Title:  Control Room Strategy Lead - NESO

About the role

National Energy System Operator’s (NESO) strength lies in our people. Together, we’re shaping the future where clean, affordable energy is accessible for all. Every day is an opportunity to make a real difference, accelerating the progress of sustainable GB energy, keeping people connected and society thriving as we create a brighter tomorrow.

The ENCC Future Design department is responsible for providing high quality technical assurance to changes impacting real-time operation of the GB Power System from NESOs Control Room (Electricity National Control Centre – ENCC). The Future Control Strategy workstream is a key deliverable of this department, focussing on how the roles, responsibilities and overall structure of the ENCC and supporting functions will need to change to meet the power system’s changing needs.

As a leading member of a small team dedicated to this workstream the successful candidate will utilise knowledge of control room environments, demonstrable strategic thinking and appropriate project management techniques to play a vital role in ensuring the ongoing evolution of NESOs real-time operations capabilities from a distinct people perspective. This evolution will enable us to keep GBs lights on safely and efficiently in a changing world.

This role is based from Wokingham 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

• To engage with continuous horizon scanning to identify relevant industry, or wider societal/ economic/ political changes.
• Lead the collection of data (and analysis to develop into information and insight) on the potential impact of these changes on real-time operations within the ENCC (and supporting functions),
• To propose, develop and implement the means of achieving the people capabilities the ENCC and supporting functions need to meet the challenges these changes pose,
• To ensure appropriate wide-spread engagement with these plans across key stakeholders both within the ENCC, wider System Operations and NESO as a whole.

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: 

• Knowledge of ENCC, or other similar Control Rooms, operations, structures, capabilities, strengths and weaknesses.
• Experience of using project management techniques (e.g. APM, PRINCE2, Agile) in different scenarios to positive effect.
• Ability to collate wide variety of views and feedback from varied stakeholders.
• Ability to consider future needs & opportunities for development beyond the status quo.
• Ability to deal with ambiguity, for example where requirements are not fully known and/ or understood, and ensuring a clear outcome is achieved by addressing the concerned area(s).

About what you’ll get

A competitive salary between £58,000 – £70,000 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 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 15/06/2025 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.