About the role
Great Britain's electricity system is undergoing an ambitious, exciting and vital transformation. Together with industry, we are creating a cleaner, greener system, one that protects the planet and serves generations to come.
Due to the rapid pace of change in the energy sector, we need to fundamentally reform the connections process to ensure that it delivers the best outcomes both for customers and electricity consumers. As a result, we are taking forward various reforms (short, medium and longer-term) to address these challenges and have put our customers and stakeholders at the heart of this change. These changes and new processes will significantly speed up and improve the current arrangements that are no longer fit for purpose given the pace at which we need to transform our energy system. This role is key in delivering these reforms.
You will lead a team of Policy and Change Officers who develop, lead and implement complex policies, code changes and tactical initiatives which will improve the connections process for our customers. You will be responsible for implementing and managing relationships with key internal and external stakeholders on complex connections issues. You will regularly communicate new initiatives with industry via webinars, in person presentations and panel discussions often alongside other industry experts. Through building great relations and understanding challenges within the industry this will help to drive changes and improvement to policies, codes and Legislation which impact the Customer Connections Team. You will support the wider connections team with customer queries that relate to new policies and initiatives that the policy and change team lead on, a well as listening to new ideas on how to further improve the connections process. You will also support the connections reform team on the implementation of the connections reform project.
This role can be based from Wokingham, Warwick or Glasgow, and we continue to offer hybrid working from office and home. We are open to full time and part time applicants, as well as flexible working arrangements.
About us
At National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO), we’re aiming to operate a zero-carbon electricity system for Great Britain by 2025. This means using wind, solar and hydropower - without relying on any carbon-based generators to balance the grid.
Becoming the National Energy System Operator
In 2024, the ESO will transition to becoming the National Energy System Operator, or NESO for short. Previously denoted as the Future System Operator (or FSO), the new National Energy System Operator will be the independent body responsible for planning Great Britain’s electricity and gas networks and operating the electricity system.
The ESO, including all of its existing roles, will be at the heart of the new National Energy System Operator. As NESO, we will build on our existing roles, capabilities, and ways of working significantly to create an organisation the energy system and its users’ need. Our new capabilities will enable us to look across vectors, including electricity, natural gas and hydrogen, and crucially consider the trade-offs between them.
The organisation will be set up as a public corporation with its own Board of independent directors, with complete operational independence from government, the regulator and any and all commercial interest. As the ESO are today, NESO will be licenced and regulated by Ofgem through price control agreements and obligated to identify optimal solutions to system operations and planning in the most sustainable, affordable and secure way for all.
The time to deliver is now. As part of our team, you won’t just be touching the lives of almost everyone in Great Britain – you’ll be shaping the way we use and consume energy for generations to come.
About you
What we do isn’t just important – it’s essential. That’s why we look to recruit experts in their field. In this case, we’re looking for someone who has:
• Excellent Leaderships skills.
• Ability to chair meetings impartially and be comfortable with challenging conversations or debates.
• Ability to represent National Grid ESO at external meetings in a professional way
• Ability to see the big picture and think strategically.
• Excellent time management skills, including the ability to successfully manage multiple activities and issues to set deadlines, including excellent administrative skills.
Desirable:
• Knowledge of the Connections process (desirable)
• Knowledge of industry code governance (desirable)
• Knowledge of the GB electricity markets and regulatory frameworks (desirable)
What you'll get
A competitive salary between £59000-£71000 – dependent on experience and capability.
As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus of up to 15% of your salary for stretch performance, 28 days annual leave as standard, and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%.
You will also have access to a comprehensive benefits package tailored to support your well-being and professional success. From a competitive salary to flexible work arrangements, we promote your work-life balance. Enjoy fit for purpose wellbeing and lifestyle offerings, ongoing skill development aligned to our Purpose and Values, and be part of a supportive community that values your individuality and where you can belong.
Key Accountabilities
• Lead on tactical initiatives, new policies and code changes to improve the connections process.
• Engage with the external Transmission Owners, Ofgem and DESNZ on new policy ideas.
• Represent the ESO at industry forums and stakeholder events to provide updates on ESO lead initiatives to improve connections and to answer Q and A.
• Write board level papers on new policies and strategies.
• Escalate and present key areas of concern to internal Steering Committees.
• Manage customer queries in relation to complex new policies and code changes, which impact the Customer Connections team and support team members in responding to queries.
• Support the connections reform team on implementing the connections reform project into the wider connections team.
• Lead and develop a team of Policy and Change Officers.
• Support wider connections teams with specific policies that improve the connections process.
• Ensure awareness political, economic and social developments which may impact ESO and the Connections Team and brief others on these.
More information
This role closes on 6th October 2024 at 23:59, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary. Interviews will be held in the w.c. 14th and 21st October 2024.
We work towards the highest standards in everything we do, including how we support, value and develop our people. Our aim is to encourage and support employees to thrive and be the best they can be. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office.
We're committed to building a workforce that represents the communities we serve, and a working environment in which each individual feels valued, respected, fairly treated, and able to reach their full potential.
On 1 October 2024, we're becoming the National Energy System Operator (NESO).
NESO’s new careers site goes live on Monday 7 October. In the meantime, you’ll still see National Grid branding. The job application process remains the same.