Specialist Lead, Substations Engineering

Electricity Supply Board; Dublin; Hybrid; EUR 71,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

ESB is seeking a Specialist Lead, Substations Engineering to lead design frameworks and optimize procurement for transmission and distribution projects. Based in Dublin, with hybrid working, this role requires extensive framework management and contract governance experience.

You will oversee mini tenders, maintain framework membership files, ensure payment and quality controls, and drive process improvements through collaboration with internal teams and external partners across ESB.

Qualifications

• 7+ years relevant experience in engineering design, procurement or contract management.
• Knowledge of ESB design standards and ESB IT systems.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Framework Owner to develop and enhance new frameworks and ensure alignment with requirements.
• Oversee compliance across framework members and manage the engineering design services framework to achieve business alignment.
• Monitor and report on commercial performance of framework members and identify underperformance early.
• Prepare and issue mini tenders to framework members and evaluate submissions per procedures.
• Develop and maintain contractor payment portal and ensure timely processing of payments.
• Drive continuous improvement of processes using digital tools to deliver key initiatives.
• Build relationships with internal and external stakeholders to maintain open communication.

Skills

Transmission & Distribution design

Procurement & mini-tendering

Payment management

Framework management

Contract management

Stakeholder engagement

ESB/FIDIC contracts

ESB IT systems

PSDP competency

Cross-functional teams

Travel nationally

Education

Third Level Qualification (Engineering, Level 8) or equivalent

Job description

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Specialist Lead, Substations Engineering

Vacancy Number: 29103

Category: Engineering - Electrical

Job Type: Full-time

The Networks Engineering department in ESB Engineering & Major Projects is the centre of engineering design and project delivery for ESB’s Transmission and Distribution deliverables.

The Design Framework Specialist is responsible for the strategic management and performance of design frameworks, ensuring the effective optimisation of resources and delivery of value-driven outcomes.

The role involves managing the performance of framework members through the framework . This will also include the development of mini-tenders, development and maintenance of framework members management files, commercial processing and oversight of framework members quality control and compliance.

The role is responsible for fostering and maintaining effective stakeholder relationships across the organisation and external partner network. Working collaboratively with framework, procurement, contract management, and framework delivery teams, the role ensures alignment, effective engagement, and the successful delivery of framework objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Framework Owner to develop and enhance new frameworks, ensuring alignment with organisational requirements and industry best practices.
• Oversee compliance across framework members and manage the engineering design services framework to ensure structured engagement with all key stakeholders achieving necessary business alignment to deliver performance KPI’s.
• Monitor and report on the commercial performance of framework members, identifying issues and highlighting underperformance at an early stage.
• Prepare and issue mini tenders to framework members and undertake the evaluation of tender submissions in accordance with established procurement procedures.
• Develop and maintain contractor payment portal ensuring the accuracy,integrityandtimelyprocessing of contractor payments, including oversight of the systems that support payment workflows .
• Drive a continuous improvementculture by constantly reviewing processes using digital and other means to deliver key business planinitiatives.
• Develop and build relationships with internal and external stakeholders by ensuring a culture of open communication.

Knowledge and Qualifications

• 7+ years relevant experience
• Either 3rd Level qualification (Level 8 in Engineering) or equivalent work experience managing design contracts.
• Knowledge of Transmission and Distribution design.
• Knowledge of procurement principles, mini tendering processes and evaluation methodologies.
• Knowledge of Payment management processes.
• Knowledge of framework operation processes, including Contract Management experience and Stakeholder Engagement.
• Knowledge of ESB and/or FIDIC forms of Contract.
• Knowledge of ESB design standards.
• Knowledge of ESB IT systems
• PSDP competency.
• Experience working with cross functional teams.
• Flexibility in all aspects of the role, including travel nationally.

Location

This position is based in EMP Offices at The Sidings Building, Dublin 2 or Eastgate, Little Island but travel to project locations will be a requirement of the role.

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 thejurisdictionwhere they have been employed, with attendance at the workplace for in-person collaborationat 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 .

Why Work with Us?

• Opportunity to lead Ireland’s transition to net zero carbon future
• Progressive, hybrid working model
• Career development through mentoring and training
• 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

€71,000 to €84,000 per annum

Closing Date

28th 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 / UK 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.