Senior Network Planning Engineer

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.

The Role:  

The Asset Management function within Gas Networks Ireland is responsible for optimising the return from the asset portfolio. Asset Management identify, plan and develop investment programmes while achieving an optimal balance between customer requirements, asset efficiency and risk. Asset Management considers the financial and regulatory effects of the proposed investment strategies.

The Network Planning team within Asset Management is responsible for the long-term development of both the transmission and distribution gas network. Network Planning is responsible for development of the Network ensuring operational flexibility is sustained to maximise performance of the Network.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage and prioritise schedule of work in relation to demand modelling and network analysis and directing team effort to develop robust network models.
• Continually maintain a knowledge of all of the systems and processes that provide the inputs to the network modelling process, in order to ensure all network analysis undertaken is based on the most relevant, up-to-date and accurate information.
• Responsible for cross functional annual publications such as the Network Development Plan, Capacity Management Plan, Summer/Winter Outlooks and the Northern Ireland Gas Capacity Statement including liaising with Utility Regulators, co-ordinating industry consultation and presenting to industry.
• Oversee the development of Transmission (Tx) & Distribution (Dx) Network Models, including calibration, audits and benchmarking of modelling process within the gas industry as well as the development of models for emerging technologies such as Biomethane, Hydrogen and Carbon Capture & Storage.
• Oversee network analysis to support key internal stakeholders and governmental bodies.
• Ensure Tx & Dx networks have the ability to meet 1-in-50 peak day demands.
• Reviewing outputs from network analysis, considering results to determine the priority and merits of potential projects and scenario planning with Network Planning Manager.
• Identify, initiate and implement capital projects in the current price control period.
• Providing ongoing status and raising risks & issues as appropriate to the Network Planning Manager.
• Develop policies and procedures for Network Planning.
• Performing any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• Proven Business, Economics or Engineering qualification with a minimum of 7 years’ relevant experience.
• Experience with software modelling tools and operational information systems preferable, but not essential.
• Proven analytical and problem solving skills, coupled with the ability to generate innovative technical solutions as required.
• Excellent reporting and presentation skills are a key requirement for the position, proven ability to communicate complex technical information and dissemination of results, presenting data to Senior Management, key industry stakeholders and presenting to industry audiences.
• Previous experience with initiating and maintaining strategic relationships both internally and externally.
• A good understanding of business operations and the commercial viability and impact of technical / professional decisions on the performance of the organisation.
• You are comfortable with change and have a demonstrated ability to identify opportunities for improvements and efficiency.
• You are comfortable with making and taking appropriate decisions.
• You will be a strong team player and have a demonstrated ability to bring teams together.
• You will be a natural collaborator seeking out opportunities to share knowledge and improve results.
• You are committed to providing excellent customer service and have a track record of delivering excellence through 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:

The closing date for receipt of applications for this vacancy is the

14th of June 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.