Job Description
Project Manager - Trials
Location: Castleford or Northeast
Directorate: Energy Systems
Job Ref No: R7236
Do you have what it takes to play a key role in shaping the electricity distribution network of the future and be at the heart of achieving net zero?
At Northern Powergrid, we’re all about keeping the power flowing for 3.9 million homes and businesses. With our Power of 10 approach, we work as one team, solving challenges and delivering real results.
Our £14m Community DSO project is developing and trialling different approaches to identify how communities and local stakeholders can best work together with their local DNO, to deploy Smart Local Energy Systems (SLES). Trials will take place in four local communities encompassing rural and urban networks.
As a Project Manager - Trials, you will play an integral role in the development and delivery of four network innovation trials that will take place across Yorkshire and the North East. The outputs of these trials are expected to shape the future of Smart Local Energy Systems (SLES) across the UK.
Ready to power up your career? Let’s talk.
What’s the package?
Along with a competitive salary of between £53,711 - £73,451, we also offer great benefits such as:
* Enrolment into our double-matched pension scheme
* 25 days holiday (rising with service) plus bank holidays
* Excellent opportunities for career growth
* Agile working arrangements
What will you do?
* Day-to-day management of multiple trial delivery partners in parallel to deliver required outcomes
* Work closely with the Innovation Project Manager to ensure the outputs of network innovation trials meet Ofgem's technical requirements
* Maintain strong working relationships with the broader strategic project partners, TNEI and LCP Delta, as well as trial delivery partners, including supporting the Community Engagement Lead with engaging community groups (when necessary)
* Liaise with senior colleagues across Northern Powergrid to facilitate decision making activity and establish support mechanisms to contribute to the overall success of the trial(s)
* Disseminate project knowledge and outputs with the wider energy innovation community
* With the CDSO Design Authority deliver the systems required for trials and testing, as well as developing the long-term specifications and approaches needed to provide fast and efficient roll-out of project outcomes on to the network
Key Competencies
* Strong written and spoken communication skills with the ability to tailor style to different audiences as and when required
* Highly effective relationship manager- ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders in order to create productive working relationships
* Strong analytical skills to interpret information and apply judgement to decision making
* Analytical and data-driven - specify and direct uplift analytical capability and data management
* Project management and system change – deliver business change with systems and data processes in a coordinated and planned manner
* Appreciation of the social, economic and technical context that may impact trial delivery and outcome rollout
Essential Qualifications and Experience
* Energy sector experience and knowledge of the decarbonisation energy transition
* Qualified to Level4 (HNC, Foundation Degree or equivalent)
* Previous work within energy industry innovation projects
* Full UK driving licence
Posted: 9 June 2025
Closing date for applications: 6 July 2025
In order to comply with our electricity distribution license, we have to ensure our colleagues are fit and proper to visit and enter our customers premises. Consequently, as this role may involve visiting and entering our customers premises, please be aware that the successful candidate will be subject to a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Please confirm in our application if you are content for this check to be completed.
Applicants are considered on the basis of their suitability for the post irrespective of sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender re-assignment, race, age or disability, in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.