Innovation Engineer/Project Manager

National Grid; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) seeks three Innovation Engineers/Innovation Project Managers to drive and manage an exciting portfolio of innovation projects across the network.

The roles require strong project management skills, engineering or technical background and willingness to travel to sites. Hybrid working with 1–2 days in the office weekly is offered, with additional time away for site visits and conferences as needed.

Qualifications

• Strong project management and delivery experience.
• Experience coordinating with internal and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of Ofgem governance and energy regulation.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop and deliver innovation and roll-out projects of all sizes.
• Manage R&D and capability roll-out projects under Ofgem governance.
• Assist NGED teams to develop, trial and adopt solutions.
• Lead funding applications from Ofgem innovation incentive schemes and others.
• Represent NGED at national meetings with ENA, Ofgem and government bodies.
• Develop and review NGED innovation policies for compliance.
• Provide detailed project reporting and regulatory submissions.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Regulatory governance awareness

Travel willingness

Education

Engineering degree or HNC/equivalent

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for three Innovation Engineers/Innovation Project Managers to join our Innovation team.

The Innovation Team leads a diverse portfolio of research, development, and capability-scale-up projects designed to transform how we operate and manage our electricity network. Through this work, we develop the knowledge, skills, technologies and commercial processes NGED will need to be ready for the future.

We are looking for someone who is motivated to build the capabilities that electricity networks will rely on in the years ahead and who strives for excellence in all aspects of their work.

The role can be based in any NGED location and requires a willingness to travel to various sites as needed. We offer hybrid working, with attendance at the office expected 1-2 days per week. Please note that there will be occasions where you will be required to spend more time away from home- such as attending site visits, events or conferences- depending on the needs of the projects you are supporting.

Main Responsibilities

• Planning, development and delivery of innovation and roll out projects of all sizes and scopes.
• Management of research, development and capability roll out projects in accordance with Ofgem governance and NGED policies.
• Assisting colleagues in various internal NGED teams to develop, trial, disseminate and adopt relevant solutions.
• Leading the application for funding from Ofgem innovation incentive schemes and other sources across all sizes of bid.
• Representing NGED at national level in ENA, Ofgem and Government department meetings.
• Developing and reviewing NGED policies relating to innovation to maintain legal and regulatory compliance.
• Detailed reporting of projects and proposals in accordance with regulatory requirements. This includes compliance with Regulatory Guidance, preparation of detailed project plans and cost-benefit analyses, progress and cost control monitoring and regulatory reporting.
• Mentoring and coaching other staff members.

Ideal Candidate

To be successful in this role, you will bring a strong project management and technical foundation alongside the mindset and aptitude needed to help shape the capabilities of the future.

• A degree in an engineering or technical discipline (preferred), or significant experience in distribution network investment or operations supported by a BTEC Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Engineering or technical equivalent.
• Significant track record of managing complex projects with multiple internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience of developing and delivering projects under the NIA and SIF framework (not essential)
• A solid understanding of UK electricity transmission and distribution assets, associated procedures, safety requirements, performance drivers, cost considerations and relevant legislation.
• Excellent organisational, planning and prioritisation abilities, with the resilience to work under pressure and deliver on time.
• Willingness and ability to travel across all four of the company’s four licence areas.
• A full UK driving licence.

Aptitudes that will help you succeed

As part of a team focused on innovation development, you’ll also need the drive and potential to:

• Develop detailed project plans for research and development initiatives, managing uncertainty and risk in areas where tasks may be entirely new.
• Create robust project plans for business-wide capability rollouts.
• Prepare cost-benefit assessments to support funding and investment decisions.
• Monitor project progress effectively, ensuring delivery against objectives and taking proactive steps to mitigate risks.
• Critically evaluate emerging technologies and methods, ensuring alignment with both strategic priorities and operational needs .

About Us

We're National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED), the owner and operator behind the electricity distribution systems for the Midlands, the Southwest of England and South Wales. Serving communities of more than 8 million people, our expert teams deliver heat, light and power for homes and businesses.

National Grid employs over 29,000 people worldwide. We are building an inclusive workplace, a place to actively celebrate the cultures, personalities and preferences of our colleagues - who in turn help to build the success of our business and reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Our vision is to be at the heart of a clean, fair and affordable energy future and we are doing this in a fast-moving industry with an increasing focus on tackling climate change, exploring new energy sources that are renewable, low carbon, and improve efficiency to meet demand.