Whole Energy Systems Model Development Manager

National Grid; Warwick; Hybrid; GBP 64,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

A national energy operator based in the UK is looking for a Regional Energy Strategic Planner to lead a team in developing Regional Energy Strategic Plans. This role requires expertise in energy markets, project management, and stakeholder engagement. Candidates should have a background in modelling and analytics to enhance energy system optimization. The position offers a competitive salary alongside performance bonuses and generous benefits, promoting professional growth and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Bonus of up to 15%

28 days annual leave

Contributory pension scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in leading a technical team.
• Ability to communicate complex ideas to stakeholders.
• Experience managing projects at pace.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain models to inform RESP Pathways.
• Lead a small team for whole energy model optimization.
• Collaborate with external organizations for model delivery.

Skills

Experience in energy sector

Modelling and Analytics

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Background in Modelling, Analytics, Forecasting or Scenario Development

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.

The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has been given an exciting new role of Regional Energy Strategic Planner. We will be responsible for developing Regional Energy Strategic Plans (RESPs) for 11 nations and regions across Great Britain, empowered through recent Ofgem decisions and consultations. These RESPs will consist of four digital-enabled products: Nations and Regions Context, Strategic Investment Needs, National and Regional Pathways and Consistent Planning Assumptions (CPAs), and Spatial Context. The national and regional RESP teams will be supported by a Hub team providing strategic support, interfacing with national stakeholders and governance and providing services that are common to nations and regions and more effectively delivered centrally.

The purpose of this role is to create and lead a RESP Whole Energy Model Development Team. You will be accountable for owning the whole energy models and modelling capabilities that underpin RESP delivery, driving continuous improvement and best practice. You will be developing and maintaining models to inform RESP Pathways and Consistent Planning Assumptions (CPAs) development and responsible for developing and maintaining the models underpinning RESP whole energy system optimisation. You will work closely with the Pathways & CPAs team, running the models into this team and providing resources and capabilities to them.

You will manage a small, agile team but will be responsible for leading the relationship with external organisations involved in model delivery. You will also ensure that RESP’s approach is consistent with SEP and wider NESO approaches, including consistency with other NESO whole systems modelling capabilities.

This role can be based from Wokingham, Warwick, 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.

About us

The creation of National Energy System Operator (NESO) is driven by an urgent need to unify and optimise our approach to energy. A more integrated and coordinated strategy is needed to meet the unprecedented challenges of climate change, ensuring secure energy supply, and keeping costs manageable for consumers.

Join us and empower your potential, energise our team, and be part of something bigger.

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 (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.

NESO, 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.

Key Accountabilities

Modelling

• Develop and maintain models to inform RESP Pathways and CPAs development
• Responsible for developing and maintaining models underpinning RESP whole energy system optimisation
• Lead the production of RESP supply and demand pathways modelling
• Ensure modelling outputs align with RESP products and national and regional needs
• Drive the continuous improvement of the models considering new and improved processes and tools to ensure we continue to provide value to our customers and our business.

Technical Coordination

• Ensure our products are coherent with national plans and optimised cross‑vector through identification of opportunities for whole system optimisation and using modelling to make trade‑offs and find the optimal mix of electricity, gas, hydrogen and heat, considering generation, demand, storage and flexibility across all types.

Collaboration and Communication

• Lead and manage a newly formed team
• Collaborate with regional teams to support modelling consistency and quality
• Responsible for leading the relationship with external organisations involved in model delivery
• Lead coordination across SEP and NESO regarding model development, ensuring consistency with other NESO whole systems modelling capabilities
• Provide resources and capability to RESP product design and delivery
• Translate modelling outputs to share with product owners, regions and stakeholders
• Represent NESO at external governance and working group forums
• Manage resources and people effectively and proactively in line with budget, best practice and NESO frameworks and procedures

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 who:

• Experience within and knowledge of the energy sector, including across gas, electricity and hydrogen markets, with detailed understanding in at least one, and a good understanding of current and future global economic and market issues facing the industry
• A background in Modelling, Analytics, Forecasting or Scenario Development would be beneficial.
• Experience with leading a technical team, supporting team members and creating an inclusive and welcoming environment
• Experience of personally or leading others to deliver specialised operational research, statistical analysis and modelling; and understanding the impacts for gas, electricity and hydrogen ‘whole energy systems’
• Experience leading teams of internal experts and engaging with senior management across NESO to formulate innovative strategies/policy positions on output focussed work packages
• Ability to communicate thought leading, compelling and complex ideas and influence key senior internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to understand and communicate whole energy modelling
• Experience in developing strong working relationships across all levels of the organisation and with stakeholders (in particular, government and regulators), quickly and effectively.
• Experience in managing and delivering projects at pace

About what you’ll get

A competitive salary between £64,000 - £78,000 per annum – 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%.

As we work towards creating a cleaner, greener, and more affordable future for all, we also work towards creating a place for our teammates to belong, with professional and personal growth and positive well‑being.

• Full support and career‑development resources to expand your skills, enhance your expertise, and maximise your potential along your career journey.
• A diverse and inclusive community of belonging, where teammates are empowered to bring ideas to the table.
• Generous Total Rewards Plan – comprising of health, finance and wealth, work/life balance, and career benefits.

More information

This role closes on 18th December 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. Interviews will be taking place 7th,8th, 12th, 14th and 15th January 2026.

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.