Performance and Evaluation Manager - NESO

National Grid; Warwick; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy organization in the UK is looking for an Impact, Performance and Evaluation Manager to enhance decision-making and performance analysis. In this role based in Warwick, you will lead appraisal frameworks, integrate performance data into strategy, and ensure the organization’s accountability and governance. The position offers a competitive salary between £65,000 - £75,000pa and benefits like a 15% performance bonus and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Bonus up to 15%

28 days annual leave

Contributory pension scheme

Qualifications

• Strong background in economic appraisal, evaluation, or policy analysis.
• Proven ability to design and deliver appraisal and evaluation frameworks.
• Experience integrating monitoring and performance data into decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and delivery of NESO’s Appraisal, Monitoring and Evaluation Framework.
• Ensure value appraisal of major programmes and investments.
• Integrate performance monitoring within NESO's management systems.

Skills

Economic appraisal

Evaluation

Policy analysis

Communication skills

Collaboration

Job description

About the role

National Energy System Operator’s (NESO) strength lies in our people. Together, we’re shaping the future where clean, affordable energy is accessible for all. Every day is an opportunity to make a real difference, accelerating the progress of sustainable GB energy, keeping people connected and society thriving as we create a brighter tomorrow.

Reporting to the Head of Performance and Planning, the Impact, Performance and Evaluation Manager acts as NESO’s strategic impact advisor, embedding a culture of evidence-based decision‑making, learning, and performance accountability. The role combines economic appraisal, impact evaluation, and strategic performance analysis to support NESO’s business planning, governance, and value‑for‑money frameworks.

This role can be based Warwick, and we continue to offer hybrid working from office and home. We are open to full time and part time applicants, as well as flexible working arrangements.

Key accountabilities

• Strategic Impact and Analysis Stewardship: Leading, supporting and managing the design and delivery of NESO’s Appraisal, Monitoring and Evaluation Framework, ensuring consistency with corporate strategy, regulatory obligations, and business plan commitments.
• Appraisal and Investment Insight: Leading and supporting the value appraisal of major programmes and investments, ensuring strict alignment with HMT Green Book and Ofgem guidance. Providing independent challenge and assurance on the value‑for‑money and strategic fit of business cases and investment proposals. Collaborating extensively across NESO to ensure appraisal evidence informs decision‑making from early concept through to implementation. Integrating the Appraisal, Monitoring, and Evaluation Framework with BAU processes to ensure seamless implementation and continuous improvement as we roll out the framework.
• Monitoring and Performance Intelligence: Integrating impact monitoring within NESO’s performance management systems, ensuring that data supports learning, governance, and course correction. Partner with Finance, Strategy, Risk and other NESO functions to track delivery of business plan investments and the overall programme portfolio. Ensuring NESO’s performance reporting provides clear line‑of‑sight between inputs, outputs, and outcomes. Providing evidence and insight to support regulatory submissions, strategy refreshes, and board assurance.
• Evaluation Excellence: Designing and overseeing impact evaluations of key NESO programmes and projects. Applying robust evaluation methodologies to understand what works and why. Building NESO’s internal capability for evaluation, acting as a mentor, reviewer, and quality assurer of evaluation studies and performance evidence. Commissioning and managing external evaluation partners where appropriate, ensuring high analytical standards and practical insights for decision‑makers.
• Thought Leadership: Championing NESO’s approach towards impact, evaluation, and value‑for‑money, positioning the organisation as a leader performance monitoring and impact assessment. Collaborating with academia, regulators, and policy institutions to advance evaluation and appraisal practice. Building NESO’s internal and external reputation as a trusted, transparent, and learning organisation.

About you

We’re forging the path, and we know we can’t do it alone. That’s why we need visionary minds like yours to join us on this transformative journey. In this case, we’re looking for someone who has/is:

• A strong background in economic appraisal, evaluation, or policy analysis - ideally within public sector, infrastructure, or regulated environments.
• Proven ability to design and deliver appraisal and evaluation frameworks in line with HMT Green Book and Magenta Book guidance.
• Experience integrating monitoring and performance data into strategic decision‑making and business planning.
• Excellent communication skills, able to turn complex analysis into clear, compelling strategic insight.
• Collaborative and influential approach, building trust and capability across teams.
• A commitment to developing NESO as a learning, high‑performing organisation grounded in evidence and impact.

About what you'll get

A competitive salary between £65,000 - £75,000pa – dependent on experience and capability.

As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus of up to 15% of your salary for stretch performance, 28 days annual leave as standard, 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 comprehensive benefits package tailored to support your well‑being and professional success. From a competitive salary to flexible work arrangements, we promote your work‑life balance. Enjoy fit‑for‑purpose wellbeing and lifestyle offerings, ongoing skill development aligned to our Purpose and Values, and be part of a supportive community that values your individuality and where you can belong.

About us

National Energy System Operator (NESO) has a key role to play in tackling climate change by transitioning GB’s electricity system to net zero. We already operate the fastest decarbonising electricity system in the world, with an ambition for zero‑carbon power operation by 2030 when there is sufficient renewable generation. We are also providing advice to the Government on achieving a decarbonised power system by 2030.

So, join the energy transformation and help shape the future.

Your energy, our future, together.

About the National Energy System Operator (NESO)

In Autumn of 2024, the ESO transitioned to National Energy System Operator, or NESO for short. Previously denoted as the Future System Operator (FSO), the new National Energy System Operator is the independent body responsible for planning Great Britain’s electricity and gas networks and operating the electricity system.

NESO, including all of its existing roles, are now at the heart of the new National Energy System Operator. As NESO, we will build on our existing roles, capabilities, and ways of working significantly to create an organisation that meets the energy system and its users’ needs. Our new capabilities will enable us to look across vectors, including electricity, natural gas and hydrogen, and crucially consider the trade‑offs between them.

The organisation is set up as a public corporation with its own Board of independent directors, with complete operational independence from government, the regulator and any and all commercial interest. As was the ESO, NESO will be licenced and regulated by Ofgem through price‑control agreements and obligated to identify optimal solutions to system operations and planning in the most sustainable, affordable and secure way for all.

The time to deliver is now. As part of our team, you won’t just be touching the lives of almost everyone in Great Britain – you’ll be shaping the way we use and consume energy for generations to come.

More information

This role closes on 10/12/2025 at 23:59, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary.

We work towards the highest standards in everything we do, including how we support, value and develop our people. Our aim is to encourage and support employees to thrive and be the best they can be. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office.

We're 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.

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