Title:  Programme Manager (Major Projects) - 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 the industry, we are creating a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

Do you have a passion for driving large-scale change and delivering impactful results?

We are looking for Programme Managers who are strategic thinkers and problem solvers, who are inspired by complex challenges and ready to bring their expertise to a dynamic and collaborative environment.

This is an exceptional opportunity to shape critical programmes, influence strategic outcomes, and work across a diverse portfolio of projects that matter. Your strong leadership skills, problem-solving abilities, and comfort navigating ambiguity will be highly valued as you empower teams and deliver sustainable solutions within NESO’s transformative landscape.

As part of our Programme Delivery team in the Transformation and Major Projects directorate you will integrate into a flexible, central pool of senior Programme and Project specialists. You’ll be deployed across key initiatives within the NESO portfolio, supporting their initiation or guiding them back on track over 6 to 9-month assignments. While the specifics may vary, your core responsibilities will include overseeing planning, risk management, dependencies, and reporting—all with an emphasis on high standards and strategic alignment under the guidance of a dedicated SME.

This role can be based in Wokingham, Warwick, Glasgow or Cardiff, and we continue to offer hybrid working from the office and home. We are open to full time and part time applicants, as well as flexible working arrangements.

You will be expected to spend one day per week at your allocated office location, with support needed at specific times and places depending on programme requirements

Key accountabilities

Further key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Develop and maintain the Programme Plan, providing regular progress updates
• Lead the governance process, ensuring high-quality reporting and decision-making materials
• Oversee the programme’s budget, monitoring costs and benefits
• Effectively allocate resources and skills across workstreams
• Manage key risks, issues, dependencies, and stakeholder communications
• Ensure successful delivery of projects and business change, meeting time, quality, and budget standards
• Oversee the engagement with third-party partners and escalation processes when necessary

About you

We are seeking experienced programme managers who have a track record of successfully managing complex programs and are adaptable to new challenges and environments. We value diverse experiences and encourage candidates from various industries to apply.

Although energy background is not essential, programme management experience in that area, regulatory, process change etc will be beneficial.

You bring:

• Ability to deliver large-scale, transformational programmes in fast-paced, operational environments.
• Extensive experience in strategic change delivery
• Strong leadership and stakeholder engagement skills
• Deep knowledge of planning, monitoring, and control techniques
• Expertise in budgeting and resource management
• Ability to effectively communicate with and influence stakeholders at all levels
• Motivation to create meaningful impact and excel in shaping the future through high-impact programmes.
• Experience with waterfall or agile methodologies is preferred, but we value candidates with a flexible approach to project management and a willingness to learn new methods.

If you are ready to apply your experience at a high level and make a tangible impact on critical projects, we invite you to become part of our innovative and inclusive team.

About what'll get

A competitive salary between £70.000-£92,000– dependent on capability.

As well as your base salary, you will receive a car benefit allowance, a bonus of up to 20% of your salary for stretch performance, private medical insurance, 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.

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 26th May 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.