Alternative Energy Ireland (AEI) is Ireland’s longest established renewable energy specialists. Established in 2007 we are 100% Irish owned and our mission is to give businesses the power to generate clean power on site “behind the meter”. This enables them to improve their energy efficiency levels ESG scores.
We are passionate about our business and have built a strong reputation for being experts in this rapidly growing sector. We partner with Europe’s leading manufacturers so that we can provide a broad range of renewable technologies to businesses with different requirements and preferences across all industries.
The key to our success is our team who share the vision, mission, and passion that we have to creating a more sustainable future.
In 2023, AEI was acquired by DCC Plc, a company with revenue in excess of €22 billion and we now sit proudly part of Certa Ireland, a DCC company.
Job Summary
The Design and Preconstruction Manager will manage and lead the design and preconstruction team. This team will be responsible for a critical phase of the solar journey and will hand over the ‘ready for install’ project to the installation and commissioning team.
The Design and Preconstruction Manager will ensure that each commercial solar PV project is technically robust, financially viable, fully compliant, and ready to build – with risks identified and mitigated before anyone goes to site.
- Lead feasibility studies, assessing technical, financial, and environmental viability for commercial and industrial solar projects.
- Develop preconstruction budgets and cashflow assumptions, ensuring projects meet client requirements and internal return thresholds.
- Manage grid connection applications with ESB Networks / DNO, including preparation of technical documentation and coordination of any required studies.
- Working with your engineering team, you will oversee the full system design to maximise energy yield and constructability, including module layout, stringing, tilt/azimuth, and shading assessments.
- Supervise electrical design (inverters, transformers, switchgear, protection, cabling) to meet Irish and international standards while meeting client and stakeholder expectations.
- Coordinate structural design for rooftop and occasional ground mount systems with internal and external structural engineers, ensuring compliance with building and loading standards.
- Own component selection, balancing performance, reliability, availability, and cost across PV modules, inverters, mounting systems, and BOS.
- Support clients and internal teams with planning permission for solar installations where required, including drawings, reports, and responses to planning conditions.
- Lead preconstruction health and safety planning: preliminary method statements, risk assessments, and design stage safety reviews in line with Irish regulations.
- Ensure all statutory, regulatory, SEAI and grid compliance requirements are identified, planned for and documented before construction starts.
- Create and maintain detailed preconstruction schedules, milestones, and critical path items through to Notice to Proceed / construction handover.
- Prepare and track preconstruction cost estimates, contingencies, and engineering options to keep projects on budget while maintaining performance and quality.
- Maintain a live preconstruction risk register (planning, grid, structural, supply chain, programme) and drive mitigation actions with internal and external stakeholders.
- Act as the primary liaison between the client and all preconstruction stakeholders: developers, funders, insurers, utility / DNO, SEAI, engineering partners, and internal teams.
- Manage third party designers, technical consultants, and development partners to deliver surveys, studies, and designs to time, cost, and quality.
- Prepare and lead internal project kick-off and design review meetings, ensuring clear actions, accountability, and documentation for construction teams.
- Compile complete preconstruction handover packs (drawings, studies, consents, grid agreements, budgets, risk logs) for the construction and commissioning teams.
- Brief project managers and site teams on design intent, constraints, and key risks to ensure a smooth start on site and minimise changes / delays.
What we are looking for:
- Third level qualification in Engineering (Electrical, Building Services or Mechanical) or Construction Project Management preferred; equivalent experience may be considered.
- Proven experience managing design and/or preconstruction for commercial construction or energy projects, ideally commercial solar PV or electrical infrastructure.
- Strong track record working with multidisciplinary teams (engineering, planners, QS, H&S, contractors) and multiple external stakeholders.
- Detailed understanding of solar PV systems, components, and construction methodologies for commercial and industrial projects.
- Good knowledge of Irish planning processes, grid connection, and health and safety frameworks relevant to solar and construction projects.
- Comfortable with project management and design tools (e.g. MS Project/Primavera, CAD, PV design software); able to interpret drawings, models, and technical reports.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical topics to clients, financiers, and non-technical stakeholders.
- Highly organised, able to manage multiple projects at different stages with competing deadlines.
- Collaborative, calm under pressure, and confident leading meetings and aligning diverse viewpoints.
- Project Management Professional (PMP), PRINCE2, or equivalent.
- IOSH / NEBOSH or similar health and safety training relevant to construction projects
What you will get in return:
- Competitive Compensation: Attractive base salary and bonus. Additional benefits include, life assurance, access to company saving scheme, and employee discounts for friends and family.
- Health & Wellbeing: Annual wellbeing allowance to support both physical health and overall
wellbeing alongside our enhanced sick pay scheme.
- Work-Life Balance: Enjoy an early finish every Friday, giving you more time to unwind and
recharge, join our social club or take advantage of paid volunteer days. Good Friday is a
company day for colleagues and not taken from annual leave entitlement.
- Comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme with Laya: Supporting the mental health
and wellbeing needs of our colleagues alongside a team of mental health champions.
- Enhanced life cycle policies: We want our colleagues to thrive in all areas of life and support
them through policies such as career break, enhanced family leave and paid marriage leave
policies.
- Engaging Team Culture: Join a supportive and dynamic team.
- Professional Development: Unlock your potential with access to ongoing training and clear
pathways for career growth.
- Innovative Work Environment: Be part of a forward-thinking organisation at the forefront of
a rapidly evolving industry, where your ideas and contributions make a difference.
- Make a difference: Play a vital role in a cutting-edge sector, contributing to Ireland’s energy independence and sustainability goals while making a meaningful environmental impact
