Title:  Change Manager - NESO

About the role

National Energy System Operator’s (NESO) strength lies in our people. Together, we’re shaping the future where clean, affordable energy is accessible for all. Every day is an opportunity to make a real difference, accelerating the progress of sustainable GB energy, keeping people connected and society thriving as we create a brighter tomorrow.

That’s why we view change as constant, and effective change management is essential to staying ahead.

As a Change Manager at NESO, you won't just manage change; you'll lead it.

This pivotal role within our Major Programme Delivery team focuses on preparing, supporting, and guiding individuals and teams through a shift from current state to a desired future, minimising negative impacts while maximising benefits.

You'll be a change thought leader, driving and embedding sustainable transformation across critical programs and projects, including our vital 24/7 operational control room shift teams.

You'll report into a flexible central pool of programme/project SMEs within the Transformation and Major Projects directorate, deploying across key initiatives within the NESO portfolio

This role can be based in Wokingham, Warwick or Cardiff office 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; however, 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

• Lead Strategic Change: Drive high-complexity change management across NESO’s Operating Companies, using established frameworks (e.g., PROSCI). You will be responsible for key deliverables including stakeholder mapping, communication plans, engagement strategies, training plans, and resistance management plans.
• Impact & Readiness: Conduct thorough impact assessments of change, develop business readiness statements, and advise senior stakeholders on risks and mitigations to inform critical go/no-go decisions.
• Build Capability: Foster a culture of change readiness by understanding and addressing people impacts, coaching line managers and teams, and building wider business capability for managing and receiving change. This includes providing tailored support for control room environments.
• Collaborate & Engage: Work closely with project/program leads, sponsors, and Subject Matter Experts, ensuring effective communication and engagement across all levels, up to CXO.
• Govern & Improve: Provide robust governance oversight, assess the quality of change activities, oversee testing and training phases, and lead benefits management and post-implementation review processes to ensure sustained adoption and continuous improvement.

About you

We're looking for a dedicated, self-starting and experienced Change Leader with a proven track record in organisational transformations and a deep understanding of change management principles.

Essential Experience & Qualifications:

• Significant experience in change management, typically degree-level educated (or equivalent).
• Extensive experience managing the human side of change in large programs/projects.
• Demonstrated ability to build and influence relationships with diverse stakeholders, including CXO level.
• Detailed understanding of Business Change Management principles (e.g., PROSCI), including effective communications, business engagement, stakeholder management, and resistance management.
• Familiarity with Agile/SAFe methodologies for solution delivery.

Research shows that some people may hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. At NESO, we believe potential comes in many forms and we’re committed to a fair, inclusive recruitment process where everyone can show their talents. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds to build a workforce that feels valued and respected and represents the communities we serve.

If this role sparks your interest but you’re not sure you tick every box, we still want to hear from you.

About what you'll get

A competitive salary between £63000 - £80000– 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%.

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.

About us

National Energy System Operator (NESO) has a key role to play in tackling climate change by transitioning GB’s electricity system to net zero. We already operate the fastest decarbonising electricity system in the world, with an ambition for zero carbon power operation by 2030 when there is sufficient renewable generation. We are also providing advice to the Government on achieving a decarbonised power system by 2030.

So, join the energy transformation and help shape the future.

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 1st December 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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