Title:  Innovation Contract Lead - NESO

About the role

NESO is at the heart of the transformation to a fully decarbonised energy system by 2030, and Innovation is critical to helping us meet the challenges of transitioning to a zero-carbon future.

We work with innovation partners to solve problems arising from the energy system transition and to maximise benefits for the GB System and the end consumer. We co-create and deliver innovation projects with academic and industry partners across sectors. These will help us to operate the electricity transmission system more effectively in the future. More info Innovation | National Energy System Operator

Working as the Innovation Contract Lead, you will coordinate the NESO efforts to agree the most suitable innovation agreements with all partners, liaising with procurement and legal. This is a fast-paced area with new projects emerging every week. You will lead the contract negotiations with innovation partners, and support commercial decisions strongly based on our NESO legal team’s recommendations. Due to the nature of our work, intellectual property, security, and liability protections are key.

This role can be based from Wokingham, Warwick or Glasgow, and we continue to offer hybrid working from office and home. This is a full time position and ee are open to flexible working arrangements. 

Key Accountabilities

• Commercial Lead of multiple innovation contracts simultaneously.
• Support NESO’s Procurement and Legal team in innovation contract negotiations, representing the NESO commercial position.
• Negotiate commercially sound, risk-based positions with partners on key terms such as intellectual property, security schedules and liabilities.
• Develop strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders so that we can better understand and meet their requirements.
• Provide regular feedback to Innovation Portfolio Manager for reporting purposes on the pipeline of innovation contracts and any associated risks, to provide a holistic picture of contracting activity. 
• Ensure compliance with Innovation Governance, including Network Innovation Allowance (NIA) Governance and Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) Governance
• Develop insights to input into innovation agreement templates, through analysis of past and present agreements.

About you

We’re forging the path, and we know we can’t do it alone. That’s why we need visionary minds like yours to join us on this transformative journey. In this case, we’re looking for someone who: 

• Passionate about contracts and commercial positioning. Understanding of key contractual terms such as Intellectual Property Rights and liabilities and how to negotiate these. Comfortable with making commercial decisions in contract negotiations.
• Previous experience of managing the negotiation of complex contract agreements and building partnerships with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Substantial experience of drafting, reviewing and negotiating a wide range of research and innovation contracts.
• Strong interpersonal, problem solving and decision-making skills; able to communicate effectively at all levels.
• Excellent time management skills in a fast-moving environment.
• Comfortable working across teams (Innovation, Legal, Procurement).
• Experience in the energy sector or R&D/innovation would be highly desirable.

About what you’ll get

A competitive salary between £54,000 – 64,000 – 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.

About us

The creation of National Energy System Operator (NESO) is driven by an urgent need to unify and optimise our approach to energy. A more integrated and coordinated strategy is needed to meet the unprecedented challenges of climate change, ensuring secure energy supply, and keeping costs manageable for consumers.

Join us and empower your potential, energise our team, and be part of something bigger.
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 07/01/2026 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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