Cybersecurity Lead - Operations Systems Support

Position Description

The DMSO (Distribution Markets and System Operation) Operations Systems Support (OSS) team is seeking to fill the role of SCADA Specialist. The role of the OSS team is to support and maintain ESB Networks’ critical Operational Technology (OT) systems which include SCADA, Network Management System (NMS) and Geographic Information System (GIS). The OSS Cybersecurity team is responsible to support and maintain a strong cyber security posture across ESB Networks OT systems.

ESB Networks is seeking an experienced Cybersecurity Lead to manage and lead the OT cybersecurity function within the OSS team. This is a key strategic role ensuring OT systems remain resilient, compliant, and secure against emerging cyber threats.

The Cybersecurity Lead will be responsible for cybersecurity activities including developing and improving cybersecurity processes and controls to support compliance with the NIS‑2 Directive and the Critical Entities Resilience (CER) Directive, delivering the OSS cybersecurity plan, and supporting internal and external audit and review processes. The role will be instrumental in identifying and assessing emerging OT threats, performing risk assessments and driving effective remediation strategies across critical OT systems.

The Cybersecurity Lead will act as the Subject Matter Expert for OT cybersecurity, collaborating closely with internal and external partners including OT vendors, DMSO teams, CISO, Networks IT, Corporate Cybersecurity and IT Security. The role will support new and ongoing projects aligned with ESB Networks’ strategic objectives, ensuring all initiatives meet cybersecurity policy, regulatory and legislative requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the OSS cybersecurity team, driving delivery of the OT cybersecurity plan.
• Provide SME leadership in OT cybersecurity to broaden knowledge across OSS and the wider business.
• Develop team members through performance management, goal setting, mentoring and coaching.
• Maintain regular engagement and clear communication with all team members and the wider stakeholder network.
• Develop, enhance and implement cybersecurity processes and controls aligned with NIS‑2, CER and ESB Networks policies.
• Stay current on NIS‑2, CER and industry cybersecurity trends.
• Identify compliance gaps in SCADA and NMS environments and define mitigation plans; support mitigation programmes and ongoing monitoring to ensure sustained compliance.
• Prepare documentation for audits and compliance for Corporate Cybersecurity and NIS‑2 requirements.
• Support interactions with internal audit, external auditors and regulatory authorities.
• Identify emerging OT threats, perform risk assessments and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Proactively monitor cybersecurity risks impacting OT environments to ensure resilience and operational continuity.
• Review vulnerability assessments, coordinate mitigations and work with vendors on cybersecurity actions.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders including CISO, Networks IT, Corporate Cybersecurity and DMSO to ensure secure and compliant project delivery.
• Manage cybersecurity incidents, investigations and improvement initiatives across OT systems.
• Support DMSO and OT Delivery projects to ensure security‑by‑design principles are embedded.
• Manage relationships with third parties, internal stakeholders and system vendors to ensure cybersecurity compliance.
• Collaborate with vendors to ensure OT systems remain up to date, risks are mitigated and cybersecurity issues are resolved effectively.
• Develop and maintain up‑to‑date OT runbooks and Disaster Recovery plans.
• Develop metrics and provide status reporting on cybersecurity posture and NIS‑2 / CER compliance.
• Develop and deliver OT cybersecurity training programmes to ensure system users understand cybersecurity risks and best‑practice behaviours.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of ESB and ESB Networks’ broader OT cybersecurity strategy.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential

• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in an OT cybersecurity role.
• 3rd level qualification in the relevant field or relevent work experiece
• Comprehensive knowledge of IT/섭/OT security principles, technologies and industry best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to provide subject matter expert leadership in OT cybersecurity.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Proven capability to lead, develop and manage a team effectively.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively to identify root causes and deliver effective solutions with minimal oversight.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines.

Desirable

• Engineering or Cybersecurity background with experience working in an Electrical, Telecoms or Control and Instrumentation discipline.

• Certification or relevant experience in ISO 27001, ISO 9001, IEC 62443, NERC CIP, NIS‑2, NIST SP 800‑82, NIST SP 800‑53 and the Purdue Enterprise Reference Architecture.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or equivalent.
• Experience in cybersecurity policies, standards and procedures within an Operational Technology environment.
• Knowledge of typical SCADA and NMS operational technologies.
• Understanding of network architecture and topologies.
• Ability to perform monitoring and troubleshooting of cybersecurity problems.
• Experience implementing or working to IT/OT security standards.
• Experience developing security policies, standards and procedures.
• Familiarity with threat intelligence, vulnerability assessment, identity management and incident response.
• Ability to proactively research and maintain knowledge of the cyber‑threat landscape.

Location

This position will be based in ESB Networks, Leopardstown Road, Dublin 18.

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
OSS Manager

Why Work with Us?

• Opportunity to lead Ireland’s transition to net zero carbon future
• 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

€71,000 to €84,000 per annum

Closing Date

20th March 2026 

Additional Background checks will be required as part of the recruitment process for this position.