Protection Specialist

Position Description

The role of Protection Specialist is to provide leadership & technical guidance to the protection team, as well as support to internal and external stakeholders, in maintaining the distribution network in accordance with ESB Networks Protection Policy (NPP) and the Distribution System Protection Standard. The specialist is responsible for setting DSO design standards, monitoring compliance, managing protection issues and delivering the protection programme(s). The specialist will also be accountable for drafting and implementing protection policies and standards, including continuity improvement initiatives and system defence strategies. In addition, the role involves leading and contributing to regulatory price review submissions, and delivering innovative solutions to complex, specialised issues through the application of internal and external knowledge and experience.

Key Responsibilities

The key responsibilities of the role will include:

• Set design standards for MV, 38 kV, and DSO-controlled 110 kV protection schemes, monitor compliance, and collaborate with stakeholders to deliver designs.
• Engage with EMP on fault design issues as they arise and through the Design Register Forum.
• Manage protection issues relating to CTs, VTs, circuit breakers, and MV reclosers.
• Review Technical Evaluations from ESB EMP or compile evaluations arising from tenders and product enquiries; forward and/or approve recommendations as part of the tendering process.
• Engage with and provide commentary on turnkey designs as required.
• Develop relevant technical documentation, including contributions to functional specifications for both the System Protection & Earthing Section and other areas.
• Provide input to and review protection aspects of Project Initiatives and Technical Approvals (TAs) for new works and asset replacement, including engagement in AM Forum pre‑scoping meetings; create Items & Initiatives relating to protection.
• Approve protection-related elements of project Scopes of Work (SOWs) and Single Line Diagrams (SLDs) for Project Approval Meetings.
• Liaise with DAO and TAO Programme Management on EirGrid (TSO) projects.
• Manage protection risks on the Risk Register and Public Risk Register, including all associated reviews and meetings.
• Prepare cases, programmes, and asset location listings for the protection components of the DPR, and support the regulation (DPR) team with CAPEX and OPEX deliverables.
• Manage historical narratives, Capital Approvals, and Major Change Requests for the DPR.
• Participate in weekly DPR Change Request meetings, reviewing routine CRs for protection upgrades over the five‑year DPR period and preparing additional CRs as required.
• Participate in the materials management process to ensure materials availability, lead replenishment activities, and create new codes and descriptions where needed.
• Manage reserved legacy or discontinued relays and coordinate bulk orders for planned substation projects.
• Hold asset management responsibility for station secondary assets such as controllers and instrument transformers.
• Address interdependencies between HV Stations and Protection teams, particularly those relating to protection upgrades affecting HV station control rooms, battery sizing, and switchgear technology selection.
• Coordinate work planning under the ARMO approach, integrating requirements for HV station assets and protection assets.
• Draft and implement protection standards and policies, including continuity improvement initiatives and system defence strategies.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential

• Strong knowledge of HV station technology, including planning and coordination of HV station and protection work programmes.
• Experience with HV station control systems.
• Understanding of the impacts of control and protection upgrades on ancillary systems such as battery installations, control room sizing, and instrument transformer requirements.
• Good understanding of Regulatory Price Controls and business risk assessments.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, ensuring effective engagement with internal teams and external parties.
• Excellent communication, IT, problem‑solving, and report‑writing skills.
• Proven track record in leading the training and development of technical professionals, including both internal staff and external stakeholders.
• Ability to make sound decisions and judgments, applying a logical yet creative approach to problem‑solving.
• Flexibility across all aspects of the role, including willingness to travel nationally and internationally.

Desirable

• Knowledge of Health and Safety Legislation and compliance requirements.
• Familiarity with key ESBN business systems, including SAP/ ARM.
• Familiarity with ESBN technical & safety related policies/ procedures.
• ESB Procurement procedures & guidelines.
• Risk Assessment/Risk Management experience.
• Managing safety & quality issues affecting asset base.

Qualifications

Essential

• Either 3rd Level qualification or equivalent work experience.
• Full Clean Driving Licence.

Location

ESB is committed to offering flexibility in ways of working and we call that Smart Working – combining digital tools with a culture of trust and empowerment to enable flexible and remote ways of working. The successful candidate may combine remote / smart working within the jurisdiction, with attendance at base for in-person collaboration, the frequency of which is agreed with the manager and subject to ongoing review.

Reporting To 

Sr Protection Specialist, Network Assets, Asset Management.