Talent Acquisition Specialist @ Gas Networks Ireland
Hybrid: 2 days in office. Cork or Dublin. Permanent role.
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 key decisions that optimise the overall delivery of GNI’s portfolio of work. The portfolio office provides support and oversight in the areas of Portfolio Planning and Governance, Assurance and Programme Management, Delivery Enablement, Connections Coordination, Land Management and Statutory Consents, and Commercial Management; while 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 Head of Portfolio Office, the Commercial Manager will be accountable for the commercial strategy and management of all aspects of the capital investment portfolio, for ensuring appropriate frameworks and contracts are in place to support the delivery of the approved investment plan, for monitoring performance of the frameworks, ensuring value for money, and ensuring appropriate estimates are in place across the investment plan, assuring commercial compliance and ensuring appropriate commercial behaviours exist with the supply chain partners. This senior role demands a strategic and hands-on leader with deep knowledge and experience of commercial strategies, estimation, framework/contract management, commercial management, cost control and supply chain relationship management.
Duties and Responsibilities:
* Lead and direct all commercial activities for the investment programme including estimation, cost intelligence, commercial strategy and management, value management, risk and contingency management, framework/contract administration and the management of commercial and contractual risks.
* Ensure appropriate levels of commercial governance and control are implemented within the delivery portfolio to meet delivery requirements.
* Maintain relationships with supply chain partners and delivery teams to support efficient and effective project planning and delivery.
* Conduct risk analysis and mitigate commercial risks across the portfolio; focus on minimising delays and cost overruns.
* Lead commercial negotiations with supply chain partners to secure favourable terms for Gas Networks Ireland.
* Support procurement and tender management processes for infrastructure delivery frameworks and contracts.
* Develop and implement processes and procedures with the Delivery Enablement team to ensure appropriate commercial controls and SOPs.
* Develop and roll out enhanced estimation capability for portfolio, programme and project costs to support planning and delivery.
* Lead cost intelligence and cost management across the capital portfolio to control costs and maintain high commercial standards.
* Resolve contract performance issues as needed and implement continuous improvement initiatives; embed lessons learned.
* Provide commercial leadership and oversight for project delivery teams; support scoping, negotiation and approval of project-level agreements.
* Support integrated reporting, data-driven analytics, and commercial dashboards for senior management.
* Ensure compliance with commercial and contract governance and assurance frameworks; embed robust controls and proactive risk management.
* Provide visible leadership for the team, coaching and developing capabilities to meet business objectives; promote collaboration and expected behaviours.
* Lead capability development within the commercial team through targeted training, mentoring and resource planning.
* Foster a culture of continuous improvement and alignment with industry best practices.
* Perform other duties as required from time to time.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
* Relevant third level degree or equivalent experience in Engineering / Business / Finance / Quantity Surveying or related discipline.
* Minimum 10 years post-qualification experience in a related role within a large-scale, complex utility.
* Experience managing a team with accountability for contract, stakeholder and risk management.
* Deep understanding of commercial governance, regulatory compliance, and assurance frameworks.
* Expertise in developing and managing commercial performance metrics and dashboards.
* Experience in strategic contracting models, ideally with collaborative contracting arrangements.
* Proven ability to develop and embed effective commercial management practices and drive strategic commercial decision-making.
* Expert-level skills in negotiating, drafting, administering, and managing high-value, complex framework contracts.
* Ability to identify, assess, quantify, and mitigate commercial and contractual risks with robust controls.
* Strong analytical skills for cost estimation, budgeting, financial reporting and performance tracking.
* Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships across internal teams, external suppliers and contractors.
* Advanced negotiation capabilities to obtain favorable terms while maintaining positive supplier relationships.
* Experience in leading large teams, fostering talent and promoting a high-performance culture.
* Ability to shape and influence strategic commercial frameworks aligned with long-term investment plans.
* Competent in handling complex contractual disputes and variations, acting as a senior escalation point.
* Exceptional communication skills to convey complex commercial information to senior management and stakeholders.
* Commitment to safety compliance across GNI and its supply chain.
Applications
Applications, including current Curriculum Vitae, should be emailed to the following address stating the job title and reference number in the subject line: recruit@gasnetworks.ie
The closing date for receipt of applications is 10 September 2025. Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted.
Gas Networks Ireland is an equal opportunities employer.
We are committed to a diverse and inclusive place of work with ibelong framework to enable this. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from qualified individuals regardless of gender, age, race, religion or beliefs, family or civil status, sexual orientation/gender identity or disability.
GNI will hold your data only for as long as necessary. By submitting a CV to GNI you agree for GNI to process this information. For questions about data processing, please see our Privacy Notice or contact dataprotection@gasnetworks.ie
#J-18808-Ljbffr