Project Manager Special Initiatives

Position Description

The National Capacity Deployment 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.   

To drive this acceleration, we are committed to pioneering new solutions and processes that will support rapidly deployable solutions being part of the approach we take, and that will help transform our energy landscape. The role of Project Manager for Special Initiatives will lead this space for the Capacity Deployment Team, and will lead in the development and deployment of new and innovative solutions, such as Battery Energy Storage Solutions (BESS) co-location, that will form part of the accelerated capacity approach.  

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping this expansion of solutions and options, develop and deliver a range of innovative projects that align with our vision and values and support the accelerated achievement of our strategic objectives.  

Key Responsibilities 

The key responsibilities of the role will include: 

Special Initiatives Programme and Project Management: 

• Programme & Project Management: develop and manage the overall programme and defined special initiatives and innovative solutions (projects) that are relevant to the solving and supporting the acceleration of access to capacity in constrained areas of the network in particular.  
• BESS Project (Special initiative): 
• Work with Technical Consultants to prepare CRU submission for the pilot of communal BESS schemes in residential developments 
• On Approval from CRU, work with the Land Development Agency (and other Trial Partners) to identify suitable developments to trial the scheme. 
• Provide utility support to the LDA to design and install a suitably sized BESS scheme in the identified sites. 
• Set out defined technical performance parameters for the pilot that must be achieved by the BESS scheme, including Peak Load Shaving, Voltage Control and Power Quality. 
• Manage the deployment of the agreed solution 
• Utilise learnings from the pilot to understand and document the different development types that are suitable for BESS schemes and how the technology can be utilised to support ESBN to continue with residential connections in Capacity Constraint areas. 
• Modular solution (Special initiative): Work with Pre-Construction, Cluster & PMO functions to find suitable projects to be awarded to contractor for modular solution. 
• Uprating of 38 to 110 kV lines (Special initiative): lead advancements.  
• Provide overall direction, support, and performance management to ensure successful special initiative project outcomes, ensuring that project management methodologies & compliance are safeguarded throughout the project lifecycle.  
• Disseminate solution outcomes and learnings within the organisation and manage requirements associated with transitioning to BAU, ensuring that the benefits of these projects are realised and sustained. 

Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration:  

• Engage with the range of internal and external stakeholders to foster collaboration and ensure the successful delivery of all special initiative projects relating to capacity deployment. This includes managing relationships and engagements with internal and external partners and stakeholders, customers, communities, industry partners, peer DSOs, the Transmission System Operator (TSO), and technology providers. 

Special Initiative Knowledge Bank:  

• Monitoring of Trends & Technological Changes: Understand and keep abreast of disruptive trends, technological advancements, emerging whole of system thinking and new customer trends to identify new solutions relevant to solving capacity constraints.  
• Thought Leadership and Representation: Represent ESB Networks externally as a thought leader, supporting stakeholders and customers impacted by capacity constraints and showcasing the work underway to deliver on capacity needs. Participate in external engagements including conferences, webinars, trade articles, and technical industry papers. Represent ESB Networks on technical working groups as required.  
• Support of ESB Network’s Innovation Strategy & function: through these responsibilities, advocate and actively support the culture of innovation across ESB Networks, collaborating with the Innovation Team, and by challenging the status quo and exploring new approaches to business operations and system management.  

Experience and Qualifications

• Either a 3rd Level qualification or equivalent work experience is essential.  
• Full drivers license 
• Excellent project/programme management experience and knowledge 
• A proven track record in project managing the delivery of engineering projects  
• Sound expertise & knowledge of the electricity network, system operations and emerging technologies including a good knowledge and awareness of electricity distribution network assets and technology. 
• Strong 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 and accelerated demand for capacity. 
• Excellent stakeholder, influencing and communications skills, and a proven ability to working collaboratively with partners and other teams 
• Self-motivated with excellent planning and time management skills and strong attention to detail and report writing skills 
• Commercial awareness and the ability to carry out a cost benefit analysis (CBA) of projects and/ or knowledge of commercial implications of project delivery 
• 7-10  years relevant experience required 

Location

This position will be based in 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

PMO & Demand Lead, 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

23rd of April, 2026

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