Senior Connections Strategy Lead

National Energy System Operator Limited; Warwick; Hybrid; GBP 64,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus based on company performance

26 days annual leave

Pension with 12% company match

NESO Savings Plan with 50% matching

Flexible benefits package

Job summary

National Energy System Operator (NESO) seeks aConnections Senior Strategy Lead to drive reform in the connections process from a distribution perspective. Based in Warwick, the role offers hybrid working from office and home and accepts full-time or part-time applicants.

The role forms part of NESO's Connections Strategy Team, delivering actions to support Clean Power 2030 and the GB grid transition toward a zero-carbon future.

Qualifications

• Ability to analyse and present complex issues to senior management.

Responsibilities

• Shape the future connection process and support NESO's ambition.
• Lead on planning, coordinating, and implementing tactical changes in a distribution context.
• Identify gaps and actions to resolve; develop and manage plans and briefing notes for senior decision-makers.
• Engage internal and external stakeholders to align on actions and deliverables.

Skills

Analytical skills

Leadership

Contract management

Communication

Relationship building

Problem solving

GB electricity system

Distribution networks

Job description

About the Role

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. We are a relatively new team that develops our connection strategy from a distribution perspective. The current focus is the implementation of connections reform and Clean Power 2030 and the enhancement of the transmission/distribution interface. We work closely with the DNOs through the ENA, and internal stakeholders to implement our connection reform plans. We identify where our implementation plans are at risk and identify actions to resolve these risks. We will help deliver these actions. A critical part of our work will be to engage internally and externally to ensure alignment and support across industry, DNOs and the NESO with the actions we will look to implement. While we have come along way towards developing a reformed connection process, there is still plenty more to do and this team is at the heart of delivering that ambition. This role is initially a 12 month fixed term contract. You will be based within the Connections Strategy Team at NESO that manages the connection of generation and demand to Great Britain’s high voltage electricity network. You’ll therefore be at the forefront of helping Great Britain transition rapidly towards a zero carbon future that can deliver our climate change goals. This role is based from 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

This is an evolving role as there is so much to do. This role is something that you will help shape as we better understand what the future connection process will look like and how we can best contribute to supporting that ambition. You will be curious, intelligent, be able to join up the dots, a self starter, understand the connections impact, have good stakeholders skills and able to think strategically. As a Connections Senior Strategy Lead you will help implement connections reform and Clean Power 2030 from a distribution perspective. Develop the transmission/distribution interface to ensure it delivers the required improvements, identifying and resolving any issues that come up. Work closely with internal and external stakeholders, while you lead on planning, coordinating and implementing these tactical changes. Identify future gaps, identify the actions needed to resolve, develop and manage the plans, deliver papers and briefing notes for senior decision-makers. 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

• Ability to analyse, and present complex issues and understand the impact on the connections process, the electricity system and the industry with a strong record of communicating these to internal senior management.
• Experience motivating, leading, and / or establishing business l process improvements in a fast-paced, forward-thinking innovative environment whilst ensuring the best use of available talent and capacity.
• Experience in a complex customer focussed environment, preferable within regulated business, which include management of commercial contracts, change management, dispute resolution.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to communicate information in a way non-experts can understand.
• Proven ability to build high quality relationships both internally and externally and using those to achieve the required outcomes.
• Proactive and positive can-do attitude and growth mindset with an ability to solve problems, manage uncertainty, identifying/resolving issues as they come up.
• Knowledge of the GB electricity system.
• Understanding of distribution networks is beneficial.

What You'll Get

A competitive salary of £64,000 - £70,000pa dependent on experience and capabilityAs well as your base salary, NESO's core benefits are the essential perks and advantages that form part of your employee package.

• You will receive a bonus based on company performance
• 26 days annual leave as standard
• A competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%.
• Annual Enrollment to NESO Savings Plan, when you save between £20- £500 a month from your take-home pay, we will pay a 50% matching contribution.

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. At the National Energy System Operator (NESO), we play a vital role in tackling climate change and securing Great Britains'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 actin 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