Data Assurance Lead

National Energy System Operator Limited; Warwick; On-site; GBP 57,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus based on company performance

26 days annual leave

Contributory pension (double match up

NESO Savings Plan with 50% match

Job summary

National Energy System Operator Limited (NESO) is seeking a Data Assurance Lead to provide second‑line assurance across the organisation, upholding data standards and governance. The role supports robust data management practices and challenges first‑line controls to maintain data quality.

Hybrid working from Warwick or Wokingham, with a focus on risk, compliance and continuous improvement in assurance processes. Strong governance and stakeholder engagement are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in data governance, assurance, or audit within complex organisations.
• Strong understanding of data standards, risk and control frameworks, and regulatory compliance.
• Analytical and detail‑oriented with excellent stakeholder engagement and influence.
• Familiarity with data management tools and reporting systems.

Responsibilities

• Apply second‑line assurance across NESO to monitor and validate compliance with data standards.
• Develop and maintain assurance frameworks, methodologies, and reporting mechanisms to identify risks and gaps.
• Provide independent oversight of data governance activities aligned with NESO objectives.
• Collaborate with first‑line teams to address findings and track remediation progress.
• Produce clear assurance reports for senior stakeholders, highlighting compliance status and risk exposure.
• Champion continuous improvement in data assurance processes and NESO governance model.

Skills

Data governance

Data assurance

Analytics

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Tools

Data management tools

Assurance methodologies

Reporting systems

Job description

About the Role

As Data Assurance Lead, you will provide second‑line data assurance across NESO, ensuring compliance with all data standards. This role is pivotal in safeguarding data integrity, driving adherence to governance frameworks, and supporting NESO’s commitment to robust data management practices. You will act as a trusted advisor, challenging and validating first‑line controls to maintain high standards of data quality and compliance. This role can be based from Warwick or Wokingham, and we continue to offer hybrid working from office and home.

Key Accountabilities

• Apply second‑line assurance across NESO to monitor and validate compliance with published data standards.
• Develop and maintain assurance frameworks, methodologies, and reporting mechanisms to identify risks and gaps.
• Provide independent oversight of data governance activities, ensuring alignment with NESO’s strategic objectives.
• Collaborate with first‑line teams to address findings, recommend corrective actions, and track remediation progress.
• Produce clear, actionable assurance reports for senior stakeholders, highlighting compliance status and risk exposure.
• Champion continuous improvement in data assurance processes and contribute to the evolution of NESO’s governance model.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK by the start of employment. Visa sponsorship may not be available for this role and will be considered in line with business requirements.

About You

We’re setting the benchmark for data integrity across NESO, and we know robust assurance is key to success. That’s why we need strategic thinkers and governance champions like you to help us strengthen compliance and drive excellence. In this role, we’re looking for someone who has:

Experience

Proven track record in data governance, assurance, or audit within complex organisations.

Knowledge

Strong understanding of data standards, data risk and control frameworks, and regulatory compliance requirements.

Skills

Analytical and detail‑oriented with the ability to interpret complex data governance requirements. Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills. Ability to challenge constructively and drive improvements.

Technical

Familiarity with data management tools, assurance methodologies, and reporting systems.

Attributes

Proactive, resilient, and committed to maintaining the highest standards of data integrity.

What You’ll Get

A competitive salary of £57,000 - £67,000 dependent on experience and capability.

As well as your base salary, NESO’s core benefits are the essential perks and advantages that form part of your employee package.

• You will receive a bonus based on company performance
• 26 days annual leave as standard
• A competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%
• Annual Enrollment to NESO Savings Plan, when you save between £20- £500 a month from your take‑home pay, we will pay a 50% matching contribution

NESO’s flexible benefits programme provides you with more flexibility around your health, lifestyle and protection benefits, here's just a few available:

• Flexible Bank Holidays & Holiday Trading
• Additional Birthday Day Off
• Cycle to Work Scheme, Retail & Gym Discounts
• Private Medical Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance & Personal Accident Insurance

About Us

At the National Energy System Operator (NESO), we play a vital role in tackling climate change and securing Great Britain’s energy future. We already operate the world's fastest decarbonising electricity system and are working towards our ambition to run it carbon-free for a short period this year - provided the market supplies electricity exclusively from renewable sources. Alongside this, we provide expert advice to government on how to deliver a clean power system by 2030.

In autumn 2024, the Electricity System Operator (ESO) transitioned to become NESO - an independent, expert public corporation with a whole‑system view across electricity, gas, and hydrogen. NESO operates independently and transparently, always acting in the best interests of all energy users. Licensed and regulated by Ofgem, we make impartial decisions that balance sustainability, affordability and security. Our organisation is fully independent from government, the regulator and all commercial interests, with a clear focus on system‑wide benefit, long term thing and public value. The time to deliver is now. Join the energy transformation and help shape the future. Your energy. Our future. Together.

More Information

This role closes at 23:59, on the day before date shown above, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary.

Research shows that some people may hesitate to apply unless they meet every single requirement. At NESO, we believe potential comes in many forms and we’re committed to a fair, inclusive recruitment. We are 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. If this role sparks your interest but you’re not sure you tick every box, we still want to hear from you. process where everyone has the opportunity to show their talents. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds. At the National Energy System Operator (NESO), we play a vital role in tackling climate change and securing Great Britains's energy future. We already operate the world's fastest decarbonising electricity system and are working towards our ambition to run it carbon-free for a short period this year - provided the market supplies electricity exclusively from renewable sources. Alongside this, we provide expert advice to government on how to deliver a clean power system by 2030. In autumn 2024, the Electricity System Operator (ESO) transitioned to become NESO - an independent, expert public corporation with a whole-system view across electricity, gas, and hydrogen. NESO operates independently and transparently, always actin in the best interests of all energy users. Licensed and regulated by Ofgem, we make impartial decisions that balance sustainability, affordability and security. Our organisation is fully independent from government, the regulator and all commercial interests, with a clear focus on system-wide benefit, long term thing and public value. The time to deliver is now. Join the energy transformation and help shape the future. Your energy. Our future. Together