Planning & Scheduling Manager

Project & Scheduling Manager

A Brighter, zero carbon future awaits!

Are you looking for a new challenge?

Join our dedicated Planning & Scheduling Team.

The Planning & Scheduling (P&S) team is part of the Project Management Methodologies Office (PMMO) team within Engineering & Major Projects (EMP) and is charged with ensuring that companywide projects are appropriately scheduled and controlled.  In recent years P&S has taken on a critical transformative role in shaping the culture of project management and providing the capability and toolset to ensure ESB projects are rigorously planned and monitored.  Highest standards of planning and control are now being expected at Director level and cascaded down through senior teams, all who actively draw on the supports of P&S. 

As Planning & Scheduling Manager, your role is to oversee and coordinate the planning activities within the organisation. Your primary responsibility is to ensure that projects, tasks, and resources are effectively planned and scheduled to meet the organisation's goals and objectives. You will oversee the planning, coordination, and reporting/controls on our construction projects. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in project controls, scheduling, and leadership within the construction industry. 

The Planning & Scheduling Manager will manage a team of permanent Planner staff and occasionally temporary Planner contractors.  Projects include those managed and delivered across EMP, ESB Networks and ESB Generation & Trading (G&T).  The Planning Manager may be expected to manage +300 concurrent project schedules (typical project values €1M to €500M). 

An opportunity is available for a self-motivated candidate with strong influencing and communication skills, with a proven track record in both team management and project management. This role will allow the candidate to develop an in-depth knowledge of projects across the ESB group, interacting with diverse key stakeholders. 

We are looking for a Project & Scheduling Manager to join us on our journey to a Brighter Future

Key Responsibilities

• Transform Program/Project Management in ESB; provision of critical insights to Exec. Directors and Senior Managers on major programmes; key player in ESB digital strategy 
• Advising ESB on best practices regarding Planning & Scheduling, approaches and toolset. Define and update EMP’s scheduling QA methodology in line with PMI standards. Ensure Schedules issued by scheduling team meet quality standards prior to issue to the business 

Focus on continuous improvement in scheduling. Provide training solutions to the PM community – best practice scheduling; use of scheduling software; schedule auditing etc. 

• Translate strategic plans into actionable tasks and projects. Develop detailed plans, timelines, and budgets to guide the execution of operational activities. Coordinate with different departments to ensure alignment and collaboration. Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to measure the progress and success of projects and initiatives. Regularly evaluate performance against these metrics, identify areas for improvement, and make data-driven recommendations to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. 
• Implement schedule and programme development for the management functions across all ESB businesses.  Work with senior stakeholders across EMP, GT and ESBN to develop an agreed set of measurable deliverables for different projects across the business that enables decision making to support the delivery of projects on-time and within budget
• Responsible for the development and ongoing production/maintenance of tracking and reporting systems to maximise the rate of project delivery across ESB. Responsible for the set up and maintenance of the Master Project Schedules to support the Projects being delivered. This includes projects at Concept, Design and Development phases as well as Construction, Commissioning and O&M phases. Schedule integration across multiple projects as well as Management of scheduling software versions and vendor management (‘Product Owner’) 
• Support Project Managers with contractor claims management. Work with clients to determine and implement solutions to their schedule needs. Develop and design custom schedule reports. Proactively troubleshoot schedule issues, gaps and work issues with stakeholders 
• Oversee the planning and execution of projects. Define project scope, objectives, deliverables, and timelines. Monitor progress, identify risks, and propose corrective actions to keep projects on track. Collaborate with project teams to ensure effective communication and coordination. Evaluate resource requirements for various projects and initiatives. Optimise resource utilisation and identify any potential bottlenecks or constraints. 
• Mentor and manage a team of schedulers, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment. Set performance targets, provide guidance and support to the planning team.  Foster a positive work environment, encourage professional development, and empower team members to achieve their full potential. Delegate responsibilities effectively and promote collaboration and knowledge sharing. 

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential

• At least 15 years’ relevant work experience as Senior Planner. >5 years’ people management experience
• Proven scheduling experience; Track record of working on a variety of projects including major projects (>€10M) 
• Experience of project delivery environment within utilities/energy industry or other heavy industry and Strong knowledge of project management processes 
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to manage and motivate a diverse team. Proven track record of achieving objectives and delivering value for the organisation. Proven stakeholder management skills 
• Expert knowledge of MSP and Primavera and other scheduling software 
• Significant experience of working from own initiative, taking ownership of work/projects and motivating team members to deliver team objectives or projects 
• Ability to work and share knowledge and competencies within a team structure 
• Excellent communication, reporting, organisational skills and interpersonal skills 
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to identify project risks and propose effective mitigation strategies. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely. 
• Experience of forensic scheduling, Claims and Disputes. 

Desirable

• Project management experience 

• Experience in data analysis and report preparation   

• Evidence of delivering tangible business results   

Qualifications

Essential

• Third level qualification in Engineering or in Project Control 

• Project Management Qualification  

• Full, clean driver’s license 

Desirable

• PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent project management certification  
• Master’s degree in construction management or a relevant field  

Location

Your base will be at one of our offices situated at One Dublin Airport Central or Eastgate Cork. 

ESB is committed to offering flexibility in ways of working and we call that Smart Working – combining digital tools with a culture of trust and empowerment to enable flexible and remote ways of working. The successful candidate may combine remote / smart working within the jurisdiction, with attendance at base for in-person collaboration, the frequency of which is agreed with the manager and subject to ongoing review.

Why ESB?

• Opportunity to lead and operate on frontline of Ireland’s transition to net zero future​
• Embracing & facilitating a Smart Working Future​ / Hybrid Working
• Career development through mentoring, and training 
• Corporate Social Responsibility Opportunities
• Active Social & Sports Clubs
• Networking opportunities
• Credit Union
• Generous Pension Contributions
• Access to Staff Well Being programmes
• Generous parents leave entitlements
• Great team environment working to our Core Values – Courageous, Caring, Driven and Trusted
• ESB has a comprehensive Diversity and Inclusion Programme

Reporting to

Reporting to the Planning Management Methodologies Office Manager, Engineering & Major Projects, ESB 

Salary

€83,000 - €98,000 per annum 

Closing Date

29th April 2025