CIO Data and AI: Strategy, Innovation and Governance

Position Description ESB is continuing to develop its Data & AI capability to enable innovation, support strategic business priorities and ensure that Artificial Intelligence is adopted responsibly, securely and at enterprise scale. These roles form part of ESB’s Data & AI function and will play a key role in shaping the organisation’s future approach to AI and emerging technologies. Working across the business, technology and governance functions, the roles will collectively identify and develop innovative opportunities, define ESB’s AI strategy and governance requirements, and establish the enterprise architecture and technology direction required to deliver scalable and sustainable AI capabilities. Together, the roles provide complementary leadership across the AI lifecycle, from researching and shaping new opportunities, through setting strategic direction and ensuring responsible governance, to defining the technology architecture required to implement and scale AI safely across ESB. - AI Governance & Strategy Lead - Data & AI Enterprise Strategy Architect - Research & Innovation Lead Key Responsibilities Research & Innovation Lead The role develops relationships across the external innovation ecosystem and helps translate new ideas into credible opportunities, value propositions and potential initiatives for ESB - Work with business areas to identify problems and opportunities where new technology could deliver measurable value. - Assess technology, market and industry developments to determine their potential relevance and value to ESB. - Develop relationships with universities, research organisations, technology vendors, start-ups, innovation hubs and relevant industry bodies. AI Governance & Strategy Lead Defines ESB’s strategic and governance direction for AI, ensuring that AI adoption supports business priorities while meeting regulatory, ethical and risk requirements. - Own and continuously evolve ESB's AI governance framework, policies, standards and supporting processes. - Translate regulatory and legal requirements, including the EU AI Act and GDPR, into practical organisational requirements and controls. - Act as a point of leadership and expertise on AI strategy, governance and responsible AI. Data & AI Enterprise Strategy Architect Defines the enterprise architecture and technology direction required to turn ESB’s AI ambitions into scalable technical capabilities. - - Define and maintain ESB's enterprise Data & AI target architecture and supporting architecture principles. - Assess the technical maturity, suitability, scalability, security and interoperability of emerging AI technologies. - Guide decisions relating to cloud-native AI services, AI platforms, model deployment, integration, observability and lifecycle management Essential Experience and Qualifications - Strong knowledge and practical understanding of Data & AI technologies, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, generative AI and emerging technologies, and their application within a large enterprise environment - 7-10 years experience in a relevant Data, AI, technology, innovation, governance, risk, architecture or digital transformation environment, with demonstrated experience operating at a strategic level. - Proven ability to translate business strategy and organisational priorities into actionable strategies, roadmaps, frameworks, innovation initiatives or technology solutions, with a strong focus on measurable business value. - Strong leadership, communication, facilitation and stakeholder-management skills, with demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders and work effectively across business, technology and multidisciplinary teams - A relevant third-level qualification in areas such as Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, Engineering, Technology, Business, Law or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant professional experience. Desirable - Experience working within energy, utilities, critical infrastructure or another complex regulated environment, with an understanding of the governance and risk considerations associated with enterprise technology and AI adoption. - Demonstrated knowledge of emerging AI capabilities and industry developments, including generative AI, AI agents, agentic AI, AI platforms and evolving approaches to enterprise AI adoption. - Knowledge of relevant AI governance, risk and regulatory requirements and frameworks, such as the EU AI Act, GDPR, ISO/IEC 42001 and NIST AI RMF, and an understanding of how these influence enterprise AI adoption. - Experience working with enterprise technology ecosystems and cloud-based Data & AI platforms, particularly Microsoft Azure and Azure AI technologies, or comparable enterprise platforms. Location This position will be based in ESB Head Offices, 27 Fitzwilliam Street Lower, Dublin, D02 KT92. 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 The successful candidates will be assigned to various Managers in Data and AI Governance & Strategy and Innovation & Insights in Data & AI, CIO, Enterprise Services. 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 - 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 €71,976 - €84,677 Per Annum Based Off Experience Closing Date 18th November 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 More information available on Our People Promise Notes 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.