Contract and Vendor Manager

Position Description

The Contract and Vendor Manager is responsible for the management of vendors supplying key infrastructure and services to support smart metering and wider business operations.  The role will involve developing a strong understanding of the current solutions and contract management practices, procedures and processes. The position will be responsible for making sure that the contractual requirements of the DMSO are clearly communicated and implemented within the teams responsible for delivering the next phase of the Climate action plan.  The Contract and Vendor Manager, supported by various BSD teams, will work closely with counterparts in the relevant business team to ensure that new vendor contracts and solutions are integrated successfully into business as usual operations. The Contract and Vendor Manager role will oversee and manage contracts and frameworks in the relevant project/business area. This role will include business as usual support to the Smart Metering Operations Centre and the wider Operations Solution Delivery team alongside undertaking planning and business readiness activities in preparation for the new solutions to go live. 

Key Responsibilities

• Develop a good understanding of ESB Networks business processes and requirements for the relevant project/business area.
• Provision of financial analysis and reporting in support of one or more service contracts or frameworks.
• Support contract administration procedures to ensure that any changes to the contract are made in accordance with the base agreement and are aligned with the interests of the business.
• Work closely with colleagues in the project/business areas to support collaboration, planning and delivery between the teams.
• Manage vendor governance meetings to support business as usual operations.
• Support the business with the financial and contractual requirements of projects and the transition of projects into end state business as usual operations.
• Support the development, definition, and integration of the Hub business processes and requirements.
• Provide an interface into the business for managing finances and purchase orders.
• Create and manage vendor performance scorecards.
• Achieve cost efficiencies and value for money throughout the contract lifecycle.
• Continuous proactive contract reviews, reporting and scenario analysis for high value, high risk contracts.
• Manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Innovate, automate and improve contract management tools and processes to support contract lifecycles.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

Essential 

• Minimum 5 years relevant experience.
• Excellent interpersonal, analytical, reporting and presentation skills.
• Highly motivated and able to work on their own initiative and as part of a team.
• Advanced communications and negotiation skills.
• PowerBi or similar application experience.
• Proven ability to work and communicate with other internal functions and external suppliers to achieve business objectives.
• Ability to develop and implement robust plans, business cases and frameworks to support future business strategy.
• Experience in stakeholder management leading to highly effective working relationships.
• Discretion in handling confidential material.

Desirable

• Procurement, Financial Management experience
• IT, Utility, Technology Contract Management experience

Qualifications

• An appropriate third level professional qualification (Engineering, Finance, Supply Chain Management, Project Management) or equivalent and relevant experience

Location

ESB Networks, St. Margaret’s Road, Finglas, Dublin 11

While training, attendance in the office will be required 5 days a week. When training is complete a minimum of 2 days per week will be a requirement of this role.

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 successful candidate will report to the Contract & Vendor Management Lead, Contract & Vendor Management Hub, BSD, DMSO, ESB Networks.

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

€59,000 to €70,000 per annum

Closing Date

30th October 2026

• Accountable and Ethical
• Collaborative
• Growing and Adaptive
• Proactive
• Respectful and Supportive

More information available on Our People Promise

• Your application will be held in reserve for 6 months should you be suitable for the role.
• The successful candidate will be required to evidence their right to work in the Republic of Ireland prior to commencement of employment.