Project Manager – Grid Automation Systems

You are an experienced Project Manager with a strong engineering background in grid automation, protection & control, and high-voltage systems, looking to join a leading specialist engineering organisation operating across Ireland and the UK. This role is ideal for a technically driven project professional who can lead complex grid automation and substation control system projects, manage multidisciplinary teams, and deliver advanced IEC 61850-based solutions to utility and energy-sector clients.

Your new company is a well-established engineering firm recognised for its expertise in high-voltage engineering, grid automation, protection, control, and advanced substation technologies. With a strong presence across transmission and distribution networks, renewable integration projects, and utility infrastructure, the company has built a reputation for delivering innovative, reliable, and future-focused automation systems—from early concept and design through to full commissioning and energisation.

The team specialises in the delivery of sophisticated grid automation projects including IEC 61850 station and process bus systems, substation automation schemes, SCADA/communication networks, protection and control solutions, and digital substation modernisation programmes. They support clients across the full project lifecycle, providing technical leadership, engineering excellence, and seamless project execution.

For those eager to learn more about this exciting opportunity, please do not hesitate to reach out to Ryan at ryan@breaghrecruitment.com / 015314345

Project Manager – Grid Automation Systems (IEC 61850) Skills:

• Degree or diploma in Electrical Engineering, Power Engineering, or a related discipline.
  
  
• Proven experience as a Project Manager within grid automation, high-voltage substations, protection & control, SCADA, or utility engineering.
  
  
• Strong technical knowledge of IEC 61850, including GOOSE, MMS, station bus, process bus, and communication network architectures.
  
  
• Practical engineering background in protection, control systems, substation automation or SCADA integration.
  
  
• Ability to interpret single-line diagrams (SLDs), communication architectures, protection schemes, and engineering documentation.
  
  
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to coordinate multidisciplinary engineering, procurement, commissioning, and subcontractor teams.
  
  
• Excellent communication and customer-facing ability; comfortable managing client relationships and leading technical/commercial meetings.
  
  
• Solid understanding of project management processes including scheduling, risk management, budgeting, and contract administration.
  
  
• Commercial awareness with experience managing variations, forecasts, procurement, and contract compliance.
  
  
• Experience working on HV/MV transmission and distribution projects.
  
  
• Valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel to customer sites.
  
  

As a Project Manager – Grid Automation Systems (IEC 61850):

• Manage the full project lifecycle from initial handover through design, implementation, FAT/SAT, site works and project close-out.
  
  
• Define and oversee project scope, schedules, budgets, deliverables, and resource plans to ensure successful execution.
  
  
• Lead multidisciplinary teams across engineering, procurement, commissioning, and subcontracted partners.
  
  
• Oversee the design, configuration, and implementation of IEC 61850-based systems including GOOSE messaging, MMS reporting, and network architectures.
  
  
• Review engineering deliverables such as SLDs, communication system design, protection logic, FAT/SAT procedures, and system configurations.
  
  
• Coordinate technical discussions, integration activities, design clarifications, and issue resolution with internal and external stakeholders.
  
  
• Serve as the primary customer point of contact, managing expectations, facilitating progress meetings, and maintaining strong client relationships.
  
  
• Ensure contractual compliance, manage variations and change orders, and oversee all commercial elements of assigned projects.
  
  
• Monitor project risks and implement mitigation strategies to ensure efficient and compliant project delivery.
  
  
• Support procurement activities including evaluation of suppliers, subcontractors, and key equipment packages.
  
  
• Oversee on-site activities including commissioning, testing, and handover to ensure high-quality, safe and compliant delivery.
  
  
• Contribute to continuous improvement of project management practices, engineering standards, and digital automation methodologies.
  
  

The Package: Salary will be DOE, but for a strong, experienced candidate you can realistically expect a range of:

€85,000 – €95,000 base salary

• Car / car allowance
  
  
• Bonus structure
  
  
• Additional benefits depending on experience
  
  

Exceptional candidates with extensive IEC 61850 and HV utility project experience may command €100k , and the package can be tailored accordingly.

Interviews are taking place this week, so if you are interested in this role, click ‘apply now’ to forward an up-to-date CV to ryan@breaghrecruitment.com or call us on 00353 (0)1 531 4345.

The Breagh Team: Breagh Recruitment are the go-to specialist construction and engineering recruitment consultants, providing qualified and experienced professionals with roles across the UK and Ireland, with an ethos based on flexibility, hard work, and good old common sense. We live within these core values, servicing our clients and candidates daily.

Key roles we recruit for include Health & Safety Managers, M&E Project Managers, Construction Managers, M&E Site Engineers, M&E Quantity Surveyors, Civil Engineers, Site Agents, Estimators, Buyers, Bid Managers and M&E Supervisors across Ireland and the UK.