Manager, Data Quality and Data Management - ESO

About the role

The UK has set out its ambition to be net zero by 2050 and the energy industry is responding – together we are building a cleaner, greener Britain.

As we move from the Electricity System Operator (ESO) to National Energy System Operator (NESO), we will have an exciting opportunity to consume new data types across the energy industry which is becoming more complex and is increasingly reliant on advanced analytics and data-driven insights to optimise outcomes for the UK’s energy consumers. 

Our Data Vision is to utilise the power of data and innovation, becoming a Digital Leader and driving collaborative digitalisation of the whole energy system with our Data Mission of providing internal and external stakeholders with trusted data, which is centrally held, easy to understand and integrated with our data products and services. Allowing our business and industry the means to innovate and exploit this data to create new tools and insights that will enable decarbonisation.

You will be part of the Data & AI function, reporting into the Senior Manager for Data Governance and Data Management. This role will be responsible for the mobilisation and implementation of data management capabilities including data catalogue, data quality, master & reference data management, etc. Your passion for data management and enthusiasm for improving quality will help create the foundations needed for NESO to build on and achieve our ambitious goals, ensuring we keep the lights on for Great Britain’s electricity consumers and forge the path to a sustainable future for everyone.

This role is based in Warwick, and we continue to offer hybrid working from office and home.

About us

At National Grid ESO, our mission is to meet the challenges of the future and deliver cleaner, affordable electricity. We constantly strive to do this better by using technology and innovation to transform the way we work.

Our mission is to facilitate the decarbonisation of Great Britain’s energy network and ensure the delivery of reliable, affordable, and green electricity for consumers. We work with stakeholders across the whole energy industry to plan for future network needs, using insight to make sure we can balance the system today and find opportunities to transform the way it operates tomorrow.

Becoming the National Energy System Operator
In Summer of 2024, the ESO will transition to becoming the National Energy System Operator, or NESO for short. Previously denoted as the Future System Operator (or FSO), the new National Energy System Operator will be 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, will be 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 will be 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 the ESO are today, 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.

Key Accountabilities

• Manage team of Data Management and Data Quality leads and analysts.
• Develop and implement robust data management frameworks to ensure the accuracy, consistency and integrity of data across NESO.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across the breadth of the ESO business to understand data requirements, ensuring data quality & governance standards are implemented.
• Define value-driven data strategies within business areas including Customer, HR and Finance.
• Mobilise and implement master & reference data strategies to provide value to the business.
• Identify areas for improvement in data processes and implement strategies to enhance overall data quality within the organization.
• Drive best practices for the data catalogue to promote common understanding of data across the business.
• Ensure compliance with Ofgem Data Best Practices and industry standards, staying informed about changes and proactively adapting data governance practices accordingly.
• Support the development of training & data literacy programs to educate staff on data quality and data management best practices.
• Define and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for data quality and governance, producing regular reports for stakeholders and senior management.

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:

• Evidence of strong team management and leadership experience, especially in periods of great change.
• Demonstrated experience in Data Quality, Data Governance and Data Management.
• Exceptional communication skills – ability to articulate data management concepts and requirements to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Expertise in defining, implementing and improving data management processes across large scale organisations.
• Keen problem solver to address the organisation’s data problems and continuously looking for ways to improve data processes and services.
• Ability to lead and inspire a team, fostering a culture of data excellence throughout the organisation.
• Ability to organise work based on business value - project management skills to effectively plan, execute and report to senior management on the progress, risk, and mitigation actions.
• Strong customer orientation.

Further desirable qualities include:

• Energy Industry Knowledge
• Expertise in Microsoft data management products including MS Purview
• Expertise in industry leading Data Quality tooling
• Formal certification in data management methodologies e.g. Certified Data Management Professional
   

Note, if you feel you meet some but not all of the requirements, we encourage you to apply. Our development capabilities can help fill potential gaps. 

What you'll get

A competitive salary between £56,000 – £80,000 – 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%. 
 
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

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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