Project Development Specialist

We are looking for a Project Development Specialist with at least 7 years’ experience providing leadership and technical guidance in all aspects of HV substation design services. 

In support of ESB’s strategic objectives of decarbonising electricity, building resilient infrastructure and empowering clients, you will focus on providing substation design services for the development phase of high voltage substation transmission and distribution projects.

Key Responsibilities

The role will also include some/all the following work:

• Owning the project deliverables during the Project Development phase, in particular business case success measures including time, cost, scope & quality whilst acting as the PSDP for this phase of the project.  
• Developing the Project Brief as set out by Network Assets and/or EirGrid into a viable Project Management Plan ready to transition from Project Development to Project Delivery stage.  
• Delivering for approval the Conceptual Physical Designs, Scope of Works, Project Costs and Project Management Plans to agreed target timelines.  
• For Engineer, Procure & Contract (EPC) and Design and Build (D&B) projects, aid the development of all relevant documents, in conjunction with the Project Delivery team and support the procurement process for the project.  
• Manage the overall project deliverables and coordinate inputs with the relevant stakeholders at project development stage. 
• Provide leadership and technical guidance to Project Development team members in all aspects of the project conception

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

     Essential 

• A minimum of seven years’ experience in substation design.
• A strong understanding of all elements of substation scoping, planning, design, costing, construction and commissioning.
• A strong work ethic with a clear focus on delivery to EMPs safety, time, quality and cost objectives.
• Effective commercial and project management capability.
• The demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent communication and report writing skills.
• A proven track record of success contributing to the training and development of technical professionals.
• A flexible approach to work, especially where necessary to meet agreed KPIs.

Desirable

• Full drivers' licence and relevant competencies to visit ESBN substations and sites on their own.   

Qualifications

 Essential

• Third level qualification or appropriate experience

Desirable

It is preferred that the candidate has achieved the following:

• PSDP Competency or CDMC equivalent.
• Site Working Competencies.

Location

The position is based in Engineering and Major Projects Offices in the Sidings, Dublin 2, or Eastgate, Cork but the role may require a certain amount of travel within Ireland.

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

The Project Development Specialist will report to a Technical Programme Manager within Networks Projects 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 

22nd July 2026

Interview  

Candidates who are shortlisted for interview will complete a Behavioural Interview based on each of the following Behaviours, which underpin how we work at ESB and are critical to delivering our strategy: 

• Accountable and Ethical 

• Collaborative  

• Growing and Adaptive 

• Proactive 

• Respectful and Supportive 

More information available on Our People Promise 

Notes

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