Senior Policy & Change Lead - NESO
National Energy System Operator (NESO) recognises the potential of bright and talented individuals, and we encourage you to join us as Great Britain's energy system undergoes an ambitious, exciting, and vital transformation. Together with industry, we are creating a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
The GB Connections process is undergoing significant transformation to enable the government's Clean Power by 2030 target. In December 2024, NESO published policy proposals that would revolutionise how customers connect to the grid. The Policy & Change team is responsible for turning the new design into operational reality. Sitting between Strategy, Change Delivery, Operational Teams and IT, we translate policy and strategic frameworks into robust processes that can be easily understood and used by our customers and operational colleagues. We work with Networks partners (Transmission & Distribution) and ensure NESO's customers are engaged throughout the process.
Key Accountabilities
* Identify and develop the tactical policy changes needed to facilitate Connections Reform and CP30.
* Work closely with internal and external stakeholders, leading on planning, coordinating and implementing these tactical changes.
* Lead and embed the agreed principles to carry out readiness checks, land rights and planning status checks as set out the Gate 2 criteria of the Connections Design Methodology.
* Collaborate across the program with a wide and diverse team to deliver the reform agenda and embed continuous improvement.
* Train, support and facilitate learning across the policy team to embed best practice in delivering readiness checks.
* Draft internal materials such as SOPs, guidance notes, training material, and external materials such as customer webinar packs, inputs into customer newsletters and guidance to support customers through their connections journey.
* Identify future gaps, develop and manage the plans, deliver papers and briefing notes for senior decision-makers. Help NESO's external stakeholders understand the progress of Connections Reform through simple and compelling communication.
* Be curious, proactive, able to join up the dots, with excellent problem‑solving, presentation skills and high quality written and verbal communication.
About You
Technical Knowledge (desirable but not essential)
* Knowledge of arrangements for connecting major generation and demand to the network.
* Significant experience in developing policy changes and working in a major program environment, ideally with experience of Transmission Electricity Network Development.
* Understanding of and knowledge of the legal and regulatory parameters that NESO works within, including statutory powers available and how these relate to connections project strategy and approach.
* Desirable: knowledge of the consenting regimes and land rights processes relevant to complex projects, including the Planning Act (2008), Development Consent Order, Compulsory Purchase Order processes, Option Agreements and land routes available to connect.
Analytical Thinking
* Proven ability to use quantitative and qualitative evidence to develop a thoughtful and independent viewpoint.
* Ability to analyse and present complex issues to audiences with varying levels of familiarity in power systems and power markets.
* Proficiency in the use of Excel.
Communication and Stakeholder Engagement
* Excellent written and verbal communication to a diverse audience including senior stakeholders internal and external.
* Excellent interpersonal, influencing and communication skills to ensure effective engagement with all relevant stakeholders (internally and externally) to gain buy‑in to deliver program objectives.
* Lead and own key relationships with network to deliver policy change initiatives and influence strategic direction of the change.
Project Management
* Flexibility and agility to manage a wide range of issues at the same time and prioritise use of resources.
* Own and be accountable for identifying risks related to your portfolio of work and input into wider PMO documents promptly to a high standard.
Job Details
* Senior Level: Mid‑Senior level
* Employment Type: Full‑time
* Job Function: Information Technology
* Industry: Utilities
What You'll Get
* A competitive salary between £62,000‑£70,000 per annum – dependent on experience and capability.
* A bonus based on company performance.
* 26 days annual leave as standard and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we double match your contribution up to a maximum company contribution of 12%.
* 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.
* Flexibility in ways of working with a minimum of 1–2 days at the Warwick office.
* Generous Total Rewards Plan – comprising health, finance and wealth, work/life balance and career benefits.
More Information
This role closes on 22nd December 2025 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 can reach their full potential.
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