As Transmission System Operator, EirGrid is at the heart of Ireland’s electricity system, ensuring that power flows safely, securely, and reliably from where it is generated to where it is needed. We manage the real-time operation of the power system and oversee the wholesale electricity market, balancing supply and demand every second of every day. We strengthen system resilience through the development and operation of interconnectors, and we plan and develop the transmission network, investing in the upgrades and expansion required to meet Ireland’s growing demand and support the transition to a low-carbon future. Our role is also expanding significantly to include operating, developing, and owning Ireland’s offshore transmission grid, a critical step in unlocking the potential of offshore wind energy.
The Opportunity
We are now seeking a Head of Market Operations to join the Single Electricity Market Operator which is a joint venture between EirGrid plc and SONI Limited, Northern Ireland’s TSO.
The role holder is responsible for leading the Market Operations function. This role ensures the efficient, compliant, and reliable functioning of market operations. The position requires a strategic leader who can balance regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and stakeholder engagement in a highly dynamic and regulated environment.
The successful candidate will report directly to the SEMO General Manager and be a member of EirGrid’s extended leadership team.
The Team
The Market Operations Function is responsible for operating and enhancing the European integrated Single Electricity Market across the island of Ireland that allows generators and supply companies to buy and sell electricity ahead of the delivery date and subsequently the calculation of prices that apply for the real time balancing of supply and demand.
This includes the operation of the day-ahead and intraday markets and the Balancing Market Operations. Analysing market behaviour is a significant activity, given the scale of money being transacted, ~ €5bn per annum, and the size of datasets generated. The markets operate on a 365-day basis and generate significant datasets down to five-minute resolution.
Key Responsibilities
As Head of Market Operations, you will provide overall leadership and direction for the day-to-day Market Operations. This includes managing the market operations desk which includes imbalance pricing and balancing market monitoring ensuring that all activities are executed accurately and on time. You will be accountable for maintaining market integrity and compliance with all relevant codes, regulations, and governance frameworks, including obligations to the SEM-C and EU (e.g. REMIT).
You will be accountable for Fuel Mix Disclosure, which supports consumer choice and reporting on electricity supplier fuel mix. You will be accountable for Guarantees of Origins issuance to support renewable energy in the market.
Beyond operational oversight, the role demands a strong focus on the market rules and supporting market surveillance activities. The role holder will be responsible for leading market change activities including testing for system changes and readiness for operations.
About you
Successful candidates will have:-
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field.
- Outstanding leadership capability and the ability to inspire and motivate cross-functional teams to achieve common goals.
- Delivery focused, outstanding organisation and planning skills, methodical and service oriented
- Ability to translate complex issues for executive leadership and influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Strong financial acumen including managing budgets, funding requirements, and financial management.
- Outstanding relationship builder and collaborator, capable of fostering productive and mutually challenging work relationships through shared goals and open dialogue.
- Ability to adapt quickly to new situations, respond positively to setbacks and be comfortable with uncertainty and ambiguity.
- Strong analytical skills to align programs with organizational goals and government priorities.
- Deep understanding of electricity markets and regulatory frameworks.
Closing date is 31st July 2026
We value potential as much as experience. If you believe you can succeed in this role, we encourage you to apply, even if you don’t meet every requirement.
We're dedicated to diversity and inclusion at EirGrid. We recognise the strength that comes from having a diverse workforce and the importance of a supportive culture for all our people to achieve their potential. Our diversity and inclusion networks have been designed to create an inclusive culture that enables our people to feel a sense of belonging at work.
As an equal opportunities’ employer, we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. Reasonable accommodations are offered at every stage of our recruitment process.
