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
We are now seeking a Head of Power System Insights & Research 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 Head of Power System Insights & Research, you will be responsible for providing strategic thought leadership around solutions to the capacity and adequacy needs of the power system which are consistent with government renewable targets and carbon emission budgets in Ireland and the context of the All-Island Single Electricity Market. Examples include development of the types and volumes of capacity needed and emissions modelling. You will develop and lead a team to provide expert techno-economic analysis for the organisation.

In your role, you will lead the annual development and publication of the National Resource Adequacy Assessment and develop the plan in collaboration with System Operator Northern Ireland (SONI) and the Regulatory Authorities to enhance and develop the National Resource Adequacy Assessment to ensure we continue to effectively monitor security of supply as we transition to a 100% renewable capable power system.

You will be active in developing relationships and collaborating with the SONI management team and actively participate in appropriate resource joint activities. You will also be active in influencing at a European level through our involvement in ENTSO-E.

We will look to you to support the Operations functions on all capacity related activities and be the lead for the directorate on the measures for securing permanent capacity needed as part of the security of supply work programme and support the respective regulator on same.

You will also lead on the ongoing development and roll out of the organisation’s Innovation & Research strategy and build relationships and partnerships with research institutions and academic organisations to ensure Ireland remain at the forefront in the integration of future technologies.

You will be a leader who has led strategic projects, a high performing team, is adept at managing dynamic situations under pressure and who has led engagements with senior internal and external stakeholders (up to and including C suite). You will be strategic, inventive and passionate about Eir Grid’s role in transforming the power system.

About you
Successful candidates will have:

• Experienced leader in the utility or energy sector with a deep understanding of the sector and the potential change disruptors, including understanding the stakeholder dimensions - suppliers, generators, larger energy users, market operators and interconnectors.
• Significant experience in transformative innovation.
• Deep knowledge of all aspects of the electricity sector.
• Degree level qualification in Business, Commerce, Economics or Engineering.
• Deep understanding of the role and value of technology in delivering transformative change.
• Exceptional relationship management skills, capable of procuring and managing complex partnership structures to deliver highly technical solutions.
• Exceptional people leader, able to set out a vision and plan, and bring employees on the change journey.
• Exceptional representational and presentational skills, able to represent Eir Grid Group on the external circuit and to be at the forefront of thought leadership.
• Exemplify the values and leadership behaviours expected of a leader in the organisation.
• Maintain and promote the appropriate level of research linked to strategic objectives and within budget.

Closing date for applications
3rd October 2024

Eir Grid is an Equal Opportunities Employer