Principal Engineer - M365 - NESO

National Grid; Wokingham; Hybrid; GBP 63,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy company in the UK seeks an M365 Principal Engineer to manage the Microsoft 365 platform. Responsibilities include overseeing M365 services such as Exchange Online and SharePoint, developing strategic roadmaps, and enhancing user adoption. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in Microsoft 365, strong problem-solving skills, and excellent communication abilities. This role offers a competitive salary of up to £75,000 and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Bonus up to 15%

28 days annual leave

Contributory pension scheme

Wellbeing and lifestyle benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in managing Microsoft 365 environments.
• Strong expertise in Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, and Teams.
• Proven track record of developing strategic technology roadmaps.
• Excellent problem-solving skills to handle complex technical challenges.
• Strong communication skills for effective teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the administration and management of the M365 platform.
• Develop and execute the M365 roadmap aligning with business needs.
• Provide expert consultancy to internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate M365 solutions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives for M365 services.

Skills

Microsoft 365 management

Exchange Online expertise

SharePoint Online proficiency

Team collaboration

Agile methodologies

Interpersonal communication

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in IT or related field

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

About the Role

The M365 Principal Engineer is a pivotal role responsible for managing and optimising the Microsoft 365 platform within the organisation's IT Support function. This position involves overseeing the administration of services like Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, and Teams to ensure their security, availability, and performance.

Key responsibilities include developing and executing a strategic M365 roadmap, providing expert consultancy to stakeholders, and leading continuous improvement initiatives. The role requires strong collaboration with cross‑functional teams to integrate M365 solutions and promote a digital‑first mindset.

By employing agile methodologies, the M365 Principal Engineer drives digital transformation, enhances user adoption, and delivers innovative solutions that align with business goals. This role is crucial in ensuring the organisation remains at the forefront of technological advancements and operational efficiency.

Research shows that some people may hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. At NESO, we believe potential comes in many forms and we’re committed to a fair, inclusive recruitment process where everyone can show their talents. We celebrate the difference that people bring to our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds to build a workforce that feels valued and respected and represents the communities we serve. If this role sparks your interest but you’re not sure you tick every box, we still want to hear from you.

This role can be based from Wokingham, Warwick or Glasgow, 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

Platform Management

• Oversee the administration and management of the M365 platform, including Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, Teams, and other related services.
• Ensure the security, availability, and performance of the M365 environment.

Roadmap Development

• Lead the development and execution of the M365 roadmap, aligning with business needs and technological advancements.
• Identify opportunities for platform enhancements and drive the implementation of new features and capabilities.

Consultancy and Support

• Provide expert consultancy to internal stakeholders on M365 best practices and solutions.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for escalated support issues, ensuring timely resolution.

Collaboration and Training

• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to integrate M365 solutions with other business applications.
• Develop and deliver training sessions to enhance user adoption and proficiency with M365 tools.

Continuous Improvement

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimise the use of M365 services.
• Stay updated with the latest M365 developments and industry trends to ensure the organisation remains at the forefront of digital innovation.

Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain comprehensive documentation of the M365 environment, including configurations, processes, and procedures.
• Generate and present reports on platform performance, usage, and improvement opportunities to senior management.

About You

We are seeking a highly skilled M365 Principal Engineer to join our M365 platform support team. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing and supporting the Microsoft 365 (M365) platform, ensuring its optimal performance, security, and alignment with our organisational goals. This role involves leading the development of the M365 roadmap, providing expert consultancy, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Extensive experience in managing and supporting Microsoft 365 environments.
• Strong expertise in Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, Teams, and other M365 services.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing strategic technology roadmaps.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to handle complex technical challenges.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams.
• Microsoft certifications (e.g., Microsoft 365 Certified: Enterprise Administrator Expert) are highly desirable.

About What You'll Get

A competitive salary up to £75,000 – 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

At National Energy System Operator (NESO), we’re aiming to operate a zero‑carbon electricity system for Great Britain by 2030 when there is sufficient renewable generation. This means change is needed across the whole system to transition away from fossil fuels and deliver clean, and affordable energy for everyone across the country.

Join a journey that matters.

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 (or 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.

The ESO, 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 the energy system and its users’ need. 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 licensed 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 26/11/2025 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.