Northern Ireland Regulatory Affair Manager

Position Description 

Electric Ireland is the primary customer facing business unit of the ESB Group and is the leading energy supplier in Ireland.  We have c.1.4 million customers in both the Republic and Northern Ireland and an annual turnover of more than €2bn. Our product offerings include electricity, gas and energy home services.

The role of the Northern Ireland Regulation Manger is to manage the regulatory environment facing Electric Ireland in Northern Ireland, while also supporting the wider Electric Ireland regulatory team on an all-island basis. The Northern Ireland Regulation Manger will provide the Electric Ireland regulatory team with expert interpretation on market and policy regulations and changes, and assessment of impacts and opportunities created in Northern Ireland.

This person will lead specific projects and work activities driven by regulatory changes across the Electric Ireland business involving Residential, Business, Operations and Trading teams, as well as working with the wider ESB Customer Solutions business and ESB corporate teams.

Key Responsibilities 

• Formulate detailed policy proposals and draft formal responses to consultations issued by the Utility Regulator (UR) and government departments in Northern Ireland.
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with key bodies in Northern Ireland, including the UR, the Department for the Economy (DfE), and the Consumer Council NI.
• Review regulatory and other industry consultations and assess impact on the business. 
• Work with the wider Electric Ireland regulatory team to co-ordinate development of energy policy positions for ESB Customer Solutions, including the Electric Ireland business, liaising with key teams. 
• Support ESB Customer Solutions to implement regulatory and industry rules as efficiently as possible, through development of strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Represent ESB Customer Solutions, including the Electric Ireland Northern Ireland business, at Industry Forums.
• Support regulatory and licence compliance within ESB Customer Solutions.

Experience and Qualifications 

Essential

• A minimum of 7 years’ experience in the energy or wider utilities industry across the island of Ireland, ideally with previous experience interacting with Regulatory Authorities and representing at industry fora. 
• An appreciation of the regulatory environment and markets that ESB operates in on the island of Ireland in as well as good understanding of government and European energy policy.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including drafting of response documents to Regulatory Authorities, industry bodies, government departments etc.
• Excellent analytical capability, problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Proven ability to form relationships at all levels and have strong influencing and stakeholder management skills, including presentation of material to senior management, industry fora etc.

Desirable

• Business experience in the Northern Ireland energy retail sector would be of significant benefit.

Location 

Typically split between Electric Ireland Belfast office 1 Cromac Quay, The Gasworks, and the Electric Ireland Dublin office Swift Square, Northwood, Santry.

Smart Working at ESB is designed to make ‘in-person’ time together as purposeful as possible while also enabling the effective use of digital tools and hybrid arrangements to preserve our commitment to flexibility. The successful candidate may work flexibly within the jurisdiction where they have been employed, with attendance at the workplace for in-person collaboration at least two days per week. All Smart Working arrangements are subject to regular review based on the operational requirements of the role, the team, and the business.

Reporting To

Electric Ireland Regulation Manager.