Innovation Specialist [12 Months]

Position Description 

ESB's purpose is to create a Brighter Future for the customers and communities we serve, by leading the transition to reliable, affordable, low-carbon energy.   

ESB has a strategic objective to support the decarbonisation of the electricity sector. To meet this goal, GT is investing in renewable energy assets across a range of technologies to meet its renewables target. GT is also developing assets that will support the grid transitioning to a low-carbon future, such as battery and green hydrogen storage assets, synchronous compensators and flexible gas fired units that respond quickly to system demand, which will be key to facilitating large scale renewables in the future.

The Innovation Specialist will be a member of the Innovation team in Generation and Trading. This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious engineering professional to work at the cutting edge of energy technology and new business development. The successful candidate will develop a thorough understanding of the challenges facing utilities including the need for effective innovation management and new business lines built around emerging technologies. The Innovation Team focuses on emerging technologies and new business models relating to but not limited to on-shore and off-shore wind, solar, storage technologies, renewable H2 and H2 derivatives.  

The role will involve working with the teams across ESB Generation and Trading to assess new technologies and associated business opportunities, to work with stakeholders on collaboration opportunities and support the deployment of pilot and demonstration technology projects. The role will require effective collaboration with external partners, academic and research institutions and engagement across ESB’s business units where appropriate. 

Key Responsibilities 

The key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Assist GT’s Innovation Manager in delivery of the Innovation Strategy across the Generation & Trading (GT) business, promoting innovation as a route to performance improvement, fostering a culture of innovation.
• Contribute to the annual assessment of GT’s Innovation Capability using the globally-recognised EFQM Model.
• Lead the delivery of a selection of research projects/demos/pilots focusing on emerging technologies and new business models relating to on-shore and off-shore wind, solar, storage technologies, renewable H2 and H2 derivatives.
• Contribute to and help co-ordinate GT’s involvement in innovation initiatives that are centrally driven across ESB Group, such as the Innovation Academy, X_Potential and Free Electrons Programmes.
• Support the development of innovative skills and knowledge, expertise on specific emerging energy technologies, and training to support the internal ESB GT innovation community.
• Support GT’s Innovation Manager in external stakeholder innovation engagement and dissemination including collaboration with academic institutions, government organisations, community co-ops, industry trade associations.
• Support GT’s Innovation Manager in internal engagement and dissemination via the intranet, the Innovation Hub, presentations, webinars and videos.
• Work collaboratively within GT to build a network with the wider Innovation teams across other Business Units. Work with key stakeholders across the business to gain support for the development and deployment of innovation projects.
• Scan markets and assess the innovations taking place in other utilities and jurisdictions, building awareness around emerging energy technology developments that may assist ESB in the delivering Net Zero 2040 strategy.
• Providing subject matter expertise and relationship management to researchers at third level institutions working on specific Innovation and R&D projects for ESB 
• Providing techno-economic and market readiness evaluations of specific technologies
• Project management as required to co-ordinate and integrate inputs from across the GT business
• Presenting in person or via webinars on innovation and emerging technology topics
• Attending relevant conferences and stakeholder events nationally and internationally

Knowledge, Skills and Experience 

Proven experience in working as part of a flexible team and working collaboratively

• Strong communications and interpersonal skills 
• Ability to work in a dynamic and changing environment
• Evidence of delivering tangible business results
• Ability to work with a wide range of stakeholders and partner companies

• Knowledge of the energy market and regulatory supports in Ireland and UK
• Understanding of power generation business.

Qualifications

Essential 

• A primary Engineering degree or equivalent experience is required.

Desirable 

• A business management qualification that may compliment the essential/desirable knowledge, skills and experience listed above.

Location 

The position will be located in ESB’s Head Office, Dublin 2. Travel outside Dublin, including some international travel will be required for this role. 

ESB is committed to smart working – combining digital tools with a culture of trust and empowerment to enable flexible ways of working. The successful candidate may work flexibly within their jurisdiction with attendance at the workplace for in-person collaboration on at least two anchor days per week. All smart working arrangements are subject to manager approval and ongoing review, based on the operational requirements of the role, the team, and the individual.

Reporting to 

The role will report to Innovation Manager, ESB Generation & Trading   

Why Work with Us?

• Opportunity to lead Ireland’s transition to net zero carbon future
• Progressive, hybrid working model
• 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

€49,830 - €58,622

Closing Date

11th March 2026

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

If you have any queries in relation to this job, please contact recruitment@esb.ie

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