Head of Power System Control

EirGrid; Dublin; On-site; EUR 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

EirGrid, Ireland's energy systems operator, seeks a Head of Power System Control to lead the National Control Centre and related teams within the Operations Chief Office. You will ensure safe, secure and economical real-time operation of the transmission network while guiding strategic capability development.

You will drive continuous improvement, risk management and adoption of new technologies to support Ireland’s energy transition, while developing a high-performing team and ensuring

Qualifications

• Engineering degree with extensive technical experience of power system operations.
• Detailed knowledge of power systems and their safe, secure, reliable and economic operation.
• Familiarity with Energy Management Systems, control centre security tools and scheduling or dispatch tools.
• Exemplary leadership skills and ability to influence, negotiate and resolve conflict in a large team.
• Proven ability to engage internal and external stakeholders with confidence and diplomacy.

Responsibilities

• Lead system operations across the National Control Centre and back-office teams, acting as a first point of escalation for system operational issues.
• Manage real-time operations in a safe, secure, reliable and economic manner, delivering a dispatch that minimizes cost and benefits customers.
• Oversee review and monitoring of plant margins, system demand forecasts, renewable forecasts and generation for security standards.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Operational risk management

Communication

Decision making under pressure

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

Energy Management Systems

Control centre security tools

Dispatch tools

Job description

We are at the heart of Ireland's energy transition - connecting, operating and transforming the electricity grid to support a low carbon, renewable future. We are building talented teams that tackle real world challenges every day and help us to achieve our goal to prepare the grid to carry up to 80% of Ireland's electricity from renewable sources. We are proud to be a certified Great Place to Work, recognised for our culture built on trust, collaboration and inclusion. At EirGrid you will find supportive teams, opportunities to grow and meaningful work. We also offer secure employment with a range of flexible and family friendly working policies to support your life and wellbeing. If you are ready to make an impact and grow your career in a purpose-led organisation, your journey starts here.

The Opportunity

We are now seeking a Head of Power System Control to join the Operations Chief Office. The successful candidate will report to the Director of TSO Operations and will be responsible for the safe, secure, reliable and economic real-time operation of the transmission system and the effective management of the National Control Centre.

The role holder will provide operational leadership for real-time operations, ensuring the continuous balancing of supply and demand, maintenance of system security and the integration of increasing levels of renewable generation and interconnection. The role will also contribute to the development of future control centre capabilities, including the adoption of emerging technologies, tools, processes and practices required to support the energy transition.

The Team

The Operations Chief Office is responsible for operating Ireland's power system, EirGrid's first and most fundamental responsibility. The team operates today's system with reliability, safety and security, while adapting it for a very different future. It is also responsible for operating and developing efficient and transparent electricity markets, delivering the energy transition and driving affordable outcomes for consumers.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead system operations across the National Control Centre and back-office teams, acting as a first point of escalation for system operational issues.
• Manage real-time operations in a safe, secure, reliable and economic manner, delivering a dispatch that minimises the cost of operating the system and benefits customers.
• Oversee the review and monitoring of plant margins, system demand forecasts, renewable forecasts and generation to ensure security standards are maintained at all times.
• Develop and oversee procedures for continuous risk analysis relating to real-time operations, ensuring prudent operation within Operating Security Standards.
• Drive implementation of changes in the National Control Centre to support strategic objectives, including new technologies, tools, processes and practices.
• Ensure compliance with real-time obligations under European regulations and accurate recording of real-time information for market and audit requirements.
• Manage and develop a high-performing team, including resource planning, performance management and talent development.

About you

• Engineering degree with extensive technical experience of power system operations.
• Detailed knowledge of power systems and their safe, secure, reliable and economic operation.
• Familiarity with Energy Management Systems, control centre security tools and scheduling or dispatch tools.
• Exemplary leadership skills, including the ability to influence, negotiate and resolve conflict, with proven experience managing a large team.
• Proven ability to engage internal and external stakeholders and explain technical issues with confidence, communication and diplomacy.
• Ability to perform in high-pressure situations while carefully managing operational risk.

Closing date for applications

25th September 2026

We value potential as much as experience.

We're dedicated to diversity and inclusion at EirGrid. We recognise the strength that comes from having a diverse workforce and the importance of a supportive culture for all our people to achieve their potential. Our diversity and inclusion networks have been designed to create an inclusive culture that enables our people to feel a sense of belonging at work.

As an equal opportunities' employer, we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. Reasonable accommodations are offered at every stage of our recruitment process.