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 Technology Services who’s primary focus will be on overseeing the technology-related aspects of the Transmission System Operators (TSO’s) operations, while maintaining and evolving the TSO’s technological infrastructure.

The role of a Director of Technology Services is crucial in maintaining a reliable and efficient electricity grid and Single Electricity Market (SEM) on a 24 by 365 basis.
As Director of Technology Services, you will play a critical role in ensuring the smooth and reliable operation of IT systems within the TSO, across all aspects of the business. This position involves strategic planning, system management, and collaboration with various internal and external stakeholders.

You will work with a team of world leading Transmission System Operators (TSO) and Market Operators (MO) on the integration of renewables while demand is growing by up to 50% by 2030.
Your primary focus will be on overseeing the technology-related aspects of the TSO’s operations, while maintaining and evolving the TSO’s technological infrastructure. This role will support the Chief Transformation and Technology Officer in shaping the departmental transformation.
You will be responsible for the technology strategy required to transform the service to the end users. During system emergencies, you will play a crucial role in orchestrating an effective response.

The successful delivery of the TSO and MO functions are critical for a mature and sustainable economy which underpins the life blood of societal needs, as the Director of Technology service being technologically, emergency prepared including cybersecurity is essential for maintaining operational continuity and protecting sensitive data.

In this role you will be responsible for ensuring the teams of SMEs in the Technology Service directorate have the appropriate operational and IT system experience to support the Eir Grid ambitions and develop the team to have the future capabilities needed to meet Eir Grid’s IT requirements which underpins the Government’s ambitions.

The operation of the power system and market are critical services for Ireland and as such you will be responsible for the IT readiness on business continuity and the senior IT person responsible for crisis management.

We will look to you to identify and evaluate emerging digital technologies and trends to drive innovation and transformation. Champion digitalisation and innovation adoption to implement world class digital solutions across Transmission, Market and Corporate IT System.
You will deliver best in class system support and maintenance for Power Systems and Market Technology. Identify and demand enhancements and optimisation of scalable and resilient systems to support business operations and growth. Ensure the reliability, availability, and performance of all digital systems and platforms.

You will source, develop, maintain and provide the IT experts to the Director of Strategic Programme Delivery to ensure the delivery of the strategic programme and ensure the provision of projects solution SMEs for the implementation of the future market and operational changes of the transmission system.

You will work closely with the Director of Strategic Programme Delivery to monitor the achievement of key milestones and to ensure the efficient deployment of resources and the appropriate governance, structure and organisation to support and deliver the transformation while maintaining system reliability.

On an all-Island basis you will work with the System Operator Northern Ireland (SONI) for the smooth operation of the Power System and SEM. The role holder will be Eir Grid’s active representative on ENTSO-E’s (Association of Transmission System Operators in Europe) Information & Communication Technologies Committee.

About you

• Proven experience in IT operations, system management, and strategic planning.
• Strong leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Exceptional decision-making skills.
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Computer Science, Electrical Engineering).
• Experience of creating, leading and influencing high performing teams in changing circumstances
• Exceptional relationship management skills, capable of procuring and managing complex partnership structures to deliver highly technical solutions in support of Eir Grid’s strategy
• 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.
• Exceptional people leader, able to set out a vision and plan, and bring employees on the change journey
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances, demonstrate resilience and be comfortable with uncertainty and ambiguity

Job Relationships
The Director of Technology Services will report directly to Chief Transformation & Technology Officer.

Closing date for applications
8th November 2024

Eir Grid is an Equal Opportunities Employer