Policy Manager, Generation & Trading

Position Description

ESB is in a rapidly evolving Energy Market as Government and industry players strive to deliver the requirements of decarbonisation within a secure and affordable industry structure. ESB needs to monitor and influence horizon level policy and technology developments to ensure that our long-term investment strategies and business development effort positions ESB to take full commercial advantage of emerging business and technology opportunities and play a leading role in the transition to a secure, integrated Net Zero energy system.

Generation and Trading has a vacancy for an experienced  Policy Manager with excellent analytical and communication skills and the ability to build and maintain strong internal and external stakeholder relationships. The Policy Manager will  monitor developments in the EU, Irish and UK external policy environment, evaluate the impact on ESB GT investment strategy and business plans and communicate findings and recommendations to  Senior Management and relevant stakeholders.   The Policy Manager is tasked with leading the formulation and execution of ESB GT's policy and advocacy plans, particularly concerning  renewable electricity, renewable hydrogen and its byproducts, seasonal energy storage, and energy clusters.

Additionally, they will focus on the power sector's convergence with transportation and industry through Power to X technologies, covering alternative fuels for both aviation and maritime sectors, and the broader industrial landscape. In doing so, the Policy Manager will interact with prominent stakeholders at a senior level across the energy domain and related industries to advance policy agendas aligned with ESB GT’s Net Zero strategy.

The policy manager position provides a comprehensive insight into the energy industry. Responsibilities include proactively leading  policy advocacy within ESB GT and influencing wider energy policies that impact on our operations and development plans and that are crucial for investment decisions to deliver our Net Zero Strategy. The ideal candidate will possess an in-depth grasp of policy objectives throughout GT and have the skills to effectively collaborate with internal teams to challenge and refine these objectives, as well as to interact with senior figures in the industry in EU, Ireland and GB  to steer policy direction in a manner that supports the ESB GT strategy. 

Key Responsibilities

Key responsibilities included but not limited to the following: 

• Assume the role of 'Thought Leader' and subject matter expert on energy policy for ESB GT. 
• Lead the development and implementation of ESB GT's policy and advocacy plans. 
• Stay informed on current and emerging energy and climate policy and legislation, and understand their impact on ESB GT's investment strategy and business plans. 
• Collate, manage, and disseminate information on policy developments, making recommendations to senior management and relevant external stakeholders. 
• Engage with key senior stakeholders in the energy sector to advocate for policies beneficial to ESB Net Zero strategy and GT investment plans. 
• Lead cross-functional project teams to address policy-related issues and support Regulation/Asset Development teams on policy/regulation formation and interpretation. 
• Prepare written and verbal reports, draft consultation responses, and ESB position papers, and contribute to policy development on behalf of ESB GT and industry groups 

Experience and Qualifications

Essential

• Minimum of 10 years' relevant experience.  
• Relevant 3rd level qualification or equivalent work experience.  
• Comprehensive understanding of the Irish and UK energy system and underlying EU, Irish and UK policy.  
• Ability to work amidst ambiguity and develop scenarios and options for progress   
• Ability to identify and confidently advocate for policy initiatives that will be valuable to ESB GT. 
• Excellent analytical, communication and influencing skills, and the ability to translate complex policy and regulatory issues into clear and concise messages for different audiences. 
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively, and to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a dynamic environment. 
• Demonstrated commitment to the company's values and vision, and to the principles of sustainability and social responsibility. 

Location

This position will be based in ESB Head Office, Fitzwilliam 27, Dublin. Travel will be required to business locations including overseas. 

ESB is committed to smart working – combining digital tools with a culture of trust and empowerment to enable flexible ways of working. The successful candidate may work flexibly within their jurisdiction with attendance at the workplace for in-person collaboration on at least two anchor days per week. All smart working arrangements are subject to manager approval and ongoing review, based on the operational requirements of the role, the team, and the individual.

Reporting To

The Future Opportunities Manager

Why Work with Us?

• Opportunity to lead Ireland’s transition to net zero carbon future
• Progressive, hybrid working model
• Career development through mentoring and training 
• Corporate Social Responsibility Opportunities
• Sports and Social Clubs
• Networking opportunities
• Credit Union
• Generous Pension
• Access to staff well-being programmes
• Generous parental leave entitlements
• Strong values-based and inclusive culture
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
• Great team environment working to our Core Values: Courageous, Caring, Driven and Trusted

Salary

€80,240 to €94,400 per annum

Closing Date

1st November 2024

Note: Applicants who anticipate requiring assistance or reasonable accommodations for any part of the application or interview process may contact, in confidence, recruitment@esb.ie

If you have any queries in relation to this job, please contact recruitment@esb.ie

Your application will be held in reserve for 6 months should you be suitable for the role.