Innovation Project Manager (18 Months)

Position Description

ESB Networks has a pivotal role in enabling Ireland's energy transition to a Net Zero future. Our Networks for Net Zero Strategy sets out ESB Networks’ role in enabling the delivery of the Government’s Climate Action Plan 2023 and supports the decarbonisation of electricity by 2040 via three strategic objectives: Decarbonised Electricity, Resilient Infrastructure and Empowered Customers. We have a strong history of innovation and have developed one of the most progressive electricity networks in the world. ESB Networks' definition of innovation is to implement new ideas for the enduring benefit of customers and the business i.e., new innovative tools (data & digital), technologies and processes that support the step change required to achieve Net Zero. 

ESB Networks collaborates with a wide range of national and international organisations to effectively leverage experience, technologies and skills to accelerate the transition to a net zero future powered by clean electricity.

ESB Networks Innovation Strategy is delivered against a robust Innovation Framework with strong governance, external stakeholder representation, benchmarking, external collaboration, and broad dissemination of learnings that supports an innovative culture within the organisation and is key to delivering the network of the future.

As an Innovation Project Manager, the successful candidate will work with the Innovation Team and across business project management teams to successfully deliver on ESB’ Networks’ Innovation Programme. They will be responsible for the identification and evaluation of innovation pipeline projects and ideas from external and internal sources. The current innovation project portfolio consists of circa 30 active innovation projects and over the last 12 months, over 150 innovation ideas have been examined.

Reporting to the Innovation Manager and working with the Innovation Team, they will be responsible for the implementation of ESB Networks’ Project Management methodology across a range of innovation projects being delivered throughout the business and will ensure compliance with our Innovation processes and the associated reporting structures.

The role is an excellent opportunity for someone interested in innovating for the network of the future, working and engaging with new technologies and systems to enable the low carbon energy transition, while developing their career with supportive learning opportunities in ESB Networks.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the identification and evaluation of innovation pipeline projects and ideas in line with ESB Network’s Innovation Governance Framework and project management methodologies. This will require inter-disciplinary and cross-department engagement and stakeholder management.
• Contribute to the development of ESB Networks’ Innovation governance processes and structures to ensure that they remain fit for purpose and relevant to organisational needs.
• Prepare Business Cases, Expenditure Approvals and RFIs/RFPs as appropriate.
• Engage with internal business teams to identify the challenges and problems facing the business for which innovative solutions are required. Use these insights to articulate challenges through which to identify potential technologies, materials, solutions and services that can be trialled by the Innovation Team.
• Actively monitor ESB Networks external environment to track changes in technology, markets, and customers and approaches to network company and network customer challenges being employed in other utilities and jurisdictions.
• Identify and engage third party organisations to assess and progress potential collaboration opportunities that align with ESB Networks’ prioritised areas of focus. Prepare collaboration proposals for presentation to ESB Networks’ Innovation Steering Group for consideration.
• Work collaboratively with external partners and colleagues in ESB Networks to share information and learning from innovation projects and contribute to the ongoing development of a collaborative innovation culture within the organisation.
• Ensure that all innovation project/team reporting is complied with including project, financial, managerial, and regulatory reports.
• Input into the Innovation Strategy and ongoing innovation initiatives in ESB Networks as requested.
• Contribute, participate and collaborate with other parts of the business on external engagements as requested (e.g. conferences, webinars, seminars, industry and media articles) that promote the activities of Innovation in ESB Networks.
• Carry out other duties as determined by the Innovation Manager.

Experience and Qualifications

Essential

• 3rd Level qualification in a relevant field (this may include engineering / technical, data science, behavioural/ social science, communications or related areas)
• Full clean driving licence

• Technical background, capable of making informed judgements relating to technical alternatives, accounting for electrical, practical and systems aspects.
• An inquisitive mind and willingness to challenge conventional models.
• Project management experience and knowledge of project management methodologies (Prince 2, Agile, other).
• Commercial awareness and the ability to assess the benefits of innovation ideas and projects.
• Excellent report writing and communications skills.
• Proven experience in working as part of a flexible team and working collaboratively.
• Stakeholder management experience.
• Strong safety ethos with proven ability to deliver projects in a safe manner.
• Strong organisational and planning skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills.
• Ability to act independently and take initiative.
• 5 to 7 years relevant work experience.

Desirable

• Knowledge of the electricity network, system operations and emerging technologies including an awareness of network assets and technologies
• Knowledge of rationale and drivers behind the low carbon energy transition.
• Previous innovation experience.

Location 

The position is based in Leopardstown Road and will have flexible working arrangements in place. Domestic and International travel may be required on occasion.

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 one anchor day 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

Innovation Manager, Strategy, Innovation & Electrification Team

Why ESB?

• Opportunity to lead and operate on frontline of Ireland’s transition to net zero future
• Embracing & facilitating a Smart Working Future / Hybrid Working
• Career development through mentoring, and training 
• Corporate Social Responsibility Opportunities
• Active Social & Sports Clubs
• Networking opportunities
• Credit Union
• Generous Pension Contributions
• Access to Staff Well Being programmes
• Generous parents leave entitlements
• Great team environment working to our Core Values – Courageous, Caring, Driven and Trusted
• ESB has a comprehensive Diversity and Inclusion Programme

Salary

Starting from €55,000 per annum

Closing date

8th May 2024

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