Governance & Risk Manager [Temp 12 Months]

Position Description

ESB Pensions is responsible for managing the ESB Pension schemes. ESB Pensions supports the pensions strategy through provision of specialist pensions knowledge, key stakeholder management, the assessment and management of risks, the management of the investment portfolios and trustee relationship management.

The ESB Pensions team provides insight into the regulatory developments that underpin the successful management of our pension schemes and promotes ESB’s interests as we deliver our Brighter Future Strategy.

The ESB Pensions Risk and Governance manager is responsible for the provision of an independent risk management function for our Defined Benefit (€5.2bn.), Defined Contribution (€600m.) and FMUK (£17m) schemes by delivering effective risk management of market, regulatory and operational risks.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the governance of all ESB pension schemes and provide independent advice and analysis to the Trustees on their risk management strategy, working with them to ensure it is executed effectively.

Key Responsibilities

The successful applicant will be expected to lead the risk and governance team and will:

• Deliver an independent view of the pension risks across the ESB pension schemes and develop associated risk management strategies.
• Review and further develop the pensions risk management framework that identifies, evaluates and manages the risks that are critical to the schemes and which are likely to have significant impact on the scheme’s ability to provide reasonable member benefits.
• Provide a challenge and oversight role over all pension activities ensuring risks are effectively and proactively evaluated and managed. Risk key function holder for the Trustees of all schemes.
• Supporting the Trustees and Scheme Secretary by overseeing the proper investment of the scheme’s assets, Communication of information to members; and Compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Ensure pension activities follow ESB’s and the Trustees approved governance standards, regulatory requirements and controls. Monitor and keep abreast of all market and regulatory developments, external benchmarks and practices, to determine best practice and implement changes as required to ensure the Trustees are pro-active in responding to challenges and changes across the pensions and investment landscape.
• Provide leadership, guidance and timely decision-making to direct reports in forming risk views and appropriate actions whilst playing an active role in shaping the pensions strategy for ESB.
• Pro-active development of risk management capabilities within the business.
• Actively participate as a member of the ESB Pensions Office Management Team whilst retaining an independent, objective perspective.

Experience and Qualifications

Essential

• Ability to work in a dynamic team environment, knowledge of pensions, investments and associated analytics
• Proven decision-making in highly complex situations. Experience in managing a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Proven leadership, relationship management and influencing skills.
• A relevant third level degree or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of 10 years experience in a similar role.

Desirable

• Experience of managing and implementing change.
• Industry experience in risk management and reporting
• Standard techniques for quantification of risk across investment portfolios

Location 

This role will be based in ESB’s Head Office at Fitzwilliam 27, 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

Reporting to the Pensions & Insurance manager, 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

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

Closing Date

15th May 2026

Your application will be held in reserve for 6 months should you be suitable for the role.