Head of Power System Control

EirGrid Group; Dublin; On-site; EUR 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

EirGrid Group in Ireland is seeking a Head of Power System Control to lead real-time operations at the National Control Centre, reporting to the Director of TSO Operations. You will ensure the safe, secure, reliable and economical dispatch of the transmission system and manage a high‑performing team.

The role will shape future control centre capabilities, adopt emerging technologies, and ensure compliance with European regulations as renewables expand.

Qualifications

• Engineering degree with extensive technical experience in power system operations.
• Proven leadership experience in managing large teams.
• Ability to engage stakeholders and communicate complex issues clearly.

Responsibilities

• Lead system operations across the National Control Centre and back-office teams.
• Manage real-time operations to minimize costs while ensuring reliability.
• Oversee plant margins, demand forecasts and generation to maintain security standards.
• Develop risk analysis procedures for real-time operations.
• Drive changes in the National Control Centre to support strategic objectives.
• Ensure compliance with European regulations and accurate real-time records.
• Manage and develop a high-performing team with talent development.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Risk management

Communication

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

Energy Management Systems

Control centre tools

Scheduling/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 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. If you believe you can succeed in this role, we encourage you to apply, even if you don’t meet every requirement.

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.