Job Title: Director ofNetwork & Innovation Reporting to:SONI Chief Executive Contract: Permanent Location: Belfast,with occasional travel Applications are invited for the role ofDirector ofNetworks and Innovation. Reporting to theChief Executive, the Director ofNetworks and Innovationwill be responsible forproviding strategic leadershipto vision, direct and drivea diverse portfolio of changeprogrammes needed to realise SONIs vision and strategic objectives and help to further establish SONIs trusted advisor status in the energy sector. 1. About SONI SONI is Northern Irelands Transmission System Operator. We are the people behind Northern Irelands electricity grid. We make sure that every home, business, school, hospital, factory and farm has power - when and where they need it. Andthatsjust the beginning of our story. We have a critical role to play in delivering a cleaner, cheaper more secure energy future for everyone living in Northern Ireland. Our focus is on safety,securityand reliability. Our work environment is challenging, fast-moving, collaborative and team orientated. Our culture is driven by continual development,knowledgeand teamwork. Our people are committed to reducing Northern Irelands reliance on fossil fuels and transforming the energy system to make decarbonisation a reality while providing a safe and reliable electricity supply in a way that secures the future for those who follow us. The work you will deliver with us here at SONI matters. Join a great and supportive team and be part of the transformation. 2. Role Profile The Director of Networks & Innovationwill lead the programme of visioning and delivering a power systemforthefuture;aonce in a generationtransformation ofNorthern Irelands highvoltagetransmissiongrid andthedevelopment ofworld leading operatingtechnology andelectricitymarkets. The Networks & Innovation directorate is central to achieving the future ambitions of SONI on multiple levels. Within this context, the Director of Networks & Innovation is a substantial leadership role with a particular focus on the long-term viewandprogrammedelivery, ensuring that SONI is future focused, developing and growing its position as a trusted advisorto regulators and government. The role holder willbe responsible fora number ofbusiness functions including Networks(Grid), Digital Innovation, Future Markets and Future Power Systems.The teams within this Directorate develop scenarios, options, andoptimumpathways to ensure that SONIs strategic ambitions arerealised,futuredemand for clean electricity is met, whilst at the same timeensuring that the power systemremainsstable and reliable during theenergytransition. NetworksOverview The Director of Networks & Innovation will manage the team responsible for planning the development of thehigh voltage transmission grid,bringinglarge scale infrastructure projects such as new power lines and subsations from conception, feasibility through the planning system tothe point ofhandover to NIE Networks for construction. The projects in SONI's Tranmission Development Planrepresentin excess of£500m capital investment over the next 10 years andaretimecritical to allow the flow of renewable energy as we undertakea once-in-a-generationupgrade to Northern Irelands transmission system. The team is also responsible for the connection of newgeneration, storage,systemservice, interconnectionand demandcustomersto thetransmissiongrid. SONI therefore plays a keyrole inenablingwidereconomic growthas well asdecarbonisationof society.Close collaborationand engagementwithstakeholders such asthe Utility Regulator,NIE Networks, connecting customers, planning authorities, government andcommunities is a key feature of this role. Future Power SystemsOverview Therole holderwillcreatevision and drive the change programme to transform the power system of the future, optimising current technologies such asenergy storage,onshore wind and solar,evaluate and support the market entry of new technologies such as offshore windandlong durationenergy storageand lead theevidence-basedassessment and identification of the optimum solutions and pathways to a cost-effective renewables-based power system, supported by gasfiredgeneration as the cleanest form of fossil fuel. Working closely with the Operations Directorate, the role holder will lead the implementation oftheoperational policy roadmap to develop and deliver a power system for the future that can support up to 100% renewables on an instantaneous basis,providingstrategic insights and analysis on all capacity related activities such as the volume setting process for capacity auctions, winter outlook analysis, renewable auctions, and governance. Therole holderwillhave an understanding ofsystem services in supporting a renewables-based power system, thus ensuring power system resilience is not compromised in any way. They will lead the process implementingthe next generation of system services, both from a technical and market perspective, that best international experience and knowhow is leveraged, that strong governance is applied in the development of these services,engagingmarket participants and the securing buy-in from all stakeholdersincluding the Utility Regulator. They are also responsible for ensuring the ongoing development and publication of the National Resource Adequacy Assessment, flexibility needs assessments and longer-termplanning via Tomorrow Energy Scenarios,the Transmission Development Plan, and the Transmission Forecast Statement.In addition, the futurearrangementsfor aTransmission System Operator-Distribution System Operatormodel willbedeveloped and implemented. Thedirectorateisresponsible for building relationships and partnerships with research institutions and academicorganisationsto ensureNorthernIrelandis atthe forefront in the integration ofinnovativetechnologies to assist in achieving zero carbon by 2050 and to provide researchand modellinginto how we can achieve ourfuturetargets. FutureMarkets Overview The role holder will lead on sponsoring the evolution of the energy market with the Future Power Markets function driving the development of market structures and policies aligned with Northern Irelands clean energy goals.Close collaboration with colleagues inEirGridand the Regulatory Authoritieswill berequiredin the joint delivery of a significant multi-million-pound programme of change for the all-island electricity market arrangements.These multi-year, cross-functional programmes translate national and EU energy policy into actionable, measurable outcomes. As part of this,the role holderwill work closely with colleagues inOperationsto ensure theorganisationis preparedfor the changes being brought about by futurepolicy changesin termsof people, process and systems,and will also ensure that anyother future regulatory and/or legalchanges brought about are impact assessed,defined,and then implemented in the most efficient manner. Digital InnovationOverview Apower systemtransformationof this scale and complexity cannot be achieved without world leadingoperatingtechnology, data,digitaland IT systems. The Directoratewill vision the digital futureof theorganisation,develop therelevantstrategiesand cost effectively deliver thetechnology and systemstorealisethe future vision.The directorate will lead ondesigning,buildingand safely transitioning toour next generationcorporate ITplatformand power system ITevolutionleaning on internalexpertiseand external partners. Working through Heads of Functions, the role holder is responsible for daily decision making across all elements of Networks; Digital Innovation, Future Markets and Future Power Systems ensuring strategic alignment across the teams including business plan management and engagement with stakeholders in Europe, GB, Ireland and Northern Ireland, external advisors, as well as the SONI Communications & Engagement team. As a senior leader, the role-holder will support SONIs business continuityprogramme, providingstrong supportfor all activities necessary to enable theorganisationto manage any crisis event related totheSONI business. What you get to do in this role: Oversee the successful delivery of all areas of Networks & Innovation including Networks; Digital & Innovation, Future Markets & Future Power Systems; Build, lead and motivate teams to achieve operational excellence, continuously improve performance, deliver infrastructure and change programmes at pace and deliver outcomes benefiting consumers and wider society. Embrace change, developing network, innovation, market and digital solutions to make a real difference to our operations, our staff, and our customers. Future proof the delivery of a resilient, efficient, affordable, and secure transmission system for NI. Bring together a range of innovation, networks, digitalisation programmes and services to support systems operations, energy transformation and to address workforce transformation challenges. Build a centre of excellence attracting a range of talented multi disciplined subject matter experts (Digital & IT, Techno-Economic, Engineers, Mathematicians etc). Provide strategic thought leadership around solutions to the capacity and adequacy needs of the power system consistent with government renewable targets and carbon emission budgets. Proactively contribute to the overall development and achievement of strategic vision of SONI and supporting business objectives. Create, implement, assess and improve directorate business plans, strategies, processes, and procedures. Sustain and grow a dynamic, enabling work environment and positive company culture promoting SONI as an employer of choice. Collaborate and coordinate closely with colleagues in the SONI Leadership Team to: Drive performance, enable the business to achieve future ambitions and establishing key strategic partnerships with parent organisation (EirGrid), the Utility Regulatory as well as other core government and business groups. Support the acceleration of the decarbonisation of energy and positively contribute to the energy transformation. Report performance of the business to the SONI Board, Chief Executive, management, and other stakeholders Influence at a European level through SONIs involvement with ENTSO-E and NESO. Main duties and responsibilities Support the CEOand partner with the business to enable delivery of SONIs strategy. Develop and roll out of Networks, Digital, Innovation and Research strategies and associated business plans. Develop andimplementNetworks & Innovationstrategies,policies,and procedures, effectively communicating these to theleadership teamandstaffto ensure achievement ofbusinessobjectives and targets,allowingthe delivery of the SONItransformationprogramme. Build, lead, motivate and engage a high performing team withinNetworks & Innovationto deliver on the expectations of the business. Work closely withourPeople and Placefunctiontoattract and develop talent acrossseveraldisciplines to support growth targets and ambitions. Help to secure new regulatory funding for the business, managing relationships with the Utility Regulatory and Departmental officials asappropriate. Manage the processes forall areas ofNetworks & Innovationfor SONI and work with the parent companyregardingSEMO,engaging the business leaders effectively in the process. Ensure compliancewithlegal andregulatoryobligationsfor the company. Management of theNetworks &Innovationbudget ensuring cost effective procurementanddelivery. Providetimelyand relevant information to the senior management team and to the Board. Exemplify and role model the values and leadership behaviours expected of a senior leader in the organisation and lead the process of cultural transformation withincompany. Provide a strong and effective contribution to the wider corporate managementof the business, supportkey businessinitiatives,and ensureoperationalconsiderations are integrated into decision making processes. Work with theleadershipteam inrolemodellingthe organisational values,desiredleadershipbehaviours andchampioninga culture ofperformance excellence,collaboration,and continuous improvement. Any other reasonable duties and responsibilities as requested. 3. Personnel specification Essential requirements: Demonstrable experienceatsenior managementlevel, reporting to Executive and/or Board level in a complex energy or other utility/ infrastructure deliveryenvironment. Experience overseeing thesuccessfuldelivery of majorphysicalinfrastructureprogrammesincluding awareness of the statuory planning and consenting process. Experienced leader, with strongorganisational, planning and process management skills,and proven ability to lead, inspire, and develop large, multidisciplinary teams while fostering a high-performance, inclusive culture. Experience ofinfluencing strategy development with the ability to translate strategic concepts into operational solutions capable of implementation. Keen judgement and foresightwith the abilitytoeffectivelyunderstand, influence and communicate witha variety of internal and external stakeholders. Change oriented and able to effectively challenge the status quo, while bringing stakeholders on a change journey Capable of communicating and influencing at Board level and effective in engaging with the Board and sub-committees thereof in relevant matters. Desirable requirements: Experience ofworking intheelectricityindustry;and experience of working and delivering in a regulatory business model. 4. Remunerations and Benefits Why join us? Play a vital role in shaping sustainable energy projects thatbenefitcommunities 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 salarysacrificeschemes (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. Contact us ifyoudlike to talk about how this role could work for you. If you areseekinga challenging and impactful role within the energy sector,wedlove to hear from you. Join us in shaping the future of SONI and delivering a cleaner and more secure energy future for everyone living in Northern Ireland. Closing date for receipt of applications is 10am, Monday 22nd June 2026. Toapply for this role, candidatesmust contact Clarendon Executive directly.Adetailed candidate brief with further information on the role is available at: Alternatively, to arrange a confidential conversation please contact Claire McKee of Clarendon Executive on. SONI is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to an inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives arevaluedand 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 Irelands energy system. We have a duty to prevent illegalworkingand applicants mustdemonstratethey have a legal right to work in the UK. SONI is not providing sponsorship for this vacancy. Skills: Director Networks Innovation ADZN1_NI