Project Management Office Specialist

Position Description 

The PMO is moving from a centralised support function to a Hub and Embedded Spoke Model to improve project outcomes, strengthen delivery assurance, and better align the project management capability with the scale and complexity of Engineering and Major Project’s capital portfolio. 

The capital delivery environment has changed materially since the PMM and PMIS were introduced in 2019. Project volume, pace, scale and complexity have increased significantly, while external scrutiny and assurance requirements, particularly under PR6, have intensified.  This change is not about adding bureaucracy or enforcing compliance. It is about putting capability where it delivers the greatest value: inside project teams, at the point of delivery. 

The Hub (PMMO) 
The PMMO is the central owner of: 

• Project Management Methodology and standards 

• Governance, assurance, and PMIS 

• Capability development, competency standards, and training 

• Advanced risk management expertise 

• Resource planning, deployment, and professional line management 

Headcount, performance management, and capability development remain centralised, protecting consistency, career pathways, and professional standards.

The Spokes (Embedded Support) 
PMO specialists are embedded directly within project teams across NPD, GPD, PCO and other portfolios. They: 

• Work as part of the core project team, providing essential project management support to facilitate best practice management of projects. 

• Attend project team anchor days and collaborate closely with Project Managers. 

• Provide hands-on support in project planning, facilitation of workshops, project governance, reporting, and risk. 

• Apply PMM and PMIS pragmatically, scaled to project size and risk. 

This embedment creates shared ownership of outcomes and enables earlier intervention, better decision making, and stronger alignment between delivery and governance. 

Key Responsibilities  

Responsibilities will cover the items below:  

PMO Specialist Responsibilities  

The role will include the following responsibilities: 

• Working closely with project teams using the PMM methodology to support successful project development and delivery 

• Providing facilitation services (‘workshops’) as required including:  Project Planning , WBS (Work Breakdown Structure) development , Risk Management Lessons Learned

• Significant Stakeholder Management and Engagement and Provision of facilitation services

• Promoting, capturing and reviewing feedback on the PMM processes, tools and templates to ensure continuous improvement 

• Developing Project Management capability within the Specialist’s designated department or business unit as well as Driving PMM orientation for users within the project management community   

• Lead out on the application of PMM processes, tools and templates  and Embed feedback / lessons learned on PMM processes  

• Work In conjunction with PMO Manager drive the roll-out of PMIS and PMM to the PM community, as well as Manage Project lifecycle to aid continuous improvement of PMM

Knowledge, Skills and Experience  

Essential  

• At least five years relevant work experience 

• Previous project management experience and knowledge of construction projects  

• Strong knowledge of project management processes  

• Strong knowledge and experience of development, construction or overhaul projects 

• Self-motivated with excellent planning and time management skills and strong attention to detail 

• Significant experience of working from own initiative and taking ownership of work/projects  

• Commitment to ESB’s Health, Safety, and Environmental Standards  

• Full Irish / EU driver’s license and flexibility to travel nationwide 

Essential Attributes 

• Ability to facilitate workshops groups of stakeholders 

• Strong communication, influencing and interpersonal skills. 

• Effective stakeholder management. 

• Ability to work collaboratively and share knowledge within a team environment. 

• Flexibility in approach and willingness to work across multiple locations. 

Desirable  

• Previous experience of working in a PMO  

• Formal Project Management qualification  

• Understanding of ESB Project Delivery infrastructure in particular the Networks Business and knowledge of Network Assets 

• Strong analytical skills, and experience with relevant data reporting tools (such as Power BI, Excel, or other business intelligence platforms) could be advantageous. 

Qualifications  

Essential  

Third level qualification in Engineering, a Project Management discipline or equivalent work experience.  

Desirable  

• Project Management Professional (PMP) or similar certification  

• PMO Certified Professional (PMOCP) 

• 3rd level qualification in Project Management 

Location  

This role is based in our Dublin office, The Sidings Building, Dublin 2, but may entail travel around Ireland and/or UK.

The successful candidate may work flexibly within their jurisdiction with attendance at the workplace for in-person collaboration on at least two anchor 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. 

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 anchor 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

PMO Manager, Engineering & Major Projects