We are Uisce Éireann. Every day, we are responsible for the delivery of secure, safe, and sustainable water services for the people of Ireland. As Ireland’s national regulated water utility, our vision is a sustainable Ireland where water is respected and protected, for the planet and all the lives it supports.

Our purpose at Uisce Éireann is to rise to the challenge of delivering transformative water services that enable communities to thrive. That means we are proud to take on the responsibility of protecting our water supply and passing on a safe and secure water system to a rapidly growing population and empowering Ireland’s social and economic growth.

We are passionate about empowering our people, enabling them to make a positive impact on communities across Ireland. We are guided by a shared vision and purpose, grounded in values that define who we are and shape how we work, where we deliver for customers and communities, we work better together, we do the right thing, we aim high, and we keep each other safe. Our behaviours define how we interact, communicate, and succeed together. These values and behaviours apply to each one of us, across every role, location, and level.

Our goal is to attract and develop skilled and talented people from diverse backgrounds, who bring a dynamic range of expertise and insights to our work. With a strong, values-driven workforce, we ensure Uisce Éireann can continue advancing Ireland’s water services and meeting the needs of the communities we serve for generations to come.

The Role:

The Asset Operations function forms the cornerstone of service delivery to customers, protecting the environment and meeting regulatory standards as well as managing the majority of operational expenditure.

The Asset Operations function has responsibility for operational and maintenance strategy, policies, planning and standard operating procedures for Water and Wastewater operations both nationally and regionally, ensuring that value for money and customer service is delivered.

Reporting to the Portfolio Operations Technical Manager, the Portfolio Operations Technical Lead will be responsible for providing technical operational input and oversight in collaboration with Asset Planning, Asset Delivery and Major Projects Functions, in the scoping, design, construction, commissioning and initial operation of water treatment plants, pumping stations, reservoirs and other new and upgraded assets. They will be a key member of Core Project Teams (CPTs) along with the Asset Planning Project Sponsor and the Asset Delivery Project Manager. These CPTs will be stood up to effectively co-ordinate and manage the Uisce Éireann portfolio of programmes and projects through a defined workshop process.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

Responsible for co-ordinating the Asset Operation requirements in relation to delivery project workshops.
Responsible for representing and liaising with UE Operations staff including managers, team leads, operators, engineers, Process Optimisation, and Environmental Compliance teams.
Responsible for ensuring AO representation and input throughout the project life cycle, from inception to handover, including the following:
- Sign off on scope of works and Project Execution Plan (PEP)
- Sign off on preferred design option and Opex Impact assessment
- Agree handover process and set expectations at WS4.
- Agree with Project Sponsor and Project Manager scope changes and operational impacts during delivery of scheme
- Sign off on handover with Project Sponsor and Project Manager
- Sign off on post project review
During the commencement phase of the Programmes or Projects, work with CPT and all other relevant stakeholders to provide input into procurement design requirements.
During the preliminary and detailed design phase of the Programmes or Projects, work with CPT and all other relevant stakeholders to co-ordinate input/requirements into design, risk review and value engineering workshops.
During the tender phase of the Programmes or Projects, work with CPT and all other relevant stakeholders to support and coordinate inputs to the tender evaluation process.
Prior to construction commencement, work with CPT and all other relevant stakeholders to provide feedback on documentation submitted by the contractor. Actively participate in decision making relating to live working as well Interim Ops and O&M phases.
During the construction phase of the Programmes or Projects, work with CPT and all other relevant stakeholders to support and provide feedback on the delivery of the contractor programme plan.
During the Project/Programme closure phase of the Programmes or Projects, work with CPT and all other relevant stakeholders to coordinate feedback received in regard to the asset data provided by the 3rd Party Contractor to be inputted to Uisce Éireann Asset Information systems.
Responsible for operational technical and procedural support in the handover of water/wastewater assets for operation from DBO and private management to UÉ and Frontline operational management. Help oversee defect management.
Responsible for delivering and maintaining excellent customer service and to understand and champion the customer’s needs while contributing to Uisce Éireann business plans.
Contribute to and lead initiatives to improve the Asset Operations Function processes and systems (best practice), and support change initiatives within the team, where relevant.
Responsible for carrying out any other duties deemed necessary and / or required, which the Asset Operations Technical Services Manager may reasonably request.
Adhere to all Uisce Éireann HSQE plans, policies and procedures.

General Duties and Responsibilities

Collaborate with key internal stakeholders across the UÉ business
Responsible for promoting and delivering health and safety commitments across UÉ and its supply chain, reinforcing positive behaviours and delivering health and safety objectives and requirements to the highest industry standards.
Support the delivery of the Uisce Éireann Transformation Programme, driving results required within the Directorate and supporting organisation-wide objectives.
Conducts duties and responsibilities in accordance with Uisce Éireann’s Information Security policies, standards, processes and controls to protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of UÉ business information, and delivery of critical services, in accordance with the NIS Directive and any other relevant cybersecurity regulation.
Other duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

Demonstrable technical experience (design, commissioning and handover) of water/wastewater projects/programmes on capital projects
Experience of operations of water/wastewater practices and principals
Relevant third level qualification and or accreditation is desirable
A minimum of 5 years’ Experience in the water, utilities or similar industries is desirable and or relevant experience
We work better together - Ability to develop and maintain effective strategic partnerships with key stakeholders internally and externally
Proven track record with dealing with complex issues, proactively and in a timely fashion along with the ability to communicate complex information to others
We aim high - Highly motivated individual, working to the highest professional standards and with proven ability to deliver results
Strong analytical skills and ability to identify and analyse problems and potential improvements, and propose and implement solutions
Demonstrate adaptability and the ability to change focus and direction in line with business strategy and requirements
We do the right thing - Proactively identifying new areas of improvement and using newly gained knowledge and skill on the job
Strong analytical skills and ability to identify and analyse problems and potential improvements, and propose and implement solutions
Demonstrate adaptability and the ability to change focus and direction in line with business strategy and requirements

The closing date for receipt of applications for this vacancy is 30/09/2026

Please note that applications submitted after this closing date will not be accepted.

* Successful external candidates will be offered a salary within the advertised range based on an assessment of their relevant skills, qualifications, experience and readiness to undertake the responsibilities of the role.

Internal candidates will be considered in line with the application of Uisce Éireann's Pay Model and associated pay policies.

The salary range is designed to recognise that successful candidates may join the organisation at different stages in their career, while also providing scope for future salary progression as capability and experience develop.

Uisce Éireann is an equal opportunities employer.

We are committed to providing a diverse and inclusive place of work and have a robust strategy and framework called ibelong to enable this. We are an equal opportunity employer and through our recruitment process we welcome and encourage applications from interested and suitably qualified individuals regardless of gender, age, racial or ethnic origin, membership of the traveller community, religion or beliefs, family or civil status, sexual orientation/gender identity or disability.

Portfolio Operations Technical Lead

Job Description