Operations Controller

National Grid plc; Stone Cross; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shift allowance 26%

Market supplement £3,000 annually

Bonus scheme

Pension

Private medical insurance

Job summary

National Grid seeks an Operations Controller for Nemo Link at Richborough Converter Station. You will join a 24/7 shift team, monitor real-time performance, respond to alarms and support incidents to keep the interconnector safe and available.

The role covers electrical, mechanical and PLC systems, site inspections and maintenance activities, with a four-on/four-off 12-hour shift pattern. Travel within the UK may be required.

Qualifications

• Calm, logical decision-maker in safety-critical environment.
• Strong ability to analyse information, adapt to changing situations and follow procedures.
• Excellent digital/IT capability to monitor plant performance and record activities.
• Strong communication skills for coordination with colleagues, contractors and stakeholders.
• Experience in control room, utilities, engineering, manufacturing, process, energy or operational environment.
• Experience with SCADA, HVAC/DC control systems, asset management platforms or similar OT is advantageous (training provided).

Responsibilities

• Monitor and control the Nemo Link Interconnector to ensure safe and reliable operation.
• Respond to alarms, operational events and incidents promptly.
• Support emergency responses and operational investigations.
• Carry out routine inspections, checks and equipment monitoring.
• Maintain accurate operational, maintenance and inspection records.
• Assist with fault finding and first-line maintenance.
• Collaborate with site teams, contractors and partners across the UK and Belgium.
• Escalate risks to safety, reliability or operational performance as needed.

Skills

SCADA

Control room

IT literacy

Communication

Safety-critical

Driving licence

Tools

SCADA software

Asset management platforms

PLC systems

Job description

At National Grid Ventures, we're helping connect countries, markets and communities to create a cleaner, more secure energy future. Nemo Link is the first electricity interconnector between Great Britain and Belgium, enabling electricity to flow between neighbouring markets and supporting the delivery of secure, affordable and low-carbon energy.

We're looking for an Operations Controller to join our team at Richborough Converter Station. Playing a vital role in the safe and reliable operation of one of the UK's most important energy assets, you'll work as part of a 24/7 shift team responsible for monitoring and controlling the Nemo Link Interconnector.

From overseeing real-time system performance to responding to operational events and alarms, you'll help ensure the interconnector remains available and operating safely. You'll support the management of electrical, mechanical and control systems, carry out site inspections, complete routine operational checks and maintain accurate operational records.

You'll also support fault investigation and first-line maintenance activities, assisting with electrical, mechanical and PLC-related troubleshooting in line with established procedures. Working closely with colleagues across the UK and Belgium, you'll contribute to maintaining the high standards of safety, reliability and performance expected of critical national infrastructure.

The role is based on site at Nemolink, in Sandwich. Please note, you must live within an hours travel of site with a full UK driving licence.

This is a shift-based role working a 12-hour rota pattern of four days on, four days off, covering both day and night shifts.

What you'll do

• Monitor and control the Nemo Link Interconnector to ensure safe and reliable operation.
• Respond to alarms, operational events and incidents in a timely and effective manner.
• Support emergency response activities and operational investigations.
• Complete routine inspections, operational checks and equipment monitoring.
• Maintain accurate operational, maintenance and inspection records.
• Support first-line maintenance, fault finding and troubleshooting activities.
• Work collaboratively with site teams, contractors and operational partners across the UK and Belgium.
• Escalate operational, safety or reliability risks as appropriate.

What you'll need

• You'll thrive in an environment where technology, teamwork and problem-solving come together to support the UK's energy infrastructure
• A calm and logical decision-maker, you'll be comfortable analysing information, responding to changing situations and following defined procedures in a safety-critical environment.
• Strong digital and IT capability, with confidence using operational systems to monitor plant performance, record activities and investigate issues.
• Strong communication skills are equally important, as you'll work closely with colleagues, contractors and external stakeholders to coordinate safe and effective operations.
• Previous experience in a control room, utilities, engineering, manufacturing, process, energy or operational environment.
• Experience of systems such as SCADA, HV AC/DC control systems, asset management platforms or other operational technologies would be advantageous, although full training will be provided.

Most importantly, you'll bring a proactive approach, attention to detail and a genuine commitment to safety, reliability and continuous learning.

What you'll get

A competitive salary between £47,442.00 - £56,173.50 per annum dependant on capability, plus 26% shift allowance and £3000 market supplement paid annually.

As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus based on personal and company performance 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 number of flexible benefits such as a share incentive plan, salary sacrifice car and technology schemes, support via employee assistance lines and matched charity giving to name a few.

More Information

This role closes on 18th September 2026 at 23:59.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates – we make appointments purely on merit, assessed against objective selection criteria. We support flexible working and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process should you have any physical or mental impairment which may affect your ability to participate in the process.

Please note that in most cases, National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points-based immigration system. As such, applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future under the UK points-based immigration system. However, in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear and demonstrable need for specialist skills that cannot be sourced from the local labour market, National Grid may consider offering sponsorship. All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality, or ethnic origin.

National Grid operates in both the UK and US, with a broad portfolio of energy businesses dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and sustainable power.

From electricity and gas transmission to advancing clean energy and modernising grids, our work covers every aspect of the energy system.

Our energy flows through absolutely everything we do

Life here at National Grid is more than just our purpose or our values, it’s everything we put into everything we do. It’s our commitment to diversity and inclusion; how we help our employees learn and grow; and how we partner with and support the communities where we live and work. It’s all this, and so much more.

We leverage our collective strengths to do meaningful BIG work so that we can be at the heart of a fair and affordable energy future.

Your salary is reviewed each year against the market for your role, skills, knowledge and experience.

Incentive

Annual performance plan or bonus (depending on your role) rewards your contribution to our success each year.

Retirement

Generous pension plan with company contributions up to 12%.

Private medical insurance for self and family.