Data & AI Manager

Position Description - Data & AI Research & Insight Manager

A senior leader with 10+ years' experience in IT strategy, research and analytics, delivering insight-led decision support at enterprise level.

In support of ESB's strategic objectives, this role leads the enterprise Data & AI research and insights agenda to inform strategy, investment, and innovation decisions through evidence-based analysis and clear executive insight.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead enterprise Data & AI research and horizon scanning across technology, market, and regulatory trends
• Deliver insight-led decision support including analysis, value hypotheses, and recommendation development
• Design and operate proof-of-value and feasibility assessments for innovation and AI initiatives
• Develop and lead the Data & AI business unit "spokes" model ensuring alignment and consistency
• Shape and prioritise enterprise Data & AI demand aligned to strategic objectives
• Address complex strategic challenges and define new approaches in emerging AI domains
• Engage and advise senior stakeholders with clear, evidence-based insights and recommendations

Position Description - AI Centre of Excellence Manager

As senior Data & AI leader with 10+ years' experience leading enterprise technical teams and architecture capability in complex environments.

In support of ESB's strategic objectives of decarbonising electricity, building resilient infrastructure and empowering clients, this role leads the enterprise AI Centre of Excellence to deliver scalable, secure and value-driven AI capability across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and lead the enterprise AI CoE strategy, operating model and capability roadmap
• Lead Data Science, Data & AI Architecture and AI Engineering to build production-grade AI solutions
• Establish enterprise standards, platforms and ways of working for Data & AI design and architecture
• Provide technical assurance and governance for high-value and high-risk AI initiatives
• Enable measurable business value from AI across transformation programmes
• Lead and develop multi-disciplinary teams, aligning and shaping outcomes across business units
• Advise senior leaders on AI capability and feasibility considerations

Experience and Qualifications

• 10+ years' experience in Data, Analytics, AI strategy, or research roles
• Strong leadership experience in complex, fast-paced environments
• Relevant third level degree or equivalent qualification.
• Expertise in strategy, research and insight generation
• Experience supporting strategic decision-making and investment cases
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Proven experience leading high-performing technical teams in complex environments
• Experience defining enterprise operating models, standards, and platforms
• Experience in innovation frameworks, PoC/PoV design, and value measurement
• Understanding of regulatory and governance requirements for AI
• Expertise across Data Science, AI Architecture, and AI Engineering
• Experience in large-scale transformation or regulated environments

Location

This position will be based in F27, ESB's Head Office, Dublin 2.

Smart Working at ESB is designed to make 'in-person' time together as purposeful as possible while also enabling the effective use of digital tools and hybrid arrangements to preserve our commitment to flexibility. The successful candidate may work flexibly within the jurisdiction where they have been employed, with attendance at the workplace for in-person collaboration at least two days per week. All Smart Working arrangements are subject to regular review based on the operational requirements of the role, the team, and the business.

Reporting To

Senior Manager, Data and Analytics

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
• 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

€86,300 - €101,600 per annum, depending on experience.

Closing Date

3rd July 2026.

Interview

Candidates who are shortlisted for interview will complete a Behavioural Interview based on each of the following Behaviours, which underpin how we work at ESB and are critical to delivering our strategy:

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 prior to commencement of employment.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement

ESB is committed to being an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all sections of society and ensure that no one is discriminated against on the grounds of race, religion or belief, ethnicity or nationality, disability, age, citizenship, marital status, domestic or civil partnership status, sexual orientation or gender identity, or any other basis as protected by law.

Applicants who anticipate requiring assistance or reasonable accommodations for any part of the application or interview process may contact, in confidence, .

About ESB

Join us in our mission to achieve a net-zero electricity system by 2040. ESB is Ireland's leading energy utility, with activities spanning electricity generation, transmission and distribution, energy supply, energy services and international consultancy. Operating in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain, we invest over €1 billion each year to deliver a new energy future based on reliable, affordable zero-carbon electricity.