Governance Lead - Operations Systems Support
Position Description
The Operations Systems Support (OSS) team within ESB Networks' Distribution Markets and System Operations (DMSO) function are seeking to fill the role of Governance Lead. ESB Networks operates a suite of mission-critical Operational Technology (OT) systems that enable the monitoring, control, and management of Ireland's electricity distribution network. This includes Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Electricity Distribution Network Management System (NMS), and Geographic Information System (GIS). These systems support real-time network operations, outage management, fault response, service restoration, and data exchange across multiple business and operational platforms.
The OSS Governance Lead will serve as the primary point of contact for all aspects of OT Governance across SCADA, NMS, and GIS operational environments, ensuring secure, reliable, and efficient operations. This role provides a unique opportunity to support capabilities that form part of Ireland's critical national infrastructure. You will work at the forefront of Operational Technology, supporting the processes that underpin transformation of the electricity network as ESB Networks delivers the systems required for increased renewable generation, network flexibility, electrification and the transition to a net-zero future.
Acting as a strategic central ‘control point’ for governance within the OSS, the successful candidate will work closely with technical teams, vendors, and key stakeholders across ESB to strengthen operational resilience, aligning operational activities with over-arching objectives and ensuring technology decisions, risks, changes and incident management practices are consistently governed and embedded.
Key Responsibilities
OT Governance & Policy Leadership
- Define, implement and maintain fit-for-purpose OT governance frameworks aligned with relevant standards (ITIL, IEC etc.) and organisational requirements.
Risk Management & Control Assurance
- Identify, assess, and manage OT risks while ensuring effective control design, implementation, and ongoing assurance.
Compliance & Regulatory Oversight
- Ensure OT operations comply with regulatory, safety, and internal policy requirements and support audit activities.
Operational Governance & Change Control
- Oversee governance of OT change, configuration, and asset management to ensure controlled and risk-assessed operations.
Incident Management
- Ensure that incident management processes for operational technology are properly defined, compliant, and consistently followed, with effective oversight, coordination, and continuous improvement across OT teams
Stakeholder Engagement (Internal & External)
- Act as the key liaison across OT, IT, engineering, risk teams, vendors and the wider organisation to enable effective governance and decision-making.
Performance & Reporting
- Monitor and report on governance effectiveness, risk exposure, change and incident management.
Continuous Improvement
- Drive ongoing improvement in governance maturity and promote a culture of risk-awareness and accountability across the organisation.
Essential Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Minimum of 8 years post-graduate experience in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Risk or a related discipline, providing a solid foundation in OT governance oversight
- Proven ability to deliver on the “key responsibilities” outlined above.
- Proven experience working in governance, risk, compliance or assurance roles within regulated or safety critical industries (e.g., electricity, utilities, industrial operations), ensuring robust governance, compliance with regulatory requirements, and effective incident management processes are consistently applied and continuously improved
- Ability to embed governance into operational ways of working, supported by change management and pragmatic delivery in fast-paced environments
- Experience supporting Operational Technology systems (e.g., OMS, ADMS, SCADA, GIS or equivalent), including close collaboration with vendors, and specialist engineering teams, to align operational activities with over-arching governance objectives
- Demonstrated experience in designing, implementing and continuously improving governance frameworks, policies and decision-making structures
- Demonstrated leadership experience influencing and guiding teams without direct line management, with experience coaching teams on governance responsibilities and ways of working
- Proven experience bridging OT and IT domains, with the ability to communication effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Formal training or certification in IT Service Management (e.g., ITIL or equivalent), or demonstrable hands-on application of ITSM practices in change, incident, and configuration management.
- Proven track record supporting audits, regulatory reviews, and assurance activities, with strong governance reporting and metrics capability
- Strong stakeholder management, facilitation, and influencing skills, with experience leading cross functional forums and working groups.
- Service Delivery Experience in contract management, vendor engagement, incident oversight etc.
- Self-starter with ability to manage own work and support others within the OSS and project teams.
- Sound judgement, attention to detail, and a structured, risk-aware mindset.
- Ability to technically mentor junior team members.
- Excellent communication and report writing skills.
Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Relevant certifications or training in governance, risk, cyber security, safety, or compliance (e.g. COBIT, ITIL, ISO standards, CRISC, CISM)
- Experience in energy, utilities, or other safety‑critical/regulated environments, including exposure to cyber, safety, and regulatory oversight
- Leadership experience (line or matrix), including developing capability, mentoring, and embedding governance practices across teams
- Strong behavioural leadership, role-modelling risk awareness, safety, accountability, and effectiveness in ambiguity and change
Reporting to
Operations Systems Support Manager
Location
ESB Networks, Leopardstown Road, Dublin 18
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.
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
€71,00 to €84,000 per annum
Closing Date
23rd October 2026
Interview
Candidates who are shortlisted for interview will complete a Behavioural Interview based on each of the following Behaviours, which underpin how we work at ESB and are critical to delivering our strategy:
- Accountable and Ethical
- Collaborative
- Growing and Adaptive
- Proactive
- Respectful and Supportive
More information available on Our People Promise
Notes
- 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.