Senior Lead Contract Specialist

EirGrid Group has developed an ambitious Business Strategy to respond to the unprecedented level of change and opportunity in the energy industry. Our Purpose is to Transform the Power System for Future Generations and our primary goal is to Lead the Island’s Electricity Sector on Sustainability and Decarbonisation.

Join us on our journey of transforming Ireland’s power system for future generations.

The Team

The infrastructure office within EirGrid comprises highly skilled professionals with backgrounds in engineering and business/commerce. The Infrastructure Office is responsible for leading the development and delivery of the power system and interconnection investment programmes, in collaboration with partners, customers & communities.

The Customers & Connections function prepares and manages contracts for connection and use of the transmission system in Ireland and develops related connection policy as the industry evolves. The team also leads the close collaboration with industry customers and related stakeholders who are key for the achievement of renewable targets, the continuation of sustainable economic growth, supporting security of supply and the transition of decarbonise the Irish power system. The team continually seek opportunities to develop collaborative ways of working with industry to drive better outcomes for all.

Job Purpose

The Senior Lead Contract Specialist is responsible for the preparation and management of contracts/offers for large scale generators, energy consumers and suppliers connecting to and/ or using the transmission system in Ireland and for supporting the development of associated regulated policy and contractual terms.
The role will also include developing and embedding new processes and procedures to support the delivery of offers for connection to and use of the transmission system and the management of the resulting agreements.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and manage contracts for large scale generators, energy consumers and suppliers connecting to and/ or using the transmission system in Ireland and for supporting the development of associated regulated policy and contractual terms (Senior Lead – Offer Process Team role).
• Ensure contractual obligations are met in accordance with approved regulatory connection policy and with an appropriate level of corporate governance.
• Input into the consultation, review, co-ordination and implementation of terms and conditions of connection and use of system agreements.
• Assist with the development and implementation of connection policy.

• Support the C&C team in working effectively with EirGrid technical, financial, legal and regulatory teams to ensure delivery of cross-functional objectives.
• Allocate projects and tasks to respective team to ensure delivery against targets and deadlines.
• Lead the development of robust operational business processes, procedures and methodologies for C&C delivery.
• Liaise closely with and maintain good working relationships with other parts of EirGrid Group, the Regulatory Authorities, the Distribution System Operator (DSO), customers and other stakeholders.
• Provide support on strategic change to effectively adapt to meet the changing needs of customers, industry stakeholders and company strategy by exploring industry best practice and identifying innovate solutions to ensure greater visibility and support for business objectives.

Essential skills/experience

• Relevant engineering / technical degree or equivalent qualification with 6+ years relevant experience working in a regulated environment, ideally the energy sector.

• Experience working with commercial contracts and a strong understanding of the technical, commercial and legal aspects of the contracts.
• Experience in dealing with customers/ third parties on a contractual basis.
• A strong track record of project management and delivery.
• Broad understanding of the complex technical and commercial aspects of the power industry, customers and key industry stakeholders.
• Proven experience of leading effective customer and stakeholder engagement in a complex environment with an ability to drive successful outcomes.
• Passionate and engaging with a drive and enthusiasm to deliver on the company Strategy with and through others.
• Strong ability to lead, persuade and influence others to move towards a common vision or goal and to work collaboratively with and through others through developed skills of communication and diplomacy.

If you believe you have the skills and experience relevant for this position, please upload your CV and a cover letter. We want to hear from you.

Closing date for applications
10th January 2025

EirGrid is an Equal Opportunities Employer