Operations Performance Manager

SONI; Belfast City District; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical cover

Pension matching

Flexible working

Job summary

SONI in Belfast is seeking an experienced Operations Performance Manager to lead a team of technical specialists, overseeing operational performance, system assurance and continuous improvement within the OCT programme.

You will collaborate with industry partners and internal teams to strengthen resilience, drive improvements and support the low-carbon transition while ensuring safe, reliable electricity supply for Northern Ireland. Hybrid work is available (3 days in office, 2 days remote).

Qualifications

• Degree qualification in Engineering or equivalent.
• Minimum of 8 years' experience within the electricity industry or a related critical infrastructure environment.
• Demonstrable experience in power system operations, operational engineering, generator performance or related technical discipline.

Responsibilities

• Lead the assessment, monitoring and assurance of power system, generator and customer performance.
• Oversee investigations into significant system events, disturbances and operational incidents.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance on operational performance and power system security.
• Coordinate technical analysis and modelling to support decision-making and security of supply.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with industry participants, customers and internal stakeholders.
• Manage and develop team members and foster a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement.

Skills

Power system operations

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Education

Engineering degree

Job description

Be part of the change. We are transforming the power system for future generations.

We aim to attract and develop outstanding talent. Join us to play a part in the future of energy in Northern Ireland.

12 Manse Rd, BT6 9RT, Belfast, County Antrim, United Kingdom

Role Title: Operations Performance Manager, Operations Continuity & Transformation (OCT)
Reports to: Head of Operations Compliance & Transformation
Location: Hybrid (3 days in office, 2 days remote)

Who We Are

SONI is Northern Ireland’s Transmission System Operator. We are the people behind Northern Ireland’s electricity grid. We make sure that every home, business, school, hospital, factory and farm has power - when and where they need it.
And that’s just the beginning of our story. We have a critical role to play in delivering a cleaner, cheaper more secure energy future for everyone living in Northern Ireland.
Our focus is on safety, security and reliability. Our work environment is challenging, fast-moving, collaborative and team orientated. Our culture is driven by continual development, knowledge and teamwork.
Our people are committed to reducing Northern Ireland’s reliance on fossil fuels and transforming the energy system to make decarbonisation a reality - while providing a safe and reliable electricity supply in a way that secures the future for those who follow us.
The work you will deliver with us here at SONI matters. Join a great and supportive team and be part of the transformation.

The Role

As Operations Performance Manager, you will play a key role in ensuring Northern Ireland's electricity system operates safely, securely and efficiently while supporting the transition to a cleaner energy future. Leading a team of technical specialists, you will oversee operational performance, system assurance and continuous improvement activities, working closely with industry partners, customers and internal teams to strengthen operational resilience, drive continuous improvement and support the evolving needs of a low-carbon electricity system.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the assessment, monitoring and assurance of power system, generator and customer performance to support the secure and reliable operation of the electricity system.
• Oversee investigations into significant system events, disturbances and operational incidents, identifying lessons learned and improvement actions.
• Provide technical leadership and expert guidance on operational performance, system behaviour and power system security matters.
• Undertake and coordinate technical analysis and modelling activities to support operational decision-making, future system capability and security of supply.
• Provide technical input to the development and evolution of protection, control and monitoring arrangements to support secure system operation.
• Provide technical guidance and support to generators, network owners and customers on operational performance and compliance requirements.
• Maintain and enhance operational performance reporting, assurance frameworks and governance arrangements.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with industry participants, customers and internal stakeholders.
• Manage and develop team members while fostering a culture of technical excellence, continuous improvement and operational learning.
• Contribute to wider Operations Continuity and Transformation activities as required.

Critical Knowledge, Skills and Experience: Essential

• Degree qualification in Engineering or equivalent
• Minimum of 8 years' experience within the electricity industry or a related critical infrastructure environment.
• Demonstrable experience in power system operations, operational engineering, generator performance, system performance analysis or a related technical discipline.
• Demonstrable experience leading and developing individuals and teams to deliver operational and strategic objectives.
• Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence across multiple levels of an organisation.
• Experience leading complex technical, operational or business improvement initiatives.
• Strong understanding of power system operations, operational security and electricity network behaviour, with the ability to apply this knowledge to operational decision-making and performance improvement.
• Experience building and managing effective stakeholder relationships.
• Ability to communicate complex technical issues clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Desirable

• Experience supporting the integration of new technologies, renewable generation or power system transformation initiatives.
• Experience of protection and control systems applied to the transmission network.
• Experience of operational assurance, event investigation or post-event review processes.

Why join us?

• Play a vital role in shaping sustainable energy projects that benefit communities and the environment.
• Enjoy a competitive salary, performance-related bonus, private medical cover, and pension matching.
• Benefit from flexible working arrangements, including hybrid options (3 days office / 2 days home).
• Enhanced holidays, maternity and paternity leave and wellbeing days.
• Access salary sacrifice schemes (such as cycle to work, EV scheme), free car parking, onsite EV charging and complimentary lunch.
• Access professional development opportunities and clear career progression pathways.
• We offer an inclusive culture that values diversity, supports flexible working and empowers you to grow. We know flexible working means different things to different people. Contact us if you’d like to talk about how this role could work for you.

Closing date for applications is 6 November 2026. SONI reserves the right to extend this deadline where necessary to maximise the applicant pool.

SONI is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to an inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are valued, and everyone can thrive. As a STEM organisation, we are continuing to strengthen gender diversity across our engineering and technology roles and welcome applications from women who want to build and apply their expertise to Northern Ireland’s energy system.

We have a duty to prevent illegal working and applicants must demonstrate they have a legal right to work in the UK. SONI is not providing sponsorship for this vacancy.

SONI Ltd is an equal opportunities employer and does not discriminate on the grounds of age, disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, race, religion or political beliefs.