Contracts Manager, Networks Telecoms, Customer Transformation and Digital

Position Description

Telecommunications are critical to the safe, secure and reliable operation of Ireland’s electricity system. Networks Telecoms provides the mission-critical communications services that connect network infrastructure—including substations, renewable generation, transformers and automation devices—with ESB and EirGrid control systems. The function operates Ireland’s largest private telecommunications network and is transforming into a utility-grade telecommunications provider capable of delivering at the scale and pace required to enable Networks for Net Zero.

The PR6 period represents a significant increase in the scale and complexity of Networks Telecoms’ capital and operational programmes. Delivery will require greater use of external contracting partners, new delivery models and robust commercial governance across an increasingly complex supplier landscape. In addition, Networks Telecoms is introducing contestability for future connections which may require review of customer’s delivery partners ability to deliver and vetting supplier’s delivery partners.

The Contracts Manager will lead the development and operation of a fit-for-purpose Contracts Management Function for Networks Telecoms. The role has end-to-end responsibility for contract lifecycle management, the multi-year procurement pipeline, supplier relationship and performance management, commercial controls, governance, reporting and assurance.

As a member of the Networks Telecoms leadership group, the Contracts Manager will work closely with Procurement, Legal, Finance, Safety, Cybersecurity, technical teams, programme delivery teams and suppliers. The role will ensure that contracts provide the capacity, capability, value for money and control required to deliver the PR6 programme safely and effectively, while supporting continuous improvement and the wider integration of Networks Telecoms with ESB Networks.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Networks Telecoms Contracts Management Function, establishing clear accountabilities, governance, processes and capability to operate effectively at PR6 scale.
• Own the Networks Telecoms contract portfolio, ensuring effective lifecycle management from demand identification and sourcing through mobilisation, delivery, renewal and close-out.
• Develop and govern a rolling 12–18 month procurement and contract pipeline aligned with programme, operational, resource and strategic priorities.
• Lead major procurements and tenders in partnership with Procurement, Legal, Finance, technical specialists and programme stakeholders.
• Develop fit-for-purpose contracting and delivery models, including frameworks, multi-technology, EPC, turnkey and contestable arrangements.
• Standardise procurement and contract management through common specifications, templates, evaluation methods, contractor playbooks and close-out requirements.
• Maintain a central contract register and repository covering documentation, obligations, approvals, risks, performance information and audit records.
• Establish supplier relationship arrangements covering segmentation, governance, performance reviews, escalation and continuous improvement.
• Oversee supplier performance through clear service levels, KPIs, balanced scorecards and management reporting.
• Lead portfolio commercial management, including forecasting, expenditure, value for money, change control, claims and contract risk.
• Ensure contracts address safety, quality, environmental, cybersecurity, legal and regulatory obligations, including relevant NIS2 and CRU requirements.
• Report to leadership and governance boards on procurement progress, contract performance, expenditure, supplier capacity, risks and required decisions.
• Build strong cross-functional relationships with Procurement, Legal, Finance, Safety, Cybersecurity, programme and asset teams, delivery teams and business customers.
• Develop contract management capability through guidance, coaching, training, knowledge sharing and clear accountability for contract owners and users.
• Improve contract processes, systems, data quality and reporting, using performance insight and lessons learned to strengthen future sourcing and delivery.
• Implement the Networks Telecoms Contracts Management Strategy 2026–2030, progressing from PR6 mobilisation to contract optimisation and PR7 readiness.
• Lead, support and develop team members, setting objectives, managing performance, building capability and fostering a collaborative, high-performing team culture.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential

• Minimum 7-10 years relevant experience is essential.
• Strong knowledge of the end-to-end contract lifecycle, including sourcing, tender evaluation, contract award, mobilisation, performance management, change control, claims, renewal and close-out.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement contract management strategies, operating models, governance frameworks and multi-year procurement plans.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, with experience of expenditure control, forecasting, value-for-money assessment and risk-based decision-making.
• Experience of establishing supplier performance frameworks, key performance indicators, governance arrangements and effective escalation processes.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional work involving Procurement, Legal, Finance, technical specialists, programme teams and external suppliers.
• Strong leadership, influencing, negotiation, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, make sound decisions and deliver high-quality outcomes in a complex and evolving environment.
• Strong commitment to safety, ethical conduct, governance, regulatory compliance and maintaining clear audit trails.
• Experience of leading change, embedding standardised ways of working and developing capability through coaching, guidance and knowledge sharing.
• Ability to contribute strategically as an active, supportive and constructive member of the Networks Telecoms leadership group.

Desirable

• Experience in commercial contract management, procurement, supplier management or a related discipline within a complex operational or programme delivery environment.
• Experience managing contracts that support large capital and operational programmes.
• Experience of frameworks, multi-supplier arrangements, Engineering, Procurement and Construction contracts, turnkey delivery or contestable delivery models.
• Experience of digital contract repositories, procurement systems, reporting tools or contract performance dashboards.

Qualifications

Essential

• A relevant third-level qualification in business, commercial management, procurement, law, engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant work experience (of a minimum of 7-10 years).
• Proven leadership experience in a multidisciplinary environment.
• A full clean driving licence.

Desirable

• A recognised qualification in procurement, commercial management or contract management.
• A technical, engineering or project management qualification.
• Membership of a relevant professional body.

Location

The position will be based in ESB Networks, Leopardstown, Dublin. Travel to other ESB offices and operational sites throughout Ireland will be required.

Smart Working at ESB is designed to make in-person time together as purposeful as possible while enabling the effective use of digital tools and hybrid arrangements. The successful candidate may work flexibly within the jurisdiction where they are employed, with workplace attendance for in-person collaboration in line with the operational requirements of the role, the team and the business. All Smart Working arrangements are subject to ongoing review and manager approval.

Reporting to

Manager, Telecoms Strategy and Business Support, Networks Telecoms, Customer Transformation and Digital.

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

22nd October, 2026

• Accountable and Ethical
• Collaborative
• Growing and Adaptive
• Proactive
• Respectful and Supportive

More information available on Our People Promise

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

The successful candidate will be required to evidence their right to work in the Republic of Ireland / UK prior to commencement of employment.