Job Description:
Reporting to the Future Networks Manager, the Network Forecasting Manager will manage a team of skilled engineers and analysts in providing future demand modelling scenarios for short-, medium- and long-term gas projections ranging from today out to 2050.
The role requires coordination within Future Networks, the wider business and work with broader energy stakeholders to develop sector integration models and studies to help identify decarbonisation pathways that are more cost beneficial or optimal in respect of Ireland's overall energy need whilst still assuring required network capacity and resilience.
Key aspects include developing, influencing and maintaining relationships at industry, regulatory, government and EU level. Key outputs include short- and medium-term gas projection documents, long-term EU scenarios, National and Regional risk assessments to comply with EU legislation.
The successful applicant will be responsible for leading the consultation process for our medium and long term adaptive planning documents and coordinating crossovers with Irish, NI and wider interconnected system operators, government and regulatory authorities.
Duties and Responsibilities:
* Leading the demand and supply forecasting function within Gas Networks Ireland
* Delivering scenario planning documents at National and EU level including the Network Development Plans, Core and Supplemental Flexibility reports, Summer and Winter Outlook documents
* Developing and delivering the new adaptive / scenario planning documents for the long-term development of the gas network as required by the Price Control 5 Flexibility and Adaptability Incentive
* Supporting the delivery of the National Hydrogen Strategy Network Transition Plan
* Leading and representing future planning scenarios at EU level and facilitating EU data gathering to inform Ireland's scenario positions from a country perspective
* Lead and coordinate opportunities for Connecting Europe Facility for Projects of Common Interest
* Leading interaction with key stakeholders such as other gas and electricity TSO/DSO's, government and regulatory authorities on future energy and demand scenarios
* Driving continuous improvement through demand modelling and forecasting process, benchmarking with other TSO and DSO's, taking into account relevant factors: e.g. historical demand, new connections, weather and fuel price data and incorporating energy mix modelling of other energy sources
* Leading and developing multiple demand and supply scenarios to meet commercial and business requirements, supporting the tariff process and corporate planning through the preparation of annual forecasts
* Leading the technical input of National and Regional security of gas/energy supply risk assessments, managing, developing and maintaining key relationships with government departments, regulatory authorities, and transmission system operators in Ireland, Northern Ireland and the UK
Knowledge, Skills and Experience:
* Degree in Engineering or equivalent with proven technical competency
* Minimum of 7 years' experience with demonstrated ability of managing people and building effective organisational working relationships to achieve shared goals and objectives
* Demonstrated leadership ability including proactive development, motivation and engagement of staff
* Experience with gas/energy demand forecasting and scenario planning is required, experience in use of Plexos Energy Modelling software to model gas and electricity market behaviour will be considered a distinct advantage
* Experienced in net zero energy policies, strategy's, market regimes and incentives
* Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective cross-functional relationships within the business and with key external stakeholders (industry, regulators, and government), influencing direction to inform outcomes to achieve business goals and create opportunities
* Compelling communicator with the ability to communicate technical information successfully to order to influence and motivate others
* Strong track record of delivering results and an advocate for change and constantly seeking out opportunities to create efficiencies and improvements
* Strong decision making capabilities which is based on solid technical and functional understanding