NIA Portfolio Lead - 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 NIA Portfolio Lead, you are instrumental to our journey towards Net Zero. You will work across the ESO, and with external partners and stakeholders, to ensure that we are delivering against our existing plans. You will shape and adapt projects to impact future industry for the benefit of consumers.  

Network Innovation Allowance (NIA) is a funding mechanism to support energy network innovation in testing projects that have the potential to address consumer vulnerability and/or deliver longer–term financial and environmental benefits for GB consumers.

The NIA funding mechanism is the key resource for the  ESO and other network licensees to fund uncertain and risky activities, and to allow the sector to respond to emerging challenges. NIA has enabled us to support early stage, higher-risk activities to better understand, de-risk, and scale new solutions faster and more effectively than would otherwise be possible with other funding sources. We will be doing this together with our partners and stakeholders to ensure awarded projects are delivered in a collaborative way that will truly aid the transition to Net Zero whist delivering value to the consumer.

This role can be based from Wokingham or Warwick, and we continue to offer hybrid working from office and home. 

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
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

• Lead the extensive ESO NIA portfolio of over 50 live projects to ensure it is delivered on budget and on time, and it is kept in line with Governance.
• Understand the key strategic challenges of delivering the NIA funding mechanism within the ESO.
• Oversee the entire NIA process and any associated project management and project coordination. 
• Support the Innovation Portfolio Manager with the portfolio strategy and alignment between projects, including consideration of other innovation funding mechanisms.
• Work with stakeholders across the entire organisation and the Innovation Business partners to ensure the best project ideas are put forward and implemented.
• Support the Contract Lead in the preparation, revision and negotiation of NIA contracts. 
• Create reports on innovation activities for senior leadership to raise visibility of innovation projects alongside business-as-usual activities.

About you

• We’re looking for energetic self-starters, passionate about driving the energy system transition, and embedding innovation at the heart of the ESO
• Portfolio and project management
• Strategic thinking
• Commercial awareness, particularly around innovation 
• Proven experience in leading projects and people to success
• Excellent commuincation skills
• Knowledge of the UK energy system an advantage
• Problem solving and idea generation
• A degree in a relevant discipline is a plus
   

If you believe that good communication, collaboration and inquisitiveness drive better results, if you care about making our customers and stakeholders’ experience of working with the ESO a great experience, and if you are excited about change and comfortable with shaping and delivering fast-paced projects, then please reach out. We would love to hear from you 

What you’ll get

A competitive salary between £55,000 - £65,000 – 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.

More information

This role closes on 22/05/2024 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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