Head of NESO Engagement

SGN; London; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SGN is seeking a Head of NESO Engagement to lead its strategic relationship with the National Energy System Operator. This role involves ensuring SGN aligns with Net Zero goals, fostering relationships, and influencing policy within the UK energy system. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in stakeholder engagement and a strong understanding of the energy sector's regulatory landscape.

Benefits

Competitive pension scheme

Enhanced maternity/paternity pay

Life assurance

HolidayPlus

Cycle2work Scheme

Qualifications

• 8+ years in senior roles across stakeholder engagement, regulatory affairs, or strategy.
• Proven track record of influencing complex decisions in a regulated environment.
• Demonstrated leadership of high-performing teams (min. 3 direct reports).

Responsibilities

• Lead SGN’s engagement strategy with NESO in alignment with corporate strategy.
• Build strong relationships with NESO's technical teams and senior leadership.
• Prepare reports and present engagement progress to senior management.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Strategic thinking

Communication

Analytical thinking

Job description

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Farringdon | Personal Contract | Full-time

Competitive pension scheme – Enhanced maternity/paternity pay – Life assurance – HolidayPlus – Cycle2work Scheme & more

REQ4937

As Head of NESO Engagement, you will lead SGN’s strategic relationship with the National Energy System Operator, influencing policy and system planning to support our Net Zero ambitions and future role in the UK energy system.

We deliver safety, warmth, and comfort to homes and businesses. Every role, whether in the office or on the front line, plays a key part in this mission. Here’s how you will contribute…

• Lead SGN’s engagement strategy with NESO, ensuring alignment with our corporate strategy and Net Zero goals.
• Act as SGN’s lead representative with NESO, building strong relationships across all levels, from technical teams to senior leadership.
• Proactively shape and respond to NESO consultations, workstreams, and decisions that affect SGN’s operations, investment plans, and future role.
• Represent SGN in NESO forums, committees, and working groups, ensuring our views are clearly communicated and understood.
• Work closely with Regulatory and Policy colleagues to coordinate messaging across NESO, Ofgem, DESNZ, and other stakeholders.
• Assess the impact of NESO’s policy direction and planning on SGN’s business model, RIIO framework, and asset strategy.
• Build evidence-based arguments to influence NESO’s thinking on gas planning, hydrogen, biomethane, and whole-system solutions.
• Collaborate with internal teams to gather insights, align engagement, and communicate shared positions.
• Keep SGN stakeholders informed of NESO developments, providing clear, actionable updates.
• Facilitate workshops and discussions to build understanding of NESO’s role and its impact across the business.
• Lead and support a team of three, offering strategic direction, performance feedback, and growth opportunities.
• Foster a culture of openness, respect, innovation, and proactive engagement within the team.
• Ensure delivery of high-quality analysis, stakeholder engagement, and clear communications.
• Provide concise updates to the Strategy Director, Executive Committee, and Board on engagement progress and strategic issues.
• Prepare and present reports and briefings to internal and external audiences, clearly setting out SGN’s role in the energy transition.

What you will need

• 8+ years in senior roles across stakeholder engagement, regulatory affairs, policy, or strategy within the UK energy sector ( DNO, ESO, National Grid, Ofgem, or energy consultancy).
• Proven track record of influencing complex regulatory and strategic decisions in a regulated environment.
• Demonstrated leadership of high-performing teams (min. 3 direct reports).

Industry Knowledge:

• Strong understanding of the UK gas distribution network (GDN), including RIIO regulation.
• Broad knowledge of the UK energy system, including electricity networks, renewables, and the transition to Net Zero.
• Familiarity with NESO (and the former ESO) and its strategic role.
• Awareness of key decarbonisation pathways such as hydrogen and biomethane.

Stakeholder Engagement & Influence:

• Excellent stakeholder management skills with experience engaging at senior levels.
• Strong negotiation and influencing ability, with political and regulatory awareness.
• Confident navigating complex environments with diplomacy and tact.

Strategic Thinking & Analysis:

• Sharp analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to distil complex issues into clear actions.
• Sound commercial judgement and understanding of financial and operational impacts.

Communication:

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Skilled in creating and delivering clear, compelling presentations for senior audiences.

Personal Qualities (aligned with SGN values):

• Dependable and delivery-focused.
• Innovative and open to new ideas.
• Collaborative, open, and respectful.
• Organised, proactive, and resilient under pressure.

Not sure you meet every requirement?

Research shows some people – particularly women and those from underrepresented backgrounds – may hesitate to apply unless they meet every criteria. At SGN, we value diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

If this role interests you but you’re not sure you tick every box, we’d still love to hear from you. You might be just who we’re looking for – now or in the future.

Why SGN?

SGN is a leader in pioneering research and development toward a net-zero energy system. Our cutting-edge technologies and innovative thinking are driving change in the gas industry, all while keeping people safe and warm.

If you require any accommodations or support during the application process, reach out to us. We're here to help ensure an inclusive and accessible experience for everyone.