Market Design Specialist

Electricity Supply Board; Dublin; Hybrid; EUR 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

ESB is seeking a Market Design Specialist to develop and implement market-based solutions for distribution flexibility. The role requires strong initiative, a deep understanding of energy markets, and the ability to work with cross-functional teams and regulators.

The candidate will contribute to the Joint System Operator Programme and help shape procurement, registration, and settlement processes. Flexibility to work in a hybrid model with Finglas as a base is expected.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in market design or energy sector
• Initiative and ability to develop solutions
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills
• Detail oriented with a focus on accuracy
• Adaptability to changing environments
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to explain complex market design rules to diverse audiences
• Knowledge of Irish/European electricity legislation
• Familiarity with Clean Energy Package and Climate Action Plan
• Procurement experience is advantageous

Responsibilities

• Develop flexibility market-based products and services to meet distribution network needs.
• Collaborate with Power System Requirements and Flexibility Operations to define technical specs and products.
• Coordinate with external stakeholders (market participants, TSO, regulators) for market-based solutions.
• Lead input into Joint System Operator Programme of work between ESB Networks and the TSO.
• Develop market design, processes and tender documents for distribution flexible services with stakeholders.
• Engage with regulatory processes to enable access to wholesale markets and transmission.
• Work with Market Operations to ensure design improvements are embedded.
• Support engagement with market participants on concepts, rules and frameworks.

Skills

Market design

Demand response

Stakeholder engagement

Regulatory knowledge

Team leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Primary degree in sciences or economics

Job description

The Market Design Specialist will be responsible for:

• Developing flexibility market-based products and services to meet distribution network needs.
• Working with Power System Requirements team, and the Flexibility Operations team to develop the appropriate technical specification and products which support market-based solutions.
• Work with external stakeholders including market participants, TSO and regulatory authorities to develop coordinated solutions to manage system needs through individual or aggregated demand response, generation, and storage.
• Lead the team’s input into the Joint System Operator Programme of work between ESB Networks and the TSO. The main input is under the TSO DSO operating model which includes milestones such as primacy rules, settlement rules, activation & dispatch rules.
• Development of the market design and processes and tender documents (including registration, qualification, competition frameworks and validation and settlement) for participating in distribution flexible services, in collaboration with stakeholders including the Procurement and Legal team.
• Engage with, and support, the relevant regulatory processes for distribution flexible services and supporting access to wholesale markets and transmission through development, consultation, and approval.
• Work closely with market operations lead to ensure that continuous improvement through market design or requirements changes/learnings are embedded in design updates.
• Support engagement with market participants and stakeholders in outlining market design concepts and competition rules and frameworks.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

The successful candidate must be capable of working on their own initiative in developing innovative ideas and solutions, to be challenged on these ideas and then iterate.

Essential capabilities and experience include

• 7+ years in a similar work environment
• Ability to take initiative, identify issues, develop solutions and drive through business improvements.
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work with cross functional teams
• Detail oriented
• Ability to think outside the box and adapt to change
• Excellent written and communication skills
• High level of commitment and excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate complex market design rules to specialists and non-specialists.
• Knowledge of existing Irish or European electricity legislation.
• Knowledge of Clean Energy Package and Climate Action Plan
• Experience in procurement processes.

Qualifications

A primary degree in the sciences, economics or equivalent work experience.

Location

Flexiblewithminimumone anchor dayin Finglas.

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

Reporting to

Flexibility MarketDesign Manager,Distribution Markets & System Operation (DMSO) Design.

Why Work with Us?

• Opportunity to lead Ireland's transition tonet zero carbon future
• Career developmentthrough mentoring andtraining
• Corporate Social Responsibility Opportunities
• Sports and Social Clubs
• Networking opportunities
• Credit Union
• 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

Closing Date

16th September, 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:

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.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement

ESB is committed to being an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all sections of society and ensure that no one is discriminated against on the grounds of race, religion or belief, ethnicity or nationality, disability, age, citizenship, marital status, domestic or civil partnership status, sexual orientation or gender identity, or any other basis as protected by law.

Applicants who anticipate requiring assistance or reasonable accommodations for any part of the application or interview process may contact, in confidence, [e-mail].

About ESB

Join us in our mission to achieve a net-zero electricity system by 2040. ESB is Ireland's leading energy utility, with activities spanning electricity generation, transmission and distribution, energy supply, energy services and international consultancy. Operating in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain, we invest over €1 billion each year to deliver a new energy future based on reliable, affordable zero-carbon electricity.