SEMO General Manager

Who We Are

SEMO (Single Electricity Market Operator) is a joint venture between EirGrid plc and SONI Ltd, responsible for operating the all-island Single Electricity Market (SEM). We ensure the efficient, transparent and compliant operation of the wholesale electricity market, supporting a secure and sustainable energy future for everyone across the island of Ireland.

As Transmission System Operator, EirGrid is at the heart of Ireland’s electricity system, ensuring that power flows safely and reliably from where it is generated to where it is needed. EirGrid manages the real-time operation of the power system and oversees the wholesale electricity market, balancing supply and demand every second of the day. We strengthen system resilience through the development and operation of interconnectors to other countries and are also responsible for planning and developing the transmission network, investing in necessary upgrades and expansion to meet Ireland’s growing demand and support the transition to a low-carbon future. Our role is expanding significantly to include operating, developing, and owning Ireland’s offshore transmission grid, a critical step in harnessing the potential of offshore wind energy.

The Role

We are seeking a SEMO General Manager to lead the SEMO business. In this role, you will provide strategic leadership to ensure SEMO delivers its objectives while fully complying with licence and regulatory obligations, safeguarding the integrity of the Single Electricity Market.

You will be accountable for the effective delivery of all core market functions, ensuring accurate and timely market operations and settlements. Reporting to the SEMO Governing Committee, you will ensure critical issues are escalated and managed appropriately.

You will lead and align SEMO teams, oversee day-to-day operations, and engage proactively with market participants, regulators, policymakers, and internal stakeholders. Acting as a key representative for SEMO, you will contribute to regulatory consultations, industry forums, and European-level engagement, building trusted and collaborative relationships across the energy sector.

You will also lead financial and resource planning, ensuring alignment with Price Control requirements and long-term capability needs. With a strong focus on risk and compliance, you will maintain robust governance frameworks, oversee audits, and ensure continuous improvement. This role will champion innovation and transformation, including digitalisation and process optimisation, to meet both current and future market needs.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership: Provide clear, inclusive leadership to define and deliver SEMO’s objectives in alignment with market and regulatory obligations, supporting outcomes for all consumers across the island of Ireland.

Operational Oversight: Oversee the end-to-end delivery of SEMO’s core functions—Market Operations, Market Settlement, Stakeholder Engagement, and Market Registration & Compliance—ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and resilience.

Governance & Reporting: Maintain strong governance frameworks, chair the SEMO Operational Committee, and ensure timely and transparent reporting to the SEMO Governing Committee, including escalation of key risks and issues.

Decision-Making: Lead operational decision-making across SEMO, ensuring alignment with business objectives, delivery of business plan targets, and effective communication with internal and external stakeholders.

Technical Leadership: Act as a point of escalation for SEM-related matters, providing guidance and support to the SEMO management team to resolve complex challenges.

Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain effective relationships with regulators, market participants, policymakers, and industry partners. Represent SEMO at industry forums, consultations, and European-level engagements.

Financial & Resource Management: Oversee budget management and resource planning, ensuring alignment with regulatory frameworks and supporting capability development across teams.

Risk & Compliance: Ensure strong risk management practices and compliance frameworks, including oversight of audits and implementation of relevant actions.

People & Capability Development: Lead and support diverse teams of experts, encouraging collaboration, continuous learning, and knowledge sharing.

Change & Innovation: Promote an inclusive culture of innovation, leading transformation initiatives such as digitalisation and process improvement to support SEMO’s ongoing success.

Knowledge, Skills And Experience

• Significant experience in a leadership role within the electricity sector or a related industry, with strong knowledge of market operations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, engage and motivate teams in a collaborative and inclusive way.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence and build trusted relationships.
• Sound decision-making and problem-solving capability in complex environments.
• Degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant discipline.
• Experience leading teams and delivering results in evolving or uncertain environments.
• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to interpret data and make informed decisions.
• Effective interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Experience in identifying, managing, and mitigating risk.
• Adaptability, resilience, and comfort working in complex, fast-changing environments.
• Proven ability to lead through others and support high-performing teams.

If you are seeking a challenging and impactful role within the energy sector, we’d love to hear from you.

Closing date for applications is Friday, 20th November 2026

EirGrid reserves the right to extend this deadline where necessary to maximise the applicant pool.

Submit your application by uploading your CV with a cover letter (in one document).

Please note we receive a high volume of applications, and as every application is carefully reviewed our response time may vary. If you agree to be considered for other roles this may result in a delayed response as we establish the best fit for your experience. We appreciate your patience.

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.