Job Title: Director of Networks & Innovation
Reporting to: SONI Chief Executive
Contract: Permanent
Location: Belfast, with occasional travel
Reporting to the Chief Executive, the Director of Networks and Innovation will provide strategic leadership to vision, direct and drive a diverse portfolio of change programmes needed to realise SONI's vision and strategic objectives, and help further establish SONI’s trusted advisor status in the energy sector.
About SONI
SONI is Northern Ireland's Transmission System Operator. We are the people behind Northern Ireland's electricity grid, ensuring every home, business, school, hospital, factory and farm has power when and where they need it. We play a critical role in delivering a cleaner, cheaper, more secure energy future for everyone in Northern Ireland. Our focus is on safety, security and reliability. Our work environment is challenging, fast‑moving, collaborative and team‑oriented. Our culture is driven by continual development, knowledge and teamwork, and a commitment to reducing reliance on fossil fuels and transforming the energy system to meet decarbonisation targets while maintaining a safe and reliable supply.
Role Profile
The Director of Networks & Innovation will lead the programme of visioning and delivering a power system for the future – a once‑in‑a‑generation transformation of Northern Ireland's high‑voltage transmission grid and the development of world‑leading operating technology and electricity markets. The directorate is central to achieving SONI’s future ambitions on multiple levels. The role holder will manage several business functions, including Networks (Grid), Digital Innovation, Future Markets, and Future Power Systems. Teams develop scenarios, options and optimal pathways to ensure SONI’s strategic ambitions are realised and future demand for clean electricity is met while keeping the system stable and reliable during the energy transition.
Key Areas
* Networks Overview: Manage planning and development of the high‑voltage transmission grid, oversee large‑scale infrastructure projects such as new power lines and substations, and ensure connection of new generation, storage, system service, interconnection and demand customers to the grid.
* Future Power Systems Overview: Create vision and drive change programmes to transform the power system, optimise current technologies (energy storage, onshore wind, solar), evaluate and support market entry of new technologies (offshore wind, long‑duration storage), and lead evidence‑based assessment of cost‑effective renewables‑based power systems.
* Future Markets Overview: Lead the evolution of the energy market, develop market structures and policies aligned with Northern Ireland’s clean energy goals, and collaborate with EirGrid and regulatory authorities on cross‑island arrangements.
* Digital Innovation Overview: Vision the digital future of the organisation, develop relevant strategies, and deliver technology and IT systems to support a next‑generation corporate IT platform and power system IT evolution.
What You Get To Do In This Role
* Oversee successful delivery of all areas of Networks & Innovation.
* Build, lead and motivate teams to achieve operational excellence and deliver infrastructure and change programmes at pace.
* Embrace change, developing network, innovation, market and digital solutions to make a real difference.
* Future‑proof the delivery of a resilient, efficient, affordable, and secure transmission system for Northern Ireland.
* Bring together a range of innovation, networks, digitalisation programmes and services to support systems operations and workforce transformation challenges.
* Build a centre of excellence attracting a diverse range of subject‑matter experts.
* Provide strategic thought leadership around capacity and adequacy needs of the power system.
* Proactively contribute to the overall development of SONI’s strategic vision.
* Create, implement, assess and improve directorate business plans, strategies, processes and procedures.
* Sustain and grow a dynamic, enabling work environment and positive company culture.
* Collaborate and coordinate closely with the SONI Leadership Team to drive performance and establish key strategic partnerships.
* Support the acceleration of energy decarbonisation and contribute to the energy transformation.
* Report performance to the SONI Board, Chief Executive and senior management.
* Influence at a European level through SONI’s involvement with ENTSO‑E and NESO.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
* Support the CEO and partner with the business to enable delivery of SONI’s strategy.
* Develop and roll out Networks, Digital, Innovation and Research strategies and associated business plans.
* Implement Networks & Innovation strategies, policies and procedures and communicate them to leadership and staff.
* Build, lead, motivate and engage a high‑performing team within Networks & Innovation.
* Work with the People and Place function to attract and develop multidisciplinary talent.
* Secure new regulatory funding and manage relationships with the Utility Regulatory and Departmental officials.
* Manage processes for all areas of Networks & Innovation and work with the parent company regarding SEMO.
* Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory obligations.
* Manage the Networks & Innovation budget, ensuring cost‑effective procurement and delivery.
* Provide timely and relevant information to senior management and the Board.
* Exemplify and role‑model leadership behaviours and lead cultural transformation within the company.
* Support key business initiatives and integrate operational considerations into decision making.
* Work with the leadership team to champion a culture of performance excellence, collaboration and continuous improvement.
* Perform any other reasonable duties and responsibilities as requested.
Essential Requirements
* Demonstrable experience at senior management level, reporting to Executive and/or Board level in a complex energy or utility/infrastructure delivery environment.
* Experience overseeing the successful delivery of major physical infrastructure programmes, including planning and consenting processes.
* Strong organisational, planning and process management skills; proven ability to lead, inspire and develop large, multidisciplinary teams while fostering a high‑performance, inclusive culture.
* Experience influencing strategy development with the ability to translate strategic concepts into operational solutions.
* Exceptional judgement and foresight; effectively understand, influence and communicate with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
* Change‑oriented, able to challenge the status quo and guide stakeholders through change.
* Capability to communicate and influence at Board level and engage effectively with Board and sub‑committees.
Desirable Requirements
* Experience working in the electricity industry and delivering within a regulatory business model.
Remunerations and Benefits
* Competitive salary, performance‑related bonus, private medical cover, and pension matching.
* Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid options (3 days office / 2 days home).
* Enhanced holidays, maternity and paternity leave, and wellbeing days.
* Salary sacrifice schemes (cycle‑to‑work, EV scheme), free car parking, onsite EV charging and complimentary lunch.
* Professional development opportunities and clear career progression pathways.
* Inclusive culture that values diversity, supports flexible working and empowers growth.
Equal Opportunities & Legal Statements
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 strengthening gender diversity across engineering and technology roles and welcome applications from women who want to build and apply their expertise to Northern Ireland’s energy system.
We have a duty to prevent illegal working and applicants must demonstrate a legal right to work in the UK. SONI is not providing sponsorship for this vacancy.
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