Role Title: Future Power Markets Senior/Senior Lead Analyst Reports to: Future Power Markets Analyst Manager; Location: Belfast (Hybrid)
The Future Power Markets Senior / Senior Lead Analyst plays a critical role in shaping how Northern Ireland's power markets evolve to support a secure, low‑carbon electricity system.
Reporting to the Analysis Manager – Future Power Markets, the role sits within SONI’s Networks and Innovation Directorate, a multidisciplinary team of engineers, economists and analysts delivering the transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.
Northern Ireland has a target to deliver 80% renewable electricity by 2030 and to achieve net carbon neutrality by 2050. This role contributes directly to those ambitions through advanced analytical insight, scenario modelling and market research that supports the operation, development and enhancement of the all‑island power system and the wholesale electricity market.
You will support and lead analytical work across future market design, cross‑border and European market developments, and the Strategic Markets Programme (SMP). At Senior Lead level, the role includes leadership of analytical staff and ownership of complex, large‑scale analytical projects.
This position offers the opportunity to influence strategic decisions, deliver transformational change in electricity markets, and help shape the future energy system for consumers in Northern Ireland.
Key Responsibilities
* Develop and maintain advanced analytical and data models to forecast power market trends, price dynamics and system outcomes.
* Deliver data‑driven research and scenario analysis to support strategic decision‑making across future power markets.
* Prepare clear, evidence‑based analytical reports and insights for internal and external stakeholders.
* Present complex technical and market analysis in a concise and accessible way to senior leadership.
* Support market development activities, including cross‑border and European market initiatives.
* Apply and continuously improve analytical methodologies, tools and frameworks.
* Work collaboratively across teams and with external stakeholders to deliver programme goals.
Additional Responsibilities
* Providing technical leadership and guidance to senior analysts.
* Managing and coordinating large‑scale analytical projects, including market and economic modelling.
* Supporting delivery of the Strategic Markets Programme (SMP) and implementation of Shaping Our Electricity Future.
Essential Knowledge, Skills and Experience
* Relevant third‑level qualification (e.g. data science, economics, engineering, power systems or related discipline).
* Typically 5+ years’ experience in data analysis and modelling within the energy sector or similarly complex environment.
* Strong experience using analytical tools such as Python, R and Excel to manage and analyse large datasets.
* Proven ability to deliver high‑quality analytical outputs to inform decision‑making.
* Strong communication skills with the ability to explain technical information to a range of stakeholders.
* Experience of working collaboratively in a fast‑paced, team‑based environment.
* Demonstrated stakeholder engagement experience.
Desirable
* Experience working with the Single Electricity Market (SEM) or European electricity markets.
* Knowledge of electricity market operations, including transmission and balancing markets.
* Familiarity with market mechanisms and regulatory frameworks.
* Experience using energy market modelling software (e.g. PLEXOS).
* Proven ability to lead or mentor analysts (particularly relevant for Senior Lead Analyst level).
* Experience in forward‑looking market analysis, decarbonisation strategies and renewable energy policy.
* Familiarity with market and network codes.
* Experience working in a regulated industry and assessing compliance with regulatory obligations.
* Experience in partnership building and collaborative project delivery.
Why join us?
* Play a vital role in shaping sustainable energy projects that benefit communities and the environment.
* Enjoy a competitive salary, performance-related bonus, private medical cover, and pension matching.
* Benefit from flexible working arrangements, including hybrid options (3 days office / 2 days home).
* Enhanced holidays, maternity and paternity leave and wellbeing days.
* Access salary sacrifice schemes (such as cycle to work, EV scheme), free car parking, onsite EV charging and complimentary lunch.
* Access professional development opportunities and clear career progression pathways.
* We offer an inclusive culture that values diversity, supports flexible working and empowers you to grow. We know flexible working means different things to different people.
SONI is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to an inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are valued, and everyone can thrive. As a STEM organisation, we are continuing to strengthen gender diversity across our engineering and technology roles and welcome applications from women who want to build and apply their expertise to Northern Ireland’s energy system.
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