Contracts Performance Lead

Role Overview

The Portfolio Office at Gas Networks Ireland oversees the strategic direction and supervision of all capital and operational initiatives, ensuring optimal delivery of the organization's project portfolio. This office supports various functions such as Investment Planning, Governance, Assurance, Programme Management, Delivery Enablement, Connections Coordination, Land Management, Statutory Consents, and Commercial Management. Acting as the pivotal interface between investment programs, commercial ventures, and core operational departments, it protects and enhances organizational interests.

Reporting directly to the Contracts Performance Manager, the Contracts Performance Lead will oversee all phases of contract lifecycle management—from inception through operation to closure—aiming to maximize both operational efficiencies and financial outcomes while reducing risks. This wide-ranging role encompasses collaboration with suppliers, contractors, service providers, and multiple internal teams including Asset Delivery, Asset Operations, Supply Chain, HSQ, Finance, and Portfolio Management.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to designing the Procurement and Contract Strategy.
• Assist in developing contract requirements and specifications, detailing contract execution in real-world scenarios.
• Support OJEU tender and appointment processes alongside Supply Chain and Asset Delivery teams.
• Identify and mitigate commercial and contractual risks during contract development and operational stages.
• Oversee the performance of strategic contracts ensuring SMART Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are correctly tracked and measured.
• Create and manage contract obligation registers ensuring compliance by GNI and suppliers; provide contractual advice to contract stakeholders.
• Maintain strong relationships with suppliers and service providers, facilitating regular communication and resolving performance issues or disputes as necessary.
• Generate management and KPI reports leveraging systems like Maximo, Oracle, and Power BI, aiming to focus and improve contract performance.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams to gather and utilize performance data to drive contract outcomes.
• Develop and update performance dashboards to meet business and contractual needs.
• Promote a partnership-oriented culture between GNI and its supply chain to achieve optimal results.
• Push continuous improvements for existing contract performance tools, methodologies, and documentation.
• Ensure lessons learned and best practices are shared across internal stakeholders.
• Lead transition planning and execution when changing suppliers or service providers.
• Support project and programme management efforts for OJEU procurement projects from initiation to contract award.

Qualifications and Experience

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction, or equivalent experience in a closely related field.
• At least five years of post-qualification experience in a similar role, preferably within the utilities sector.
• Solid knowledge of contracts and procurement, including OJEU compliant processes.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills, with a proven ability to manage supplier relationships and resolve performance issues.
• Experience in developing KPIs, dashboards, and management reports to monitor contract performance.
• Excellent stakeholder management abilities, both internal and external, to enhance performance and mitigate risk.
• Capability to identify, assess, and mitigate commercial and contractual risks effectively.
• Desirable project management proficiency, including creating and executing detailed plans while managing stakeholders.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and detail-oriented skills with strong data accuracy focus.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex issues and prepare comprehensive reports and presentations.
• Sound commercial insight including value opportunities, cost-quality trade-offs, cost drivers, risk transfer costs, and contract term financial implications.

Equal Opportunities and Working Arrangements

Gas Networks Ireland is dedicated to equality and diversity in its workplace. The organization fosters an inclusive culture where all candidates are welcomed and supported regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or other status. It encourages applications from individuals with varied career paths and offers accommodations for candidates needing support during the recruitment process.

The role provides a hybrid working model with two days per week in the office (Dublin or Cork), supporting a balanced work-life environment.