Strategic Planning Officer - Scotland

National Energy System Operator Limited; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus based on company performance

26 days annual leave

Pension with company matching up to 12

NESO Savings Plan with 50% match

Job summary

National Energy System Operator Limited is seeking a Scotland RESP Strategic Lead to guide and deliver Scotland’s Regional Energy Strategic Plan as part of NESO’s UK-wide strategy. The role involves representing NESO at a strategic level and coordinating with government, networks and stakeholders to align energy planning with national ambitions.

You will design workshops, apply RESP methodologies in Scotland, and contribute technical expertise on the energy system interfaces, working within a

Qualifications

• Experience in and/or knowledge of the energy sector and communicating with stakeholders at various levels.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Knowledge of energy project development and the ‘whole energy’ system.
• Experience working with government/local authorities and/or energy distributors, ideally in Scotland.
• Ability to translate complex information into clear messaging for non-technical audiences.
• Strategic thinking with understanding of energy planning data and systems.
• Project coordination and planning skills to ensure deadlines and outputs are met.
• Willingness to train others and support team development.

Responsibilities

• Represent NESO’s national energy planning function at strategic level and deputise for the Scotland RESP manager.
• Engage with Scottish Government, local government, gas and electricity networks, and other stakeholders to gather views and ensure RESP delivers value.
• Design and deliver workshops with the Scotland RESP team for strategic boards and working groups.
• Implement relevant parts of the RESP methodology in Scotland and support continuous development.
• Contribute expertise on Scotland’s energy system interfaces with NESO and external stakeholders.
• Deliver work packages in a matrix structure to coordinate across NESO teams.
• Produce clear, concise reports and slide packs to progress the RESP and communicate key messages.
• Secure input from stakeholders per the prescribed methodology and propose changes where needed.

Skills

Energy sector experience

Stakeholder engagement

Interpersonal communication

Strategic thinking

Public sector exposure

Project management

Job description

About the Role

In April 2025 the National Energy System Operator (NESO) took on the exciting new role of being the UK’s Regional Energy Strategic Planner. We are responsible for developing 11 Regional Energy Strategic Plans (RESPs) across nine English regions, plus Scotland and Wales. https://www.neso.energy/what-we-do/strategic-planning/regional-energy-strategic-planning-resp Our Scotland team will work with other NESO teams and with organisations across Scotland, including the Scottish Government, local government and gas and electricity networks, in developing the RESP. The purpose of the Scotland Strategic Lead is to lead aspects of developing the Scotland RESP, as detailed in the Key Accountabilities below.

Key Accountabilities

To represent NESO’s national energy planning function at strategic level and deputise for the Scotland RESP manager.

To engage with specific Scottish stakeholders within the Scottish Government, local government, gas and electricity networks, other local actors and whole energy system stakeholders to understand their views and requirements to ensure that RESP delivers value.

To design and deliver workshops and engagement activity working with the strategic leads and Scotland RESP manager to deliver these to the Scotland RESP Strategic Board, working groups and other stakeholders.

To implement relevant parts of the RESP methodology in Scotland and support the Strategic Lead and Regional manager to contribute to continuous development and consultation.

To contribute expertise in specific aspects of Scotland’s energy system and the interfaces with both internal NESO and external stakeholders.

To deliver packages of work in a matrix style structure to ensure co‑ordination across other national/regional and hub RESP teams.

To produce and deliver clear, concise, short reports and slide packs in progressing the RESP. Ensure that the key messages are relevant, clear, and pitched appropriately for the audience.

To understand, engage and gain required and beneficial inputs from stakeholders in developing the RESP to the prescribed methodology; being able to clearly communicate and propose changes where needed to key assumptions.

To create new ways to analyse and present problems and potential solutions, building on the work and experience of others to quickly develop sufficient understanding of unfamiliar topics in developing the RESP.

This role will be based from our Glasgow office. Some travel will be expected (e.g., to NESO Warwick Office for team workshops or within Scotland to meet with key stakeholders). We are open to full time and part time applicants, as well as flexible working arrangements.

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

• Experience in and/or knowledge of the energy sector, experience of communicating with, internal and external stakeholders at a range of levels.


• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.


• Knowledge of energy project development and the ‘whole energy’ system – with experience in at least one of the energy vectors (gas and/or electricity networks, heat decarbonisation, hydrogen, transport decarbonisation, etc).


• Experience of working with or within government, local authorities and/or energy distribution companies, ideally in Scotland.


• Ability to translate complex and technical information into easily understandable messaging for non-technical audiences, in both reports and presentations.


• Knowledge and experience of strategic critical thinking with ability to consider strategic frameworks and concepts, and how changes to these will drive RESP design and implementation.


• An awareness of data and systems used in energy planning.


• Project management, coordination and planning skills to ensure that deadlines are met, governance is adhered to, stakeholders are effectively engaged and high quality process and outputs are achieved.


• A curious mind with the ability to join the dots and a willingness to learn about new areas of work.


• Training and development of the team will be a key priority as we set up RESP. Successful individuals may be asked to help train other team members and also have the opportunity to be trained on less familiar areas.

What You'll Get

A competitive salary of £50,000 - £60,000 dependent on experience and capability.

As 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.


• 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.

More Information

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. 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 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.