capabilities and advancements that Eir Grid will require to safely and securely operate the transmission system in this new paradigm while working with the Regulatory Authorities in bringing their future high level market designs to business requirement level that efficiently meets all EU and National Regulatory design requirements.

You will establish centres for excellence in market design, power system operational design, Innovation, economic analysis, modelling, Off shore design and will be responsible for developing the future thought leaders for evolving the operation of the power system, developing offshore Grids, innovation solutions, market development. You will also establish robust relationships with Third Level Institutions, where we work in partnership to steer future research to address real world challenges facing the power system, while giving Eir Grid Staff the opportunity to be active in research.

You will source, develop, maintain and provide the business experts to the Director of Strategic Programme Delivery to ensure the delivery of the strategic programme and ensure the provision of projects concepts and Business Case for the transformation of the market and the future operation of the transmission system.

You will be responsible for the quality assurance on products and projects delivery for the Strategic Program delivery arm of CTTO. In your role, you will be responsible for the Eir Grid relationship with the North Seas Energy Cooperation (NSEC), support government officials and departments in their engagements with other member states with respect to NSEC and act as Eir Grid’s leader on the engagements with Transmission System Operators who are very advanced with respect to renewable integration to ensure Ireland remains to the forefront on this matter.

We will look to you develop and implement the post Phase 2 Offshore Transmission system blueprint, lead the collaboration with neighbouring TSO sharing the sea basins, Influencing EU policy evolution for offshore via ENTSO-E and working closely with DECC on the North Seas Energy Cooperation.

You will establish Memorandums of Understanding with Neighbouring TSO to explore the opportunities for further interconnection or hybrid interconnection and lead and manage the relationship with ESB (as DSO) in a manner that delivers a holistic and optimum vision for the power system (end to end) in the interests of consumers, customers and in support of the Climate Action Plan.

You will be responsible for maintaining and evolving the relations with ENTSO-E, to ensure that Ireland’s voice is evident in strategic decisions.

About you
Successful candidates will have:

• Strong strategic thinking and vision, with the ability to translate business objectives into actionable outcomes.
• Outstanding leadership capability and the ability to inspire and motivate cross-functional teams to achieve common goals. Change oriented and able to effectively challenge the status quo, while bringing stakeholders and team members on the change journey.
• Excellent communication and engagement skills. Ability to translate complex issues for executive leadership and influence stakeholders at all levels. Ability to build effective internal and external partnerships.
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field in business administration, management, Project Management, or a related field (MBA preferred).
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances, demonstrate resilience and be comfortable with uncertainty and ambiguity
• Familiar with power system operations, grid stability, and energy market dynamics.
• Experience of creating, leading and influencing high performing teams in changing circumstances
• Exceptional decision-making skills.
• Exceptional at identifying and mitigating risks
• Strong leader in managing budgeting, funding requirements, and financial management.
• Strong team player who can collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience working in government, public sector, or regulated industries is advantageous.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills to engage with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills to align programs with organizational goals and government priorities.
• Proficiency in managing organizational change and transformation.

Job Relationships
The Director of Innovation & Planning will report directly to the Chief Transformation & Technology Officer.

Closing date for applications
8th November 2024

Eir Grid is an Equal Opportunities Employer