Project Manager

Gas Networks Ireland operates and maintains Ireland’s €2.7bn, 14,664km national gas network, which is considered one of the safest and most modern renewables-ready gas networks in the world. Over 720,000 Irish homes and businesses trust Ireland’s gas network to provide efficient and reliable energy to meet their heating, cooking, manufacturing and transport needs.

The gas network is the cornerstone of Ireland’s energy system, securely supplying more than 30% of Ireland’s total energy, including 40% of all heating and almost 50% of the country’s electricity generation.

By working to replace natural gas with renewable gases, such as biomethane and green hydrogen, and complementing intermittent renewable electricity, Gas Networks Ireland is supporting Ireland’s journey to a cleaner energy future.

Gas Networks Ireland is now seeking to appoint a Project Manager

The Role:

The Technical Development & Technical Training (TDTT) function within Gas Networks Ireland is responsible for researching, developing and proving technical solutions for introduction onto GNI’s network or incorporation as part of GNI’s operating methods, as well as for ensuring our people have the necessary technical skills and competencies to safely build, operate and maintain our assets. Encompassing the three pillars of Materials Development, Innovation Delivery and Technical Training, Testing & Competency Development; the TDTT function brings together all the capabilities needed to take network innovation initiatives and new programme concepts and then screen, test and develop these through prototype and pilot programmes; before handing over to BAU. The function also has the capability to oversee and manage the end-to-end technical competence and training requirements for the core organisation. 

Reporting to the Innovation Delivery Manager , the Project Manager will be responsible for coordinating and driving the delivery of Gas Innovation Fund (GIF) approved innovation projects, through the full innovation lifecycle process. The Project Manager will have responsibility for project managing the delivery of specified new concept programmes which require technology, methodology or operations proving ahead of business implementation. This is a key role within the TDTT team and the successful candidate will need to utilise a multidisciplinary approach to establish and maintain cross-functional relationships, in order to bring wide-ranging projects through multiple stages, which may include screening, business case development, concept proving, prototyping, pilot programming and managing change support.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Deliver an agreed portfolio of innovation projects, from initiation through to project close-out, which deliver outcomes that meets the GIF business objectives and create customer value.
• Support the Innovation Delivery Manager in the development, management and delivery of the innovation portfolio of projects in Gas Networks Ireland.
• Oversee the delivery of innovation projects working across the Innovation Delivery team and ensure that the portfolio of projects is managed effectively and efficiently through the entire project life cycle.
• Managing to budgets and timescales to ensure adherence to approved milestones and overall budget. Responsible for contract management, risk mitigation and change control, per project/ programme.
• Management of project schedule, quality, and customer/stakeholder requirements over the innovation lifecycle, ensuring adherence is maintained with the relevant governance processes, and ensure projects meet all the phases and gates go/no-go criteria.
• Managing project plans and allocating resources to achieve planned work schedules. Responsible for developing and maintaining project schedules (utilising MS Project) including tracking and reporting on progress against the agreed schedule.
• Managing and reporting on status, risks, issues and projects plans of all projects within the portfolio on a regular basis. Escalation to Project Sponsor and Steering Group at the appropriate point.
• Manages stakeholders across the project lifecycle including users and external resources/service providers.
• Managing relationships with all suppliers and contractors, monitoring their progress and adherence to the contract, representing the Innovation Delivery team at key meetings with third parties.
• Work closely with technical experts, materials and training development colleagues in TDTT, as well as Asset Management, Portfolio Office, Asset Operations and Business Development; with respect to the development and introduction of new concepts, technology solutions or working methods.
• Oversee the development and execution of collaboration agreements for the delivery of projects and the protection or dissemination of information, ensuring the relevant procurement process is followed as appropriate in the project lifecycle.
• Manage day to day issues within the project Portfolio and act as an escalation point, taking ownership through to resolution.
• Responsible for developing, reviewing and collating key documentation as required to progress internal project budget approvals through relevant committees and GIF Steering.
• Influence the continuous improvement of the project delivery team, through the use of standard project delivery processes. Drive for high performance, setting the standard for continuous improvement in the delivery of projects/programmes.
• Support the development of a culture of innovation, leveraging the knowledge and skills of GNI’s workforce to focus on opportunities to solve technical challenges or find alternative solutions and ways of working, which offer value to our organisation or our customers.
• Perform other such duties that may be required from time to time.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• Relevant third level degree, with supplementary qualification in Project Management, where there is proven program or project related experience.
• Minimum 7 years post qualification experience managing the end-to-end delivery of complex projects or programmes (from design through to implementation), within the energy sector or comparable industry.
• Strong Financial Management and Business Change Management skills, with a proven ability to successfully execute programmes, realise value and drive high performance.
• Proven track record with dealing with complex and changing issues, proactively and in a timely fashion, along with the ability to communicate complex information to others.
• Knowledge of contract management, commercial risk and dispute resolution.
• Demonstrated leadership ability, proactive development, motivation and engagement of project teams.
• Ability to:
• Develop strategic relationships to accomplish the delivery of high priority complex programmes, with multiple stakeholders.
• Set high standards, by supporting others to assume responsibility for programme delivery.
• Exercise independent judgement in methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for programme optimisation and change control.
• Support colleagues in shaping and implementing efficient and effective processes and adoption of best practice.
• An excellent communicator (both verbal and written interpersonal skills) with the ability to influence and motivate others.

Applications, including current Curriculum Vitae, should be emailed to the following address stating the job title and reference number in the subject line of your email: recruit@ gasnetworks.ie

The closing date for receipt of applications for this vacancy is the 30 th of April 2024.

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

Gas Networks Ireland 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