Gas Networks Ireland operates and maintains Ireland’s €3 billion, 14,758km national gas network, supplying reliable energy to more than 720,000 homes and businesses. The network delivers more than 30% of the country’s total energy and 40% of its electricity generation.
We are dedicated to achieving net zero and advancing the energy transition through integrated planning and collaboration with the energy industry. To realise our vision and to be at the heart of Ireland’s energy future, we are committed to transforming our network to achieve net zero carbon emissions onboarding biomethane and green hydrogen.
We have a proud legacy, and our values guide how we work every day - drawing on our experience, doing what’s right for each other and our communities, and staying energised for the change ahead.
When you join Gas Networks Ireland, you become part of an organisation that invests in its people. We are committed to supporting your growth and wellbeing in a workplace where everyone can contribute and thrive.
If your application is successful, your starting salary will be determined within the pay range based on your skills and experience. The market reference point (midpoint) of the range typically represents the higher end of the initial offer and reflects a level at which an individual is considered fully proficient in the role. This structure also allows scope for ongoing salary progression as the employee continues to gain experience and develop in the position.
The Role
The Portfolio Office function within Gas Networks Ireland is responsible for providing strategic direction and oversight for the delivery of all capital and operational work within the organisation, enabling it to make key decisions that will optimise the overall delivery of GNI’s portfolio of work. The portfolio office provides support and oversight in the areas of Investment Planning and Governance, Assurance and Programme Management, Delivery Enablement, Connections Coordination, Land Management and Statutory Consents, and Commercial Management; whilst also acting as the gate keeper and critical interface between potential investment programmes and commercial opportunities; and the core departments responsible for the delivery, operation and maintenance of GNI’s assets.
Reporting to the Contracts Performance Manager, the Contracts Performance Lead will be responsible at contract development, operation and exit lifecycle stages for maximising operational and financial performance and minimising risk. The role will be involved in all types of contracts across the business The role will involve working directly with suppliers, service providers, contractors as well as internal GNI colleagues in Asset Delivery, Asset Operations, Supply Chain, HSQ, Finance and Portfolio. Consequently, this is a wide ranging role which will allow the successful candidate to enhance a wide range of skills and experience as set out below.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Input into the development of the Procurement / Contract Strategy.
- Input into the development of requirements and specifications and contract obligations, for example in relation to how contracts will operate “on the ground”.
- Support GNI Supply Chain teams and Asset Delivery teams in OJEU tender and appointment processes.
- Identify and mitigate contract and commercial related risks as appropriate at both contract development and operation stages.
- Manage the performance of assigned strategic contracts and ensure that SMART KPI metrics are being accurately measured.
- Build contract obligation registers and track that both GNI and Supplier obligations are being met. Provide advice to the contract users on contractual obligations.
- Manage and maintain relationships with key suppliers / service providers on strategic GNI contracts. Operate regular communications and structured reviews with suppliers / service providers. Resolve supplier contract performance issues and support dispute resolution processes where needed.
- Generate KPI and other management reports using GNI systems or other tools or technology (e.g. Maximo, Oracle, Power BI) to monitor, focus and enhance contract performance.
- Collaborate with internal GNI teams (for example Asset Delivery, Asset Operations, HSQ, Finance and the contract team itself) to ensure that all performance related data is generated and is used to drive performance on assigned contracts.
- Build / amend contract performance dashboards as required to support business needs and contractual processes.
- Encourage a culture of working in partnership with our delivery partners to ensure best outcome for GNI and our supply chain.
- Continuous improvement in relation to the existing suite of contract performance templates, toolkits, guidance documents, methodologies and procedures.
- Ensure lessons learned and improved practices are shared across internal stakeholders as part of continuous improvement.
- Transition planning and execution from incumbent to new supplier / service provider.
- Support the project management and/or programme management the delivery of OJEU procurement project(s) from initiation through to award of contract.
- Perform other such duties that may be required from time to time.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Relevant third level degree in Engineering / Quantity Surveying / Construction or equivalent qualification or equivalent competence gained through significant career experience in a largely similar role.
- Minimum five years post qualification experience working in a related role, preferably in the Utilities sector.
- Contract and Procurement knowledge. Strong understanding of contract conditions and OJEU compliant procurement processes.
- Negotiation and influencing. Ability to structure negotiations, prepare positions and secure value. Ability to manage supplier relationships, resolve performance issues and influence others to achieve objectives.
- Analysis and Reporting. Experience in developing KPI metrics, dashboards and management reports to monitor contract performance..
- Internal stakeholder management and external relationship management. Ability to communicate effectively with and build strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders to drive operational and financial performance and minimise risk.
- Ability to identify, assess, quantify, and mitigate commercial and contractual risks ensuring robust risk control measures.
- Desirable to have Project Management knowledge, with the ability to develop detailed plans and execute against them all whilst managing stakeholders.
- Excellent analytical and problem solving skills with high attention to detail, data accuracy, identify and analyse problems and proactively suggest solutions.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. Ability to clearly articulate complex issues to diverse audiences and preparing reports and presentations.
- Have a general commercial acumen such as identifying opportunities for value improvement, being able to balance cost and quality, understanding cost drivers and how price is calculated, understanding the costs associated with risk transfer, understanding the cost implications of contract terms, etc.
Equal Opportunities Employer
diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace. Through our ibelong framework, we work to ensure that everyone feels respected, valued, and able to contribute.
We welcome applications from all suitably experienced candidates, regardless of gender, age, racial or ethnic origin, membership of the Traveller community, religion or beliefs, family or civil status, sexual orientation or gender identity, or disability.
We also value diverse career journeys and warmly welcome candidates returning to the workforce or bringing non-linear experience, including transferable skills gained through life and professional pathways.
If you require any reasonable accommodations at any stage, please contact us at recruit@gasnetworks.ie and we will support you to ensure a positive and equitable candidate experience.
We offer hybrid working arrangements to help you balance work and life, and to support you in bringing your best to the organisation.
Gas Networks Ireland will only hold your data for as long as necessary. By providing a CV, you are agreeing for Gas Networks Ireland to process this information about you. If you have any queries about how Gas Networks Ireland processes your data, see our Privacy Notice or email dataprotection@gasnetworks.ie
Applications submitted after the closing date will not be accepted.