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Network Capacity Planning Manager

 
Vacancy Number:  28193
Category:  Engineering - Project Management
Job Type:  Full-time
 

Position Description 

ESB Networks has a central role in leading the transition to a secure and affordable low-carbon future, using clean electricity to drive carbon, in the form of fossil fuels, out of heat, transport and the economy. Delivering on our Networks for Net Zero Strategy will require a challenging transformation of our network, our systems, and our approach.  

The National Capacity Deployment team in ESB Networks is responsible for accelerating the deployment of suite of dedicated projects, that will advance resolution to capacity constraints across the distribution network, ahead of complex, multi-year infrastructure projects coming on-stream in the latter part of PR6 or in PR7.    

The role of the Network Capacity Planning Manager in the National Capacity Deployment team, entails working on the development of a pipeline of deliverable Technical Approvals for restricted capacity projects and will be a leader in specialised distribution network system studies providing technical advice and support for Limited Capacity Projects.  

The Network Capacity Planning Manager will be responsible for preparing, reviewing, and approving Investment Appraisal and Technical Approval documents for strategic network reinforcements for limited capacity areas; development of, and ensuring adherence to, the Distribution System Security and Planning Standards; management of key stakeholders within the industry and general team supervisory responsibilities such as the allocation of work activities, training and development, annual performance management and approval of timesheets, leave and expense. 

This is a key role, crucial to the ongoing development of the Distribution Network and to ensure capacity restrictions are lifted in areas, allowing customers to connect to a secure and reliable system.   

  

Key Responsibilities 

The key responsibilities of the role will include: 

  • Leading the Network Planning function in the in the National Capacity Deployment team. 

  • Development of submissions outlining high and medium voltage reinforcements that will support and define the accelerated capacity projects. Implementation of accelerated capacity projects to handover to delivery including preparation and/or approval of Investment Appraisals and Technical Approvals and engagements with EirGrid on Connection Agreements. 

  • Plan the development and reinforcement requirements of the 110kV, 38kV and MV distribution networks and 220kV bulk supply points in accordance with defined planning standards based on future scenarios of factors such as demand load growth, energy efficiency and impact of electrification of heat and transport due to Climate Action Plan. 

  • Use load flow software (Synergi, PSS syncal, etc.) to carry out studies on the MV and HV distribution network to progress PR5 CAPEX projects and to determine connection methods for embedded generation, RES, flexibility & demand customer connections. 

  • Complete, review and approve Investment Appraisals and Technical Approval documents as required, ensuring that the evaluation completed is in line with the Distribution Planning & Customer Access strategy and policies and contains a complete appraisal of all the options. 

  • Maintain knowledge in new technological advancements in distribution and market/regulatory developments, standards, and customer business requirements. 

  • Develop and implement innovative solutions to release capacity in restricted areas of the network. 

  • Managing relationships with customers, developers, national planning authorities, city and county councils and local action groups as required. 

  • Stakeholder engagements with internal staff, EMP and external bodies including EirGrid and CRU. 

  • Contribute to overall business development strategy. 

  • Plan and set priorities for the delivery of capacity work programmes. 

  • Liaise closely with all project stakeholders throughout the early lifecycle of the project ensuring accelerated development from technical approval through to detailed design. 

  • Identify and mitigate against project risks, and where necessary escalate project risks in a timely fashion to relevant stakeholders. 

  • Adhere to all network standards ensuring that network investment will lead to safe, secure and reliable system. 

  

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Experience 

  • 7-10 years relevant work experience is essential. 

  • Strong technical background and understanding of distribution system planning, capable of informed judgements / contributing to alternatives discussions and decision making, to support and facilitate the prioritised projects progressing. 

  • Knowledge of relevant Standards, Policies & Procedures, Design Codes and Design Standards and Electrical Safety Rules. 

  • Proven track record in Electrical Network Planning (ideally Distribution) and strong technical knowledge in Electrical Network Operation and Standards.  

  • Proven experience of analysing networks using modelling software to determine network parameters under various conditions. 

  • Proven experience performing financial analysis using lifetime cost projections for various connection proposals and network reinforcement proposals. 

  • Strong leader who will be able to work with senior stakeholders and with the planning teams to implement the required change processes. 

  • 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 track record of success contributing to the training and development of technical professionals. 

  • Proven ability to work with other functions, including cross-divisional and external stakeholders to achieve business objectives. 

  • Ability to work to tight deadlines and manage a number of conflicting and frequently changing priorities. 

 

Desirable 

  • Knowledge of PR5/PR6 programmes and company direction, CRU, TSO, industry, including government policies and Climate Action Plan. 

  • A clear understanding of ESB Networks business, structure, processes and commercial operating model. 

  • Experience in risk management; the identification, assessment, mitigation, tracking, control and management of project risks. 

 

Qualifications 

  • Either a 3rd Level qualification or equivalent work experience is essential. 

  

Location 

Various Locations. 

  

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 

Planning & Pre-Construction Manager, Capacity Deployment Team, Strategy and Network Development  

 

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 - €84,000 per annum 


Closing Date

10th of April, 2026

 

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

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement

ESB is committed to being an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all sections of society and ensure that no one is discriminated against on the grounds of race, religion or belief, ethnicity or nationality, disability, age, citizenship, marital status, domestic or civil partnership status, sexual orientation or gender identity, or any other basis as protected by law. 

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

About ESB

Join us in our mission to achieve a net-zero electricity system by 2040. ESB is Ireland’s leading energy utility, with activities spanning electricity generation, transmission and distribution, energy supply, energy services and international consultancy. Operating in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain, we invest over €1 billion each year to deliver a new energy future based on reliable, affordable zero-carbon electricity.
 

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