Power Systems Evolution Manager
Reports to: Head of Future Power Systems
Location: Belfast (Hybrid)
Who We Are
SONI is Northern Ireland’s Transmission System Operator. We are the people behind Northern Ireland’s electricity grid. We make sure that every home, business, school, hospital, factory and farm has power - when and where they need it.
And that’s just 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, security and reliability. Our work environment is challenging, fast-moving, collaborative and team orientated. Our culture is driven by continual development, knowledge and teamwork.
Our people are committed to reducing Northern Ireland’s 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.
The Role
This role sits within SONI’s Future Power Systems (FPS) function — the team responsible for understanding how the electricity system will evolve and preparing Northern Ireland for a fully decarbonised future. Future Power Systems assesses future system needs, models long‑term operational capabilities and leads SONI’s Operational Policy Roadmap and Innovation Strategy. The team works across Northern Ireland and the all‑island electricity system to ensure the grid can operate securely with very high levels of renewable energy.
As Power System Evolution Manager, you will lead a team of engineers and analysts who develop the operational policies, tools and system capabilities required for the Northern Ireland power system to operate with new technologies and increasing levels of renewable generation. You will also help shape the all‑island Operational Policy Roadmap in partnership with EirGrid.
Your team will produce the technical evidence needed for effective decision‑making, support strategic initiatives such as the Operational Tools & Capability Enhancement Programme, and ensure SONI’s operational policies align with Irish, UK and European Network Codes. You will also maintain and grow an advanced power system modelling capability that supports operational change and the integration of emerging technologies.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys leading people, working collaboratively across organisations, solving complex technical challenges and communicating clearly with a range of audiences. We welcome candidates from a wide range of technical and analytical backgrounds.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the team delivering the Northern Ireland and all‑island elements of the SONI‑EirGrid Operational Policy Roadmap, supporting the goal of achieving 100% renewable electricity (RES‑E) capability at any moment by 2030.
* Oversee technical analysis that informs future operational policy decisions and enables integration of new technologies, including governance processes for implementing operational policy changes.
* Ensure the team and wider function have the skills, competencies and tools needed to meet current and future organisational needs.
* Act as a key contact for industry and market trends, assessing potential impacts and providing leadership on future system operations.
* Represent SONI externally at industry bodies, working groups and relevant forums.
* Develop strong working relationships with technology providers, distribution system operators, gas network operators, regulators and government stakeholders.
* Lead and champion operational innovation to support the organisation’s strategic goals, including Shaping Our Electricity Future and broader whole‑system planning initiatives.
* Manage a portfolio of projects with effective controls around staffing, budgets, scheduling, quality, risk and performance monitoring.
* Promote a proactive, inclusive, innovative and stakeholder‑focused culture within the team.
* Act as an escalation point for operational planning matters, providing timely guidance, leadership and support.
Critical Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Essential
* Degree in engineering, economics, mathematics or another relevant technical/analytical field, with at least 8 years’ relevant experience.
* Strong understanding of energy markets and/or power system modelling.
* Knowledge of energy system flexibility and the role of emerging technologies (e.g. interconnection, energy storage).
* Excellent organisational, interpersonal and teamwork skills, with a strong record of delivering complex work to high standards.
* Adaptable and solution‑focused, with the ability to work effectively in changing environments.
* Demonstrated ability to lead, coach and develop others.
* Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical topics to non‑technical audiences.
* Programme or project management experience, with a track record of achieving successful outcomes.
* Strong collaboration and influencing skills, with the ability to build consensus across teams and organisations.
* Self‑motivated and capable of delivering in a context of evolving requirements.
* Confident decision‑maker able to act within organisational strategy and objectives.
Desirable
* Experience working in the electricity, gas or wider energy sector.
* Knowledge of all‑island energy policy and the Single Electricity Market.
* Experience engaging with regulators, policymakers or external industry groups.
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. Contact us if you’d like to talk about how this role could work for you.
Closing date for applications is 15th April 2026.
Submit your application by uploading your CV with a cover letter (in one document).
SONI is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We particularly encourage women to apply, as they are currently underrepresented in our organisation.
We have a duty to prevent illegal working and applicants must demonstrate they have a legal right to work in the UK. SONI is not providing sponsorship for this vacancy.
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