Senior Manager Acquisitions, Asset Development

Position Description

Asset Development’s purpose is to deliver renewable, low carbon and flexible generation assets and business development opportunities that provide value for ESB, that are in alignment with Generation and Tradings strategy, and to build a balanced low carbon generation portfolio of scale in the all-islands market. Asset Development originates and develops a suite of investment and acquisition options to create a pipeline of projects, which are then progressed from concept to development, from development to construction, and from construction to commercial operation. 

The successful candidate will drive ESB’s renewable and low carbon future by leading the search, acquisition, and delivery of high-impact energy projects across Ireland and Great Britain & Northern Ireland.  Shape strategy, build partnerships, and guide a dynamic team to secure investments that power ESB’s net zero ambition and 5GW renewable target. Originate new market opportunities and support AD management teams to commercialise opportunities across full range of development pipeline, inspire innovation, and make a lasting mark on the energy landscape.  

Key Responsibilities

• Set and communicate the vision and strategy for new business transaction origination ensuring alignment with Generation and Tradings objectives.
• Oversee the identification, evaluation, and execution of acquisition opportunities, ensuring robust governance and risk management.
• Originate opportunities arising from the recently published LEU determination.
• Represent ESB as key account manager in negotiations with potential LEU customers.
• Oversee representations to investment committees and provide recommendations to the Business Development Board on major transactions.
• Lead & manage key negotiations of material project commercial contracts and agreements including Share Purchase Agreements, JV Agreements and Option Agreements.
• Ensure collaboration with all Asset Development teams to achieve positive project outcomes.
• Ensure effective stakeholder engagement, both internally with executive leadership, finance, legal, technical and externally with JV partners, vendors, and government bodies.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of professionals, fostering a culture of high performance and innovation.
• Shape the strategic direction and business planning of Asset Development as a senior management team member, with primary responsibility for leading the Acquisition team.

Key Competencies and Skillsets  

• Proven leadership and influencing skills.
• Capability to operate at Senior Management Team level.
• Effective team player with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders across the organisation. 
• Experience working with senior business stakeholders and partner companies. 
• Demonstrates values-led leadership behaviours. 
• Strategic decision-making with a focus on commercial performance. 
• Proven delivery of tangible, commercial business results. 
• Experience in defining the impact of emerging technology on business strategy.

Experience and Qualifications 

• Bachelors degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, or a related field essential.
• 10+ years commercial/ acquisitions experience.
• Experience of managing Stakeholders at industry level.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
• Strong team player with the ability to work effectively across different departments. 
• Strong leadership, project management, and analytical skills.

Location 

This position will be based in 27 Lower Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin.

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 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 provide a common service across Asset Development, reporting to the Head of Offshore Renewables and, on a project-by-project basis, to the Heads of Onshore and Offshore Development depending on the project’s technology or location.