Security Consultant - NESO

National Grid; Wokingham; Hybrid; GBP 53,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job description

About the Role

NESO (National Energy System Operator) is on a digital and transformative journey. We are transforming the way that we operate and are in the process of adopting a customer-centric product model, shifting our culture to one that is open, innovative, and team-driven and deploying market leading and first-in-the world technologies to achieve net-zero operability by 2025.

The Cyber Security Consultant will work closely with the Head of Security Business Enablement and IT projects to translate the goals and policies of the centralised security function into business deliverables and provide vital business insight.

As Cyber Security Consultant, you will work closely with business stakeholders to understand their business model and roadmap for technology, acting as an interface between the business and the cyber security organisation.

Management of relationships with the business is key to delivering our cybersecurity strategy. Whether it be implementing new solutions, driving operational effectiveness and efficiency, or providing guidance back to further enhance our strategy, the Cyber Security Consultant provides the engagement and builds stakeholder relationships to enable the security organisation to deliver maximum value to NESO.

The role will ensure the secure design and secure implementation of technology solutions, platforms, and infrastructure.

This role can be based from Wokingham or Warwick, and we continue to offer hybrid working from office and home.

Key Accountabilities

• Day to day engagement with project and IT teams to advise and consult on security matters
• Act as a trusted advisor to IT programmes for security related matters
• Coordination of technical design/review activities with various segments within the security team
• Responsible for ensuring that key risks and issues are identified, addressed, and resolved in a manner that satisfies the business

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 with:

• Solid understanding of IT services across both cloud and on-premises gained through experience or knowledge
• Solid understanding of security principles gained through experience or knowledge and how to apply them in an IT context
• Understanding of:
• Security services across the administrative and technical suite
• Malware defences
• Network security services - Firewalls, IDS, IPS, Proxy, VPN etc.
• Techniques used to harden operating environments including Windows, Linux, and Oracle
• Risk management techniques
• Experience in integrating IT Services with Security services e.g. Vulnerability scanning, SIEM
• Knowledge of the Networks and Information Systems Regulations 2018 (NIS-R)
• Strong written and spoken communication
• Prepared to challenge and have the difficult conversations where needed in the interests of NESO
• Able to operate as efficiently as an independent worker and as part of a team
• Preferably somebody who has done hands on IT in the past and understands the pragmatic approach sometimes required
• Prior Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) or utilities industry experience an advantage but not essential
• IT based higher education an advantage but not essential

About What You'll Get

A competitive salary from £53000 to £64000 - dependent on experience and capability.

As well as your base salary, you will be eligible for a bonus based on company performance, 26 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

Traditionally, Britain's energy system has been split into two areas - gas and electricity - but to ensure that Britain's energy system is secure and affordable there needs to be co-ordination across the whole energy system, with one single entity responsible for translating policy into immediate strategy. National Energy System Operator (NESO) will bring unparalleled change.

Forge a path to a sustainable future for everyone.
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 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

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.

#LI-HYBRID
#LI-BO1