Title:  Competition Policy Manager - NESO

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.
 

As the Competition Policy Manager, you will support the introduction of a major new competitive process to enable new parties to design, build and own transmission asset. Primarily the role will involve understanding policy matters related to all forms of competition, initially focusing on early competition related to network transmission infrastructure. It Is also likely that you will need to work with experts from external consultants, specialising in particular elements of the process, and with the existing transmission and distribution network owners.
 

The role may also involve supporting other parts of the business, such as the network planning processes to help us find the most practical ways to meet Net Zero.
 

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

Key accountabilities

Competition Policy: 

• Being an advocate for competition and the subject matter expert for NESO on competition.
• Ofgem are considering introducing early competition Offshore. NESO needs to understand Ofgem’s policies in this area and this role will be crucial to gaining that understanding.
• Understanding the current model of early competition for onshore network transmission and the application of Ofgem’s policy will be essential. There is also the potential for Ofgem to consider other forms of competition and this role will be required to lead on these discussions e.g. planning of Offshore wet project.
• Helping set the strategic direction on the overall use of competition onshore beyond launching the first competition.

 On a day to day basis.

• Helping the project team and internal teams to understand and interpret policy related to competition. 
• Influencing and reviewing competition policy for transmission infrastructure for the enduring process.
• Assisting tendering for, and managing, external consultants to deliver specific pieces of work related to the planning or development of https://www.nationalgrideso.com/future-energy/projects/early-competition
• Engaging with existing transmission and distribution network owners to use their expertise in understand existing network planning and delivery processes.
• Engaging with other external stakeholders to understand their requirements and communicate NESO’s position.
• Working closely with Ofgem and government to ensure NESO meets their needs.
• Advising how NESO could further grow its capabilities in this field and driving that forward.
• Considering the policy requirement on the following, transitional Centralised Strategic Network Plan (CSNP) 2 Refresh, the enduring CSNP, including both project identification processes and getting a wider breadth of solutions for the CSNP.
• Reflecting on policy and the processes that interact with other key NESO strategies i.e.  the Strategic Spatial Energy Plan, CSNP, REMA, Connection Reform etc
• Being proactive in reviewing the codes in order to consider further code changes. 
• Considering the impact on CATOs of any new code changes that are proposed.
• Developing change control processes that align with that designed for the enduring process
• May include managing staff in due course.
   

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 has the following attributes:

• Passionate about introducing competition for energy infrastructure projects.
• Experience of codes and link to the application of policy in relation to transmission and link to the application of policy.
• An understanding of the code obligation(s) such that they can be explained to the parties e.g. prospective bidders so that they understand what it means in practice.
• Given the above the individual will need to have effective communications skills to influence and engage with Ofgem and government.
• An enquiring mind, as there is experience of competition in other countries that NESO could learn from, in adopting and driving competition.

About what you'll get

A competitive salary between £65,000 - £70,000pa – 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

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 (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.  

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 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

This role closes on 06/02/2025 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.
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