Policy & Strategy Manager

National Energy System Operator (NESO); Warwick; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 15% performance bonus

28 days annual leave

Pension with up to 12% employer match

Flexible benefits programme

Birthday off

Cycle to Work

Private Medical Insurance

Critical Illness Insurance

Personal Accident Insurance

Job summary

National Energy System Operator (NESO) seeks a strategic, collaborative leader to shape policy for the Capacity Market and Contracts for Difference. You will translate complex policy into actionable guidance, influence senior stakeholders and lead a high-performing Strategy and Policy team based in Warwick with hybrid working options.

The role requires clear communication, cross-government collaboration, and the ability to deliver advice that balances ambition with delivery realities.

Qualifications

• Leading Strategy or Policy development in a complex, regulated environment.
• Interpreting legislation, regulation and technical evidence and turning them into clear advice, options and recommendations.
• Influencing senior stakeholders and building effective relationships across government, regulators, industry and multidisciplinary teams.
• Leading and developing people, setting direction and delivering through competing priorities and uncertainty.
• Producing high-quality written briefings, consultation responses and governance papers for senior audiences.
• Using analysis, judgement and structured problem-solving to make proportionate decisions and manage risk.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of an integrated EMR Strategy and Policy framework aligned with NESO's statutory duties and market objectives.
• Lead analysis of emerging policy, legislation and regulatory change, identifying implications, dependencies, risks and opportunities.
• Provide clear, evidence-based advice to senior leaders and governance forums.
• Shape NESO policy positions, consultations and submissions ensuring coherence and deliverability.
• Build relationships with DESNZ, Ofgem and industry, supporting policy development and implementation.
• Translate policy into implementation plans with delivery, legal, commercial and communications teams.
• Manage a prioritised portfolio of Strategy and Policy work with governance and escalation of issues.
• Promote knowledge management and data-driven insights across CM and CfD activities.

Skills

Strategy leadership

Policy development

Regulatory interpretation

Stakeholder management

People management

Written briefing

Analytical thinking

Job description

About the Role

Great Britain's electricity system is undergoing an ambitious and vital transformation. Together with industry, we are creating a cleaner, greener system that serves consumers now and for generations to come.
This is an opportunity to join NESO's Capacity Market and Contracts for Difference (CM and CfD) team within Markets and shape the Strategy and Policy that underpins the Capacity Market and Contracts for Difference schemes.
You will lead the development of evidence-based positions, translate complex policy and regulatory change into clear organisational implications, and advise senior leaders on risks, opportunities and delivery choices.
Working across NESO and with DESNZ, Ofgem, Delivery Partners and industry, you will build alignment, influence outcomes and ensure policy is practical, coherent and deliverable.
The role combines strategic thinking, policy leadership, stakeholder influence and people management, helping NESO fulfil its Delivery Body responsibilities and support secure, affordable and decarbonised electricity markets.
This role is based at our Warwick office. We offer hybrid working with office attendance shaped by personal and business needs.

Key Accountabilities

• Lead, motivate and develop a high-performing Strategy and Policy team, creating clear priorities, accountability and an inclusive culture.
• Act as an active member of the Delivery Body and Markets leadership community, contributing to directorate priorities and effective cross-functional delivery.

Lead the team and work with colleagues across NESO to:

• Develop and maintain an integrated EMR Strategy and Policy framework aligned with NESO's statutory duties, corporate strategy and market objectives.
• Lead analysis of emerging government policy, legislation and regulatory change, identifying implications, dependencies, risks and opportunities for NESO and market participants.
• Provide clear, evidence-based advice and recommendations to senior leaders, governance forums and decision-makers.
• Shape and coordinate NESO policy positions, consultation responses, briefings and submissions, ensuring they are coherent, well-evidenced and deliverable.
• Build trusted relationships with DESNZ, Ofgem, delivery partners and industry, representing NESO credibly and influencing policy development and implementation.
• Translate agreed policy into clear requirements and implementation plans, working with delivery, digital, legal, commercial, operational and communications teams.
• Oversee a prioritised portfolio of Strategy and Policy work, managing interdependencies, resources, quality, governance and timely escalation of material issues.
• Promote continuous improvement, strong knowledge management and effective use of data and insight across CM and CfD Strategy and Policy and wider department activity.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK by the start of employment. Visa sponsorship may not be available for this role and will be considered in line with business requirements.

About You

We are looking for a strategic, collaborative leader who can bring clarity to complex issues, balance policy ambition with delivery realities and communicate confidently with senior and external stakeholders.

You will have experience of:

• Leading Strategy or Policy development in a complex, regulated environment.
• Interpreting legislation, regulation and technical evidence and turning them into clear advice, options and recommendations.
• Influencing senior stakeholders and building effective relationships across government, regulators, industry and multidisciplinary teams.
• Leading and developing people, setting direction and delivering through competing priorities and uncertainty.
• Producing high-quality written briefings, consultation responses and governance papers for senior audiences.
• Using analysis, judgement and structured problem-solving to make proportionate decisions and manage risk.

Knowledge of Great Britain's electricity market, Electricity Market Reform, the Capacity Market or Contracts for Difference would be advantageous. Strong candidates from other regulated sectors with demonstrable policy leadership experience are also encouraged to apply.

What You'll Get

A competitive salary of £70,000 - £80,000pa dependent on experience and capabilityAs 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%.

NESO's flexible benefits programme provides you with more flexibility around your health, lifestyle and protection benefits, here's just a few available:

• Flexible Bank Holidays & Holiday Trading
• Additional Birthday Day Off
• Cycle to Work Scheme, Retail & Gym Discounts
• Private Medical Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance & Personal Accident Insurance

About Us

At the National Energy System Operator (NESO), we play a vital role in tackling climate change and securing Great Britain's energy future. We already operate the world's fastest decarbonising electricity system and are working towards our ambition to run it carbon-free for a short period this year - provided the market supplies electricity exclusively from renewable sources. Alongside this, we provide expert advice to government on how to deliver a clean power system by 2030.

In autumn 2024, the Electricity System Operator (ESO) transitioned to become NESO - an independent, expert public corporation with a whole-system view across electricity, gas, and hydrogen. NESO operates independently and transparently, always acting in the best interests of all energy users.

Licensed and regulated by Ofgem, we make impartial decisions that balance sustainability, affordability and security. Our organisation is fully independent from government, the regulator and all commercial interests, with a clear focus on system-wide benefit, long term thing and public value.

The time to deliver is now. Join the energy transformation and help shape the future.
Your energy. Our future. Together

National Energy System Operator (NESO) recognises the potential of bright and talented individuals, and we encourage you to join us as Great Britain's energy system undergoes an ambitious, exciting, and vital transformation. Together with industry, we are creating a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

More Information

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

Research shows that some people may hesitate to apply unless they meet every single requirement. At NESO, we believe potential comes in many forms and we're committed to a fair, inclusive recruitment

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. If this role sparks your interest but you're not sure you tick every box, we still want to hear from you. process where everyone has the opportunity to show their talents. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds.