Executive Energy Manager

This is a two-year fixed term position within Cork City Council’s Energy Agency, part of the Emergency Operations & Climate Action Directorate. Reporting to the Energy Agency Team Lead, the Executive Energy Manager will play a senior role in delivering the Council’s statutory energy efficiency and decarbonisation commitments, including its Mission City target of achieving net carbon neutral public buildings by 2030.

The postholder will lead the development, procurement and delivery of major energy efficiency and decarbonisation projects across the Council’s public building portfolio. This includes assessing existing building performance, identifying viable technical solutions, developing investment ready project packages, and overseeing their successful implementation.

Key Responsibilities

A. Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Provide senior technical leadership within the Energy Agency and Climate Action Unit, contributing to the strategic delivery of Cork City Council’s Climate Action Plan.

• Support the designated Energy Performance Officer (EPO) in coordinating ISO 50001 accreditation, statutory compliance and progress toward national and EU energy emissions targets.

• Advise senior management on relevant policy, regulatory and legislative developments, including EU directives and their transposition into Irish law.

B. Programme Development, Technical Assessment & Project Preparation

• Carry out advanced technical assessments of public buildings, including energy performance analysis, feasibility studies and identification of sustainable retrofit solutions.

• Develop comprehensive capital project packages, including bundled projects suitable for investment decisions and public sector procurement.

• Prepare or oversee preparation of technical specifications, contract documentation and tender materials in line with engineering, procurement and governance standards.

• Ensure all projects and services are procured in accordance with EU directives, national procurement rules and Cork City Council policies.

C. Project Delivery, Procurement & Compliance

• Lead the delivery of the Council’s Energy Reduction & Decarbonisation Capital Investment Programme, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget and to required technical and safety standards.

• Manage pathfinder and demonstrator projects, including State Aid assessments, Public Spending Code compliance, adherence to Infrastructure Guidelines and fulfilment of SEAI funding conditions.

• Oversee monitoring and verification of post implementation energy and carbon savings.

• Manage the procurement, certification and governance of all energy related capital projects.

D. Monitoring, Reporting & External Funding

• Lead reporting to the European Investment Bank (EIB) on ELENA expenditure and programme progress, in line with funding contract requirements.

• Support the development of EU and national funding applications for research, planning and capital decarbonisation initiatives.

• Contribute to the preparation of statutory reports and compliance submissions relating to emissions, energy performance and climate action commitments.

E. Collaboration, Stakeholder Engagement & Capacity Building

• Work closely with internal stakeholders including Facilities, Fleet, Public Lighting and Capital Delivery teams to coordinate data, project requirements and implementation plans.

• Engage with external partners such as SEAI, CARO, Government Departments, utilities and specialist consultants.

• Provide technical guidance, mentoring and knowledge sharing within the Energy Agency and wider organisation to build capacity in energy efficient design and delivery.

F. General & Additional Duties

• Support the implementation of ISO 50001, including gap analysis and continuous improvement activities.

• Assist in developing procurement frameworks and long term programmes for energy efficiency and decarbonisation works.

• Undertake other duties consistent with the role to advance Cork City Council’s energy efficiency, emissions reduction and climate action objectives.

The above specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to them from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POST

1. Character

Each candidate must be of good character.

2. Health

Each candidate must be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

3. Education, Training, Experience, etc.

Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed applications:

a) hold at least an ordinary bachelor’s degree (level 7 or higher on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)) in energy systems engineering, energy management, sustainable energy engineering, building services engineering or a related discipline relevant to the post;

OR

b) hold an ordinary bachelor’s degree (level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)) AND a post-graduate master’s degree (level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)) in energy systems engineering, energy management, sustainable energy engineering, building services engineering or a related discipline relevant to the post.

AND

c) have at least five years satisfactory experience relevant to the role after attaining the qualification referred to under 3 a) or b) above.

d) possess a high standard of technical training and experience appropriate to the nature of the role, including administrative experience.

e) have a satisfactory knowledge of public service organisation or the ability to acquire such knowledge.

4. Driving Licence

Holders of the office may be required to drive a car in the course of their duties and therefore are required to hold a full driving licence for class B vehicles free from disqualifications.

5. Desirable Skills

1. Energy Management & Technical Expertise

• Strong knowledge of ISO 50001, SEAI M&R, energy auditing and building energy performance assessment.

• Understanding of EPC/ESCO models, energy performance contracting and M&V methodologies (e.g. IPMVP).

• Relevant professional accreditations (e.g. CEM, CMVP) are an advantage.

2. Decarbonisation & Capital Project Delivery

• Experience developing and delivering energy efficiency and decarbonisation projects in complex building portfolios.

• Ability to prepare technical specifications, feasibility studies and tender documentation in line with public sector standards.

• Proven capability managing capital projects, ensuring compliance with Public Spending Code, Infrastructure Guidelines and SEAI requirements.

3. Renewable Energy

• Experience in the design, funding or delivery of renewable energy projects (electrical or thermal, ≤3 MW).

• Ability to assess renewable energy options for public buildings and fleet applications.

4. Local Government, Climate Action & Policy

• Strong understanding of public sector climate action obligations, reporting frameworks and legislative requirements.

• Knowledge of national and EU policies (Energy Efficiency Directive, EPBD, NEEAP, LACAP, Covenant of Mayors).

• Experience working with Government Departments, EIB, SEAI, CARO and EU partners.

5. Programme Management, Procurement & Funding

• Experience developing procurement frameworks, managing consultants/contractors and delivering multi project programmes.

• Strong financial and budget management skills, including preparation of funding applications and investment cases.

• Experience with EU or national funding programmes, including reporting and compliance.

6. Analytical, ICT & Reporting Skills

• High competence in data analysis, energy modelling tools, databases and technical reporting.

• Ability to manage, verify and interpret large datasets for statutory and funding-related reporting.

7. Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

• Excellent ability to communicate complex technical information to technical and non-technical audiences.

• Proven track record of working collaboratively across departments and with external agencies.

Salary

The salary scale for the post is:

€60,255 - €62,447 - €64,640 - €66,837 - €69,032 - €71,226 - €73,423 - €75,606 - €77,813 - €80,001 - €82,523 (LSI 1) - €83,758 (LSI 2)

In accordance with Departmental Circular Letter EL 02/2011, a person who is not a serving local authority employee on or after 1st January 2011 will enter the scale at the minimum point.

Hours of Duty

The standard working week will be 35 hours per week. The role may, on occasion, include evening and weekend work.

Holders of the post may be called for duty at any time in accordance with arrangements made by local authorities. The Council reserves the right to alter hours of work from time to time.