Title:  Energy Connection Policy Lead - NESO

About the role

The GB Connections process is undergoing significant transformation to enable the government’s Clean Power by 2030 target. In April 2024, Ofgem approved NESO’s Connections Reform policy proposals which will revolutionise how customers connect to the grid.

As an Energy Connection Policy Lead, you’ll be based within the Customer Connections Team that manages the connection of generation and demand to GB’s high voltage electricity network. You’ll therefore be at the forefront of accelerating the energy transition to net zero.

You will develop, champion and implement complex policies and electricity code changes that will impact the Customer Connections Team.

You’ll be responsible for managing relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, to understand challenges and drive changes to policies, codes and legislation.

Sitting between Strategy, Change Delivery, Operational Teams and IT, you’ll support team members with innovative thinking on how future policies and code changes can be implemented. You will also work with Network partners (Transmission & Distribution) and ensure NESO’s customers are engaged throughout the process.

While your contractual base will be our Warwick office, you can work from any NESO office, including our London location.

We offer hybrid working, with the flexibility to work from home for part of the week. However, there is an expectation to attend the office in person at least once a week.

We are open to full time and part time applicants, as well as flexible working arrangements.

Key accountabilities

As an Energy Connection Policy Lead, you will:

• Lead on identifying, developing and implementing the tactical nearer-term policy and code changes needed for the connections process. 
• Writing and presenting policy recommendations and briefing notes on connections complexities for senior decision-makers.
• Engage with external stakeholders (Ofgem, DESNZ, Transmission Owners) and internal NESO colleagues throughout the policy and code change process.
• Represent NESO externally as an expert at industry meetings, code panels, working groups and other externally facing events.
• Ensure awareness of political, economic and wider industry developments which may impact NESO and the Connections team, and brief others on these.
• You will be curious, proactive, able to join up the dots, with excellent problem-solving and presentation skills.

About you

We’re looking for someone energetic and passionate about driving the energy system transition and embedding innovation at the heart of NESO. In this case, we’re looking for:

Knowledge

• A basic understanding of the energy and/or electricity industry within GB.
• It would be desirable to also have:
• Good knowledge of the process by which major demand technologies connect to and make use of the National Electricity Transmission System (NETS)
• Knowledge of the electricity codes

Experience

• Expertise in policy development in a commercial or regulatory environment is necessary.
• Proven experience working across multifaceted, technical and complex projects (demand projects) and ensuring quality outcomes. Experience of this within the energy industry may be advantageous.
• Proven experience in understanding and analysing complex problems, process and information effectively, to produce clear outputs and articulate them to others.
• Experience in leading and facilitating others, at all levels, ensuring effective collaboration.
• Proven experience working with broad stakeholders types, internally and externally.

Our analysis shows that female applicants or applicants from diverse backgrounds are less likely to apply unless they meet all the criteria listed above. NESO wish to challenge that mindset as diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of who we are and what we do. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and they are central to our mission. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries and we are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that you require.

About what you'll get

A competitive salary between £60,000 -75,000– dependent on experience and capability.

As well as your base salary, you will receive 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

At National Energy System Operator (NESO), we’re aiming to operate a zero-carbon electricity system for Great Britain by 2030 when there is sufficient renewable generation. This means change is needed across the whole system to transition away from fossil fuels and deliver clean, and affordable energy for everyone across the country.

Join a journey that matters.

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 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 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 16th July 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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