Stakeholder Engagement Manager

Stakeholder Engagement Manager, ESB Networks

ESB Networks plays a central role in delivering Ireland’s clean energy future. Through our Networks for Net Zero strategy and PR6 Investment Programme, we are transforming the electricity network to support a resilient, decarbonised, and increasingly digitalised energy system. Strong, transparent and structured engagement with our stakeholders, including customers, communities, industry partners, policymakers, and the regulator, is essential to delivering these ambitions.

To support this work, we are seeking an experienced Stakeholder Engagement Manager to lead our regulatory driven stakeholder engagement processes, oversee the development of our annual engagement strategy and plan, and strengthen alignment and collaboration across ESB Networks and with key external stakeholders.

This role requires a strategic, organised and analytical thinker who can work confidently with senior stakeholders, interpret regulatory expectations, and ensure robust, evidence based delivery of ESB Networks’ stakeholder engagement commitments.

Key Responsibilities

Regulatory Engagement & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all CRU (Commission for Regulation of Utilities) stakeholder engagement reporting requirements, including:
• preparing and publishing the annual Stakeholder Engagement Strategy & Plan
• coordinating evidence-based consultation responses with business leads
• preparing and publishing the annual Stakeholder Engagement Report
• managing ESB Networks’ presentations to the CRU Network Stakeholder Engagement Evaluation (NSEE) Panel
• Coordinate timely, accurate and high-quality submissions in collaboration with the Regulation team and relevant business units.

Stakeholder Data, Mapping & Issue Tracking

• Manage ESB Networks’ stakeholder database and maintain accurate, up‑to‑date stakeholder mapping.
• Track key material issues, identify emerging engagement risks and opportunities, and support strategic decision-making.
• Champion the adoption and effective use of a Stakeholder Relationship Management (SRM) system, ensuring improved visibility, tracking and reporting of engagement activity.

Digital, AI & Innovation

• Explore opportunities for AI and digital tools to improve reporting efficiency, data quality, analysis and insights, aligned with ESB’s digital strategy.
• Identify best practice methods and innovative approaches to enhance ESB Networks’ engagement capability and performance.

Web & Digital Content Management

• Manage ESB Networks’ Stakeholder Engagement presence on the website, ensuring pages related to publications, consultations and engagement activities are accurate, uptodate and user-friendly.
• Coordinate and respond to stakeholder queries received via the dedicated engagement mailbox (or oversee this if managed elsewhere).

Benchmarking & Best Practice

• Drive best practice stakeholder engagement by strengthening ESB Networks’ collaboration with the Accountability AA1000 Stakeholder Engagement Standard.
• Build industry benchmarking by engaging with organisations such as E.DSO, Eurelectric, and other relevant European networks.

Proactive Stakeholder Engagement Programme

• Deliver a proactive programme of stakeholder engagement in collaboration with internal teams including ESB Networks Regional and Area Managers, and the ESB Public Affairs team.
• Ensure fact based, coordinated, and strategic engagement that supports ESB Networks’ objectives and strengthens relationships with key stakeholders.

Experience and Qualifications

Essential

• A minimum of 7-10 years relevant work experience is essential.
• Degree level qualification in communications, public affairs, business, policy or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience (of a minimum of 7-10 years).
• Experience in stakeholder engagement, regulatory engagement, public affairs or strategic communications.
• Strong understanding of formal reporting, consultation processes, and regulatory engagement.
• Proven ability to manage complex multi‑stakeholder processes and coordinate inputs across multiple teams.
• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex information clearly and effectively.
• Strong relationship building, influencing and cross functional collaboration skills.
• Exceptional organisational and project management capabilities with meticulous attention to detail.

Desirable

• Experience in the energy, utilities, infrastructure, or regulated sectors.
• Understanding of CRU processes and Ireland’s wider energy and decarbonisation policy landscape.
• Experience with stakeholder mapping methodologies, engagement frameworks, or SRM systems.

Location

This position will be based in ESB Networks Leopardstown

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

ESB Networks Stakeholder Engagement and Strategic Communications Manager

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 to €84,000 per annum

Closing Date

11th May 2026