Title:  Operational Capability & Innovation Lead - NESO

About the role

At NESO (National Energy System Operator), our ENCC Future Design in System Operations team is at the cutting edge of preparing for and responding to future energy challenges. This is a truly unique opportunity to shape the future of our national energy landscape. As we forge ahead towards a clean power system by 2030 and beyond, this pivotal role isn't just about traditional engineering; it's about pioneering the future through strategic thinking, analytical rigor, and innovative problem-solving.

We're seeking a forward-thinking, innovation-driven individual who can drive the transformation of the Electricity National Control Centre (ENCC)'s operational capabilities.

While not solely focused on traditional engineering, this role is perfect for a STEM-qualified professional with a keen analytical mind and the ability to act as a business analyst, dissecting complex control room operations to identify future opportunities and define solutions.

You will achieve this by embracing foresight, strategic analysis, and collaborative solution development, translating intricate operational needs into actionable strategies.

You will be instrumental in shaping the evolution of NESO's real-time operations, ensuring we can keep GB's lights on safely and efficiently in an ever-changing world.

This is an opportunity to look beyond current horizons, anticipate future scenarios, and apply cutting-edge solutions – whether technical, software-driven, or process-based – to optimise control room operations and develop new capabilities.

This role can be based from Wokingham or 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; however, you will be expected to spend one day per week at your allocated office location.

Key accountabilities

• Horizon Scanning & Strategic Foresight: Lead the charge in identifying emerging industry trends, wider societal shifts, and political changes, understanding their potential ripple effect on real-time ENCC operations and supporting functions, leveraging data and analytical insights to predict future needs.
• Transformative Change Enablement: Act as a vital link between the control room and various stakeholders, facilitating workshops, training sessions, and collaborative forums to gather crucial insights, analyse operational challenges, and identify necessary operational and people capability changes.
• Solution Design & Implementation: Champion the development and implementation of innovation-driven strategies and capabilities, ensuring our people, processes, and tools are equipped to meet future challenges. This includes applying innovative, data-backed solutions to evolving control room needs and defining clear operational requirements.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration: Drive collaborative engagement across the ENCC, wider System Operations, and NESO, ensuring seamless communication and alignment on transformative initiatives with all key internal and external stakeholders, translating complex operational challenges into actionable solutions.

About you

We're charting a new course, and we know that diverse perspectives drive the greatest innovation. That's why we're seeking strategic thinkers, analytical minds, and passionate problem-solvers – not necessarily traditional engineers – to join us on this transformative journey.

If you thrive on understanding complex systems, shaping future operations, and enabling change, this role is for you.

You will bring:

• A Transformative & Holistic Mindset: You are a natural innovator, constantly looking for new solutions, anticipating future scenarios through strategic analysis, and approaching challenges with a broad, systemic perspective.
• Engagement & Facilitation Skills: You excel at engaging with the business to uncover needs, gather requirements, and build consensus.
• Strategic Project Acumen: You possess a strong ability to drive strategic initiatives, identifying crucial changes, structuring complex problems, and guiding projects from concept to impactful delivery.
• Comfort with Ambiguity: You flourish in situations where requirements are not fully defined, demonstrating an ability to navigate uncertainty and drive clear, actionable outcomes.
• Analytical Foundation: While not strictly an engineering role, a background in a STEM discipline (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) is highly preferred. This reflects the analytical rigor, structured thinking, and problem-solving approach essential for this forward-looking position.
• Digital & Data Literacy: A strong capability in digital and data literacy, enabling you to interpret complex data, leverage insights for strategic decision-making, and champion innovative technological solutions.

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'll get

A competitive salary between £54000- £60000 – 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

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.

More information

This role closes on 7th 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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