Data Planning Systems and Tools Manager

Position Description 

Our Networks for Net Zero Strategy sets out ESB Networks’ role in enabling the delivery of the Government’s Climate Action Plan and supports the decarbonisation of electricity by 2040, which will enable the achieving of Ireland's net zero ambition no later than 2050. 

ESB Networks’ Network Development area is responsible for planning the medium and long-term reinforcement of the high voltage, medium voltage and low voltage distribution network to enable the Climate Action Plan targets and ESB Networks’ Networks for Net Zero Strategy with a particular focus on the areas of electrification of heat and transport; connection of large demand customer; connection of renewables and development of policies and standards.

Network Planners work closely with other functions within ESB Networks, with Engineering and Major Projects and with EirGrid, in the design and delivery of network plans.

Delivering on our Strategy will require a challenging transformation of our network, our systems, and our approach.

Key Responsibilities 

We are currently seeking to fill in the Data Planning Systems and Tools Manager vacancy in Network Development Team.

Data Planning Systems and Tools Manager in Network Development is responsible for:

• Driving the automation and digitalisation of Distribution System Planning processes and increasing efficiency within the department to facilitate energy transformation and significant increase in the volume of connection applications to the distribution system.
• Providing technical support for reporting and regular updates on distribution network data required by our customers and stakeholders through European legislation (publication of capacity heatmaps, SLR report, network data). Responsible for data quality checks and UAT testing as required.
• Providing technical specialist support on the new digital initiatives to ensure they are delivered and embedded within the Network Development business. Proactively look for ways to use data analytics solution to help the business move to a data driven approach to decision making.
• Provide technical support for design and development of tools and data for Network Development in a centralized cloud landscape which will enable ESB Networks ambitions for operational efficiency and data availability.
• Get involved in Data Governance exercises as appropriate and help drive adoption of data governance policies and procedures. Monitor developments and best practice in data publication from utilities in other jurisdictions.
• Technical support for the development of Open Data Portal requested by customers and stakeholders and soon to be required by legislation.
• This role will also be required to work with all parts of the Networks business including large transformational programmes like Powering Ahead, Distribution Market System Operator (DMSO) and SMART metering for interfacing with all parts of Network Development to support them with any data requirements they may have.
• Work with the Business Transformation manger to embed the process, systems and tools changes required to improve the overall customer experience during the connection process.
• Manage a small team (1-2) responsible for providing a technical support for planning tools (such as PSS Sincal) to Network Planners, Operations, Asset Managers and DMSO.
• Work closely with Network Assets (overhead lines, underground cables, and MV substations), Commercial section, and DMSO, in support of introducing changes to planning tools and data.
• Engaging with the business on the Networks for Net Zero Strategy, Network Development strategic targets and actions to deliver on them.
• Engaging across the business on the new initiatives and policy directions within the Network Development to ensure they are delivered and embedded within the business.

Experience and Qualifications

Essential

• Strong leader who will be able to work with senior stakeholders and with the planning teams to implement the required change processes.
• Good understanding of the key business challenges and opportunities for ESB Networks, our customers and our stakeholders as we transition to a lower carbon energy system in Ireland.
• Understanding the data that is stored in key Networks Operations systems and across the data landscape in the wider Networks business. Some previous experience working with data to solve business problems.
• Self-motivated with ability to plan and communicate requirements to progress new initiatives, and a track record of delivering of work/and or projects, with the ability to delegate and assign work to others to ensure on time completion of work in line with priorities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, experience leading cross functional initiatives, to solve problems and get the job done.
• An inquisitive mind and willingness to challenge conventional models.
• Comprehensive stakeholder management and communications skills, both external and internal, proficient across the range up to and including at a senior stakeholder level.
• Ability to effectively communicate with business, technical and IT stakeholders.
• Ability to act independently and take initiative.
• Proven ability to work with other functions, including cross-divisional and external suppliers to achieve business objectives.
• Ability to work to tight deadlines and manage a number of conflicting and frequently changing priorities.
• Understanding of how data, digital and change initiatives feed into ESB Networks’ strategy.
• Understanding of ESB Networks’ data hierarchy. Demonstrated data quality remediation.
• Advanced level knowledge of Power BI or similar tools for creating reports / dashboards / KPI metrics etc.
• Advanced level knowledge in writing SQL, ideally MS SQL server experience.
• Strong attention to detail is a must.
• 10 plus years relevant experience.
• A primary degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent work experience is essential
• Any data specific qualifications or business experience are a distinct advantage.

Desirable

• A clear understanding of ESB Networks business, structure, processes and commercial operating model.
• Demonstrated experience of IT project delivery.
• An understanding of electrical engineering principles & network modelling software
• Prior experience of working with databases and SQ Lite or other similar databases
• Understanding or experience of MS Azure Synapse environment an advantage.
• An understanding of GDPR requirements.
• Knowledge of smart technology, data analytics, cybersecurity, digitalisation, artificial intelligence.
• Experience in risk management; the identification, assessment, mitigation, tracking, control and management of project risks.
• Familiarity with using key ESB Networks business systems and tools i.e. SAP FMIS, SAP ISU, Gdesigner, PSS Sincal

Location

Flexible. There will be a requirement to attend regular meetings with other team members and stakeholders who are primarily Dublin and Cork based.

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

Network Development Manager, ESB Networks

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

€86,000 - €101,000 per annum 

Closing Date

21st of May, 2026