Contracts Negotiator, ESB Trading
Position Description
Within the ESB Group, ESB Trading is a leading wholesale energy trading business active across Irish, UK and European energy markets. ESB Trading provides market access, risk management and asset optimisation services for ESB's generation portfolio.
We are seeking to recruit a Contracts Negotiator to join the Forward Trading Team. Reporting to the Contracts Manager, the successful candidate will play a key role in negotiating and managing wholesale energy trading agreements that support ESB Trading's activities across power, gas and environmental markets.
This position is primarily focused on contract negotiation, relationship management and commercial risk mitigation. The successful candidate will work closely with traders, risk, legal and operational teams to ensure contractual arrangements effectively support ESB's trading and hedging strategies.
The role also includes responsibility for supporting ESG-related initiatives and representing ESB in relevant industry forums and collaborative programmes focused on responsible sourcing and sustainability practices within commodity supply chains.
Key Responibilities
The role will focus on three core areas:
1. Contract Negotiation & Commercial Agreements (Primary Focus)
- Lead the negotiation, drafting and execution of wholesale energy trading contracts.
- Negotiate agreements relating to Irish Power and Gas, GB Gas and Power, Carbon and environmental products, oil and fuel products where required
- Develop and maintain expertise in industry-standard trading agreements including EFET and ISDA frameworks.
- Work with traders, legal advisors and risk teams to ensure contractual terms appropriately manage commercial and operational risk.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with counterparties across energy and commodity markets.
- Support the efficient onboarding of new trading counterparties and contractual amendments.
2. ESG & Industry Engagement
- Support ESB Trading's ESG objectives as they relate to commodity trading and procurement activities.
- Collaborate with internal sustainability, compliance and trading teams on ESG initiatives.
3. Fuel Procurement Support
- Provide support to fuel procurement activities as required.
- Assist in the negotiation and management of fuel supply agreements, including HFO procurement arrangements.
- Develop an understanding of fuel markets, supply chain considerations and associated commercial risks.
Experience and Qualifications
Essential
- Minimum 5 years' experience in a commercial, contractual, trading or energy market role.
- Third-level qualification in Business, Economics, Finance, Engineering, Law or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
- Demonstrated experience negotiating and managing commercial contracts.
- Strong commercial awareness and ability to manage contractual risk.
- Experience using Microsoft Excel and the wider Microsoft 365 suite.
- Ability to engage confidently with counterparties and senior stakeholders.
Desirable
- Experience of EFET, ISDA or other commodity trading agreements.
- Experience within wholesale energy markets, commodities or trading environments.
- Familiarity with the I-SEM market.
- Experience representing organisations in industry groups, market committees or external forums.
- Understanding of ESG considerations and their increasing importance within energy and commodity markets.
- Understanding of Irish and/or UK energy markets.
- Exposure to fuel procurement or commodity supply contracts.
Location
This position will be based in ESB Head Office, Dublin.
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
The successful candidate will report to the Contracts Manager, ESB Trading.
General
It is not anticipated that a staff member still on probation will be eligible to apply for a promotional vacancy.
Typically, an individual must have completed their probation and should have at least two years’ experience in their current role before being eligible to apply for a promotion.
An application from a staff member who does not meet the above criteria must have the approval of both the senior line manager and the HRM within the BU before progressing to application.
Application and Selection Process
Applications must be submitted Online
(Closing date is strictly no later than 12th November 2026).
Applications must include your up-to-date CV stating current position, band and grade (where relevant) and qualifications.
Shortlisting will be based on one or a combination of the following:
- Educational qualifications
- Relevant experience
- Information provided on application forms/CVs
- Any appropriate tests/assessments
Applicants who are not shortlisted will be advised as soon as the final shortlist has been agreed.
Interview
Candidates who are shortlisted for interview will complete a Behavioural Interview based on each of the following Behaviours, which underpin how we work at ESB and are critical to delivering our strategy:
- Accountable and Ethical
- Collaborative
- Growing and Adaptive
- Proactive
- Respectful and Supportive
More information available on Our Behaviours SharePoint site
Final Selection
Candidates called to interview will be advised of the outcome of the Selection Process by email.
Notes:
- External candidates may be considered for this position.
- Psychometric assessment will be required to support the interview process.
- Your application will be held in reserve for 6 months should you be suitable for the role.
Your application will be held in reserve for 6 months should you be suitable for the role.