SSEP Economic Modelling Manager - ESO

Job Purpose

Great Britain's electricity system is undergoing an ambitious, exciting and vital transformation. Together with industry, we are creating a cleaner, greener system, one that protects the planet and serves generations to come.

We are seeking a leader with a modelling background to have accountability for delivering the energy market models that will determine the future location of energy infrastructure in GB. This will involve working with large datasets to deliver scenario based economic analysis to recommend options to government on how the energy system should evolve and the most efficient locations for future energy supply, demand and network. You will lead a team of analysts to deliver models in PLEXOS that produces spatial energy infrastructure plans for GB that deliver net zero by 2050 at lowest cost to consumers. With a proven track record of delivering complex analysis within tight timelines, you will develop and deliver against a project plan to deliver the economic analysis for the initial iteration of the SSEP and beyond. Working closely with other SSEP teams, you will integrate their environmental and geospatial analysis into the economic models to deliver results that consider not only the direct costs to consumers, but also the wider considerations of building large energy infrastructure. In doing this, you will play a vital role in delivering GB’s first consolidated electricity supply and network infrastructure plan alongside the plan for GB’s future hydrogen system.

The project is a once in a lifetime opportunity to plan and promote the new energy system that society wants, and the planet needs. The SSEP will influence the spend of billions of pounds of energy infrastructure by laying the foundations to accelerate the UK’s transition to Net Zero securely, cost effectively and with early consideration of the environment and people who will house the energy infrastructure. Your role will ensure we have world-leading modelling and processes that all our stakeholders can be confident in.

This role will be based from Warwick, 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

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

• Building and leading a team of high-performing modelling analysts to deliver capacity expansion models based on robust assumptions and appropriate scenarios that inform recommendations to Government decisions on the SSEP.
• Lead modelling enhancements to ensure our modelling remains world-leading and reflects the latest market developments. This includes a combination of year-on-year improvements and supporting developments that will deliver enhanced capability over longer time horizons (e.g., over the next 2 – 3 years).
• Leading development and implementation of the right modelling tools and data architecture for the first and enduring SSEPs, aiming for a consistent and optimised approach across the organisation.
• Assessing and anticipating emerging risks to support sensitivity analysis that is delivered at pace in the event of a quick change in the outlook to keep senior stakeholders abreast of the latest developments and support prompt intervention actions.
• Ensuring modelling results are delivered on time and develop appropriate quality assurance processes to ensure confidence in our economic recommendations.
• Coaching and developing a small analytical team.

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:

• Ability to coach a small analytical team to deliver advanced modelling, derive insights and communicate them in a compelling way to influence senior stakeholders and industry decision makers. Knowledge of PLEXOS would be desirable.
• An inquisitive mind that seeks to understand and solve analytical problems in creative ways.
• Proven track record of delivering complex projects within tight deadlines.
• Proven track record of building and sustaining effective business relationships with a broad range of stakeholders.
• Good knowledge and experience of the GB energy markets and regulatory landscape.
• Good knowledge and experience of interconnected European electricity markets would be desirable.
• Strong organisational skills, able to work to tight deadlines and deliver as promised, ideally with experience of delivering within complex projects and managing others to deliver desired outcomes. 

What you'll get

A competitive salary between £58,000 - £73,000 per annum – 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

This role closes on 7th 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. 

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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.