Position Description

ESB Networks has a central role in leading the transition to a secure and affordable low-carbon future, using clean electricity to drive carbon, in the form of fossil fuels, out of heat, transport and the economy. Delivering on our Networks for Net Zero Strategy will require a challenging transformation of our network, our systems, and our approach.

The National Capacity Deployment team in ESB Networks is responsible for accelerating the deployment of suite of dedicated projects, that will advance resolution to capacity constraints across the distribution network, ahead of complex, multi-year infrastructure projects coming on-stream in the latter part of PR6 or in PR7.

The role of the Pre-Construction Manager in the National Capacity Deployment team, entails working in the Pre-Construction team on the development and management of the scoping and designing of Limited Capacity projects. This will involve an active role in the Pre-Construction design process for projects to take them through from conception to construction hand-over to the delivery team.

While the role will primarily focus on Pre-Construction design space, there will be an involvement in the Construction Phase too for any relevant changes required.

To efficiently deliver capacity projects through the Pre-CA and Detailed Design phases, the successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring that all design work is completed in a timely manner and in the most economical fashion while adhering to ESB design standards and guidelines.

They will also be responsible for reviewing existing design processes with a view to making any changes necessary to facilitate design efficiencies for the development of Limited Capacity projects to meet the delivery timelines. 

The Pre-Construction Manager will be the single point of contact for all design issues relating to limited capacity projects to ensure appropriate plans are put in place to connect customers to a secure and reliable system.

Key Responsibilities

The key responsibilities of the role will include:

Manage and lead the pre-construction team including providing feedback and development of the team.

Ensure the preparation of high-quality designs by providing technical support and assistance to the team

Ensure designs for Limited Capacity projects are delivered in a timely manner.

Prioritise pre-construction work and allocate work as required to designers.

Preparation, verification and approval of designs, scopes, costs, design risk assessment and preliminary health & safety plans as required.

Coordination of other resources involved in the design and scoping of works e.g. ecologists, archaeologists, asbestos surveyors, site investigations etc.

Review design processes as required to ensure they deliver an excellent customer service whilst ensuring the relevant standards are maintained.

Managing the delivery of designs through contractors as required.

Participate in the organisation and scheduling of design work.

Ensure As-Builts are returned in a timely manner where applicable.

Gain and maintain an excellent knowledge of HV, MV and LV Electrical Networks across all Asset types (HV Stations, Protection Systems, Overhead Lines, Underground Cables etc)

Compliance with H&S Legislation and liaison with H&S Advisors.

Fulfilling Statutory Design Roles where required.

Ensure the liaison / negotiation is carried out, in line with ESB Policies, with local authorities, landowners and other parties to obtain the relevant consent prior to construction.

Applying for and processing road opening licences as required.

Ensuring site acquisition and planning permission applications are completed as required.

Develop and implement innovative solutions to release capacity in constrained areas of the network.

Plan and set priorities for the delivery of capacity work programmes.

Liaise closely with all project stakeholders throughout the early lifecycle of the project ensuring accelerated development from technical approval through to detailed design.

Identify and mitigate against project risks, and where necessary escalate project risks in a timely fashion to relevant stakeholders.

Adhere to all network standards ensuring that network investment will lead to safe, secure and reliable system.

Manage customers and stakeholders e.g. large high profile demand customers, EirGrid, local authorities etc.

Additional tasks as defined by the Planning and Pre-Construction Manager .

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Minimum of 7 years relevant experience is essential.

Implements standards and policies to ensure optimum design.

Knowledge of network assets; Sub-Station, Lines, Cables, Protection and Metering.

Understands and applies the relevant approved Quality Management standards in ESB Networks.

Good Communication and Interpersonal skills to facilitate both internal team building with own team, construction team and externally to Major Customers, Land Owners, Local Authorities, etc.

Full clean driving licence .

ESBN IT systems knowledge (e.g. IWM, G Net, E Plan).

Design experience.

People Management experience.

Qualifications

Either a 3rd Level qualification or equivalent work experience is essential.

Location

Various Locations.

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

Planning & Pre-Construction Manager, Capacity Deployment Team, Strategy and Network Development 

Why Work with Us?

Opportunity to lead Ireland’s transition to net zero carbon future
Career development through mentoring and training
Corporate Social Responsibility Opportunities
Sports and Social Clubs
Networking opportunities
Credit Union
Generous Pension
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

Salary

€71,000 - €84,000 per annum.

Closing Date

10th of April, 2026

Your application will be held in reserve for 6 months should you be suitable for the role.

Pre Construction Manager

Benefits

Job Description