Group Head of Legal / General Counsel

About the role

The Group Head of Legal / General Counsel leads ESB’s in‑house legal function, providing strategic, commercially‑informed advice to the Board, Executive Committee and senior management. This senior position shapes commercial transactions, manages legal risk and ensures robust governance across a highly regulated energy utility.

Key responsibilities

• Lead a team of more than sixty in‑house lawyers and coordinate external counsel as required.
• Provide strategic legal guidance to the Board, Executive Committee and senior managers on all business matters.
• Identify, assess and mitigate legal risks associated with ESB’s generation, transmission, distribution and retail activities.
• Ensure compliance with the complex regulatory framework governing on‑shore transmission, distribution system operation and energy trading in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
• Support the Group’s Net Zero strategy by integrating legal considerations into sustainability initiatives.
• Oversee governance, compliance and decision‑making processes to align with legal and regulatory requirements.

Required profile

• Extensive experience as a senior legal adviser within a regulated utility or energy‑focused organisation.
• Proven ability to deliver high‑quality legal services across multiple jurisdictions and regulatory regimes.
• Strong commercial acumen and the capacity to influence business strategy.
• Leadership experience managing large, multidisciplinary legal teams.

Required skills