Northern Ireland Regulatory Affair Manager in Newtownabbey

Electric Ireland is the primary customer facing business unit of the ESB Group and is the leading energy supplier in Ireland. We have c.1.4 million customers in both the Republic and Northern Ireland and an annual turnover of more than €2bn. Our product offerings include electricity, gas and energy home services.

The role of the Northern Ireland Regulation Manager is to manage the regulatory environment facing Electric Ireland in Northern Ireland, while also supporting the wider Electric Ireland regulatory team on an all-island basis. The Northern Ireland Regulation Manager will provide the Electric Ireland regulatory team with expert interpretation on market and policy regulations and changes, and assessment of impacts and opportunities created in Northern Ireland. This person will lead specific projects and work activities driven by regulatory changes across the Electric Ireland business involving Residential, Business, Operations and Trading teams, as well as working with the wider ESB Customer Solutions business and ESB corporate teams.

• Formulate detailed policy proposals and draft formal responses to consultations issued by the Utility Regulator (UR) and government departments in Northern Ireland.
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with key bodies in Northern Ireland, including the UR, the Department for the Economy (DfE), and the Consumer Council NI.
• Review regulatory and other industry consultations and assess impact on the business.
• Work with the wider Electric Ireland regulatory team to co-ordinate development of energy policy positions for ESB Customer Solutions, including the Electric Ireland business, liaising with key teams.
• Support ESB Customer Solutions to implement regulatory and industry rules as efficiently as possible, through development of strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Represent ESB Customer Solutions, including the Electric Ireland Northern Ireland business, at Industry Forums.
• Support regulatory and licence compliance within ESB Customer Solutions.

• A minimum of 7 years' experience in the energy or wider utilities industry across the island of Ireland, ideally with previous experience interacting with Regulatory Authorities and representing at industry fora.
• An appreciation of the regulatory environment and markets that ESB operates in on the island of Ireland in as well as good understanding of government and European energy policy.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including drafting of response documents to Regulatory Authorities, industry bodies, government departments etc.
• Excellent analytical capability, problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Proven ability to form relationships at all levels and have strong influencing and stakeholder management skills, including presentation of material to senior management, industry fora etc.

• Business experience in the Northern Ireland energy retail sector would be of significant benefit.

Location: Typically split between Electric Ireland Belfast office 1 Cromac Quay, The Gasworks, and the Electric Ireland Dublin office Swift Square, Northwood, Santry. 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: Electric Ireland Regulation Manager.

• 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
• Generous Pension
• 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

Salary: £57,600 to £72,000 per annum depending on experience

Closing Date: 16th 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: Accountable and Ethical, Collaborative, Growing and Adaptive, Proactive, Respectful and Supportive.

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.