Technical Specialist: Electricity Distribution - ESO

About the role

If you are passionate about net zero, enthusiastic about making a real difference to society and enjoy working in a talented and collaborative environment then please consider applying for a role with the Electricity System Operator (ESO) as it transforms to become the National Energy System Operator (NESO) for GB. NESO is an independent and expert whole energy organisation on a mission to accelerate our energy transition.  

The Resilience and Emergency Management (REM) role will be a significant and core activity within NESO. It will be focused on understanding and planning system resilience across electricity and gas and the interactions between them. The key purpose of this will be to provide whole system coordination and analysis, allowing delivery of independent, expert advice and information to government and the regulator, alongside strategic coordination and preparation for emergencies across energy vectors. Deliverables of this role are intended to be scaled up over time, and successful candidates will help to shape what the Resilience and Emergency Management Directorate will deliver.

Within REM we are looking to build a hub of technical expertise, with deep knowledge across energy vectors, that will then support across the breadth of REM activities. The goal of this team is to ensure robust technical underpinning and competence contribute to the functions’ thought leadership and delivery of key outputs. The transformation to NESO will include changes to our position in industry and our interactions with government, the regulator, and wider industry participants. Building specific technical expertise will be critical to demonstrating NESO’s capability and credibility as an independent, expert organisation delivering a function that doesn’t exist today.

This role can be based from Wokingham, Warwick or 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

As Great Britain’s electricity system operator (ESO), we sit at the heart of the electricity system, using our outstanding engineering and commercial expertise to balance electricity supply and demand. Ultimately, we keep the electricity flowing directly to where it’s needed, second by second.

Becoming the National Energy System Operator

As you may have seen the Government and Ofgem have asked the ESO to take on new roles and responsibilities

Becoming NESO is a critical step to help deliver a reliable and clean energy transition for all. The ESO, including all of its existing roles, will be at the heart of the new National Energy System Operator, taking on additional roles with a whole energy system mindset to drive progress towards net zero while maintaining energy security and minimising costs for consumers.

The new organisation will be set up as a public corporation with operational independence from government – bringing parties together to support optimised decision making and action. As now, it will be licenced and regulated by Ofgem through price control agreements. It is anticipated that the new organisation will be up and running by or in 2024. 

The time to act on climate change 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

• Support the delivery of key REM initiatives through the provision of deep technical subject matter expertise in electricity distribution in the UK.
• A successful applicant will be acting as a subject matter lead across REM in electricity distribution, and be able to credibly interact with both working level and senior internal and external stakeholders.
• The ability to translate subject matter expertise in electricity distribution into critical questions and problem solving across the whole energy sector in order to drive improvements and assess risk.
• Enable the upskilling of existing, wider ESO teams in delivering a whole energy system approach to energy resilience by bringing electricity distribution expertise to organisational thinking.
• Strong working knowledge of electricity distribution network assets, operations and emergency response activities.

About you

What we do isn’t just important – it’s essential. That’s why we look to recruit experts in their field. In this case, we’re looking for someone who:

• Deep subject matter expertise in a specific area or capability in the energy sector (see above). Across the team we will look to build a blend of expertise across these areas to ensure that REM outputs reflect the wider remit of NESO, and long term move towards whole energy
• Ability to channel knowledge and expertise into the demands of individual project goals, and acknowledge other vectors or parameters where relevant
• Ability to assemble complex ideas, issues, and observations into clear and simple explanations.
• Strong communication and stakeholder skills - ability to communicate effectively within the organisation and with government and regulators, other external bodies, and potential partners.

What you'll get

A competitive salary up to £70,000pa – dependent on 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%.

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 the 9th May 2024 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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