European Operational Affairs Manager

Job Type

Remote Work Option

Category

Location

Job Details

*Please note, this role can be based in our Cork or Dublin office*

We are the people behind Ireland’s national electricity grid. We make sure that every home, business, school, hospital, factory and farm has power - when and where they need it. And that’s just the beginning of our story. We are now transforming the power system for future generations. Be part of the change.

EirGrid Group has a unique role to play in leading this radical transformation of our power system in support of the transition to renewable energy. This will require pioneering engineering effort together with enhanced IT capability to respond successfully to the scale of disruption. This offers a unique opportunity to further your career while playing a significant role in delivering EirGrid Group’s transformation.

We’re an IT intensive business, and we operate a state-of-the-art, specialised business-critical systems, 24/7. Our future has never looked more exciting. And this is an incredible opportunity to be part of it. The world is ready for change. If you are too, join us.

Job Purpose

The Operations Office in EirGrid is central to the delivery of the operation, development and enhancement of the Ireland power system and the wholesale electricity market.
The European Operational Affairs Manager is a senior role that leads EirGrid’s strategic and operational engagement with European regulatory, policy, and technical bodies to ensure that European Network Codes, regulations, and initiatives are effectively translated into operational change across the power system and markets.

The role represents EirGrid Operations in key European fora, shaping policy and code development to reflect Irish system and market needs. It ensures alignment with national objectives such as Shaping Our Electricity Future, offshore integration, and new technologies, while maintaining operational resilience and advancing EirGrid’s strategic priorities.

This role is pivotal in representing EirGrid Operations within ENTSO-E, Coreso, and other relevant platforms, driving coherent stakeholder engagement in Europe across the Operations Office.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate European engagement across the Operations Office, supporting the Operations Leadership team in shaping policy positions and strategic responses to European developments.
• Act as a senior advisor and point of escalation on European operational matters, keeping the Head of Operations Development & Compliance, the Chief Operational Officer and wider leadership informed, as well as disseminating relevant EU information across EirGrid.
• Represent EirGrid in ENTSO-E Operational fora, as well as with international TSOs, CORESO, Regulatory Authorities, European bodies and industry forums, fostering strong relationships.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive stakeholder engagement strategy across European operational bodies.
• Shape and influence emerging European policy and code development related to Operations so that Irish system and market needs are recognised and feasible in practice.
• Monitor, assess, and prioritise regulatory developments and incoming European Network Code changes, regulations, and guidance that impact Operations; convert them into clear internal roadmaps, operational requirements, and implementation plans.
• Work collaboratively across the team and the wider organisation in the delivery of key project objectives
• Align operational priorities with European market integration and system operation goals, ensuring interoperability between European obligations and EirGrid’s Grid Code, Market Codes and operational policies and processes.
• Drive operational readiness (processes, systems, people) for relevant upcoming European changes and initiatives; coordinate internal alignment, manage risks and dependencies across the organisation.
• Maintain a clear multi year roadmap for EU driven change to Operations; develop annual and multi year business plans, budgets, and resourcing to deliver commitments.
• Provide industry recognised thought leadership; lead consultations and knowledge sharing workshops with internal and external senior stakeholders; represent EirGrid at external events and conferences.
• Coach and mentor staff; grow capability and deliver advanced training on relevant European codes, regulations, and interdependencies.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
Essential

• Degree or Master’s with typically 10+ years post qualification experience in power systems/markets with strong knowledge of European Network Codes, regulatory processes, and market/system operations.
• Proven track record in delivering EU driven change, shaping policy direction, and achieving outcomes with international stakeholders.
• Proven experience in European energy markets, preferably within a TSO or regulatory environment.
• Strong leadership skills: able to set clear objectives, inspire teams, and maintain alignment with business strategy.
• Ability to provide technical leadership and work within a business critical environment while meeting strict deadlines.
• Exceptional communication skills—able to articulate complex technical and policy concepts to senior non technical audiences.
• High degree of political and regulatory awareness in Ireland and in Europe; ability to successfully guide, persuade and influence others towards a common vision or goal, through developed skills of communication and diplomacy, including negotiation and conflict resolution when required.
• Excellent analytical, strategic planning, and execution skills; programme delivery under financial and resource constraints.
• A tenacity to drive excellence and quality in all areas of responsibility in line with the company vision and strategy, identifying and embracing best practice.
• Demonstrated ability to coach and develop high performance capabilities in dynamic environments; commitment to CPD.
• Strong stakeholder management and negotiation skills.

Desirable

• Knowledge of European energy market operations, cross border and national power system arrangements and the associated IT requirements.
• Professional accreditation such as Chartered Engineer or Chartered Manager.

Job Relationships
Reporting to the Head of Operational Development & Compliance.

Closing date for applications
20th February 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.