Lead the control that powers a greener future
As our Shift Control Manager in the Energy Control Centre (ECC), you'll be at the heart of real-time operations, ensuring the safety, integrity and performance of Cadent's gas distribution networks. This isn't just about managing systems – it's about leading people, making critical decisions, and shaping how we respond to the energy needs of 11 million customers.
You'll manage a team of 4–8 colleagues on a rotational shift pattern (mornings and afternoons, 7 days a week – no night shifts), ensuring operational excellence and readiness to respond to any unplanned events. With a 20.8% shift allowance and standby responsibilities, this role offers both challenge and reward in equal measure.
From emergency response to commercial balancing, you'll oversee a wide range of activities that keep our networks running safely and efficiently. You'll also collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, drive continuous improvement, and support the ECC's strategic ambitions.
This is a unique opportunity to step into a visible and influential role, where your leadership will directly impact Cadent's ability to deliver safe, secure and sustainable energy.
Why you'll love this role
This is a high-impact operational leadership role that offers variety, responsibility and the chance to shape the future of energy control.
* Operational Leadership – Manage a team of Shift Control Engineers and day staff, ensuring safe and efficient network operations.
* Real-Time Decision Making – Lead the response to emergencies, asset failures and gas supply events.
* Strategic Collaboration – Work closely with stakeholders across Cadent and beyond to share best practice and drive innovation.
* Shift Flexibility – Enjoy a rotational shift pattern with no night shifts, plus a generous shift allowance.
* Continuous Development – Full training provided, with opportunities to grow your technical and leadership capabilities.
What you'll bring
You're a confident and capable leader with a passion for operational excellence and a calm head under pressure.
* Team Leadership – Experience managing and motivating teams in a fast-paced environment.
* Control Room Experience – Previous exposure to operational or control room settings.
* Technical Understanding – Awareness of gas networks and contractual obligations (training provided).
* Stakeholder Engagement – Strong communication and collaboration skills.
* Resilience & Innovation – Willingness to challenge the norm and think outside the box.
* Qualifications – Incorporated or Chartered Engineer (or working towards), degree or equivalent experience.
This role is subject to enhanced NSV screening. A minimum of 5 years UK residency is required.
At Cadent, we're thrilled to be part of the future of UK energy
We have a clear roadmap to drive our performance to the forefront of our industry and support the UK government in achieving its net zero targets by 2050.
We're making a difference through innovation and new ways of working. Together, we're shaping a cleaner, greener future for our 11 million customers, whom we put at the heart of everything we do.
What's In It for You
Here at Cadent, we recognise that our people are truly unsung heroes. Quietly confident, delivering every day - that's why we're committed to supporting our people to get the best out of themselves. For this role, we offer:
* Private Medical Insurance for you, your partner and your family available through MyChoices, our flexible benefits programme, with access to a 24 hour Bupa HealthLine
* 25 days' holiday, plus 8 statutory days and an option to buy or sell holiday days
* An Annual Performance Bonus of up to 15% of your salary
* A generous pension scheme where the company double matches your contributions up to 12% i.e. if you contribute 6% a month, the company will contribute 12%
* A competitive salary that's reviewed each year against the market median salary for your role, skills, knowledge and experience
* Generous family policies and flexible benefits
* A free Employee Assistance Line where you can get support and advice on any of the challenges you're facing, completely confidentially
* Support to help you cover the cost of professional membership subscriptions, course fees, books, examination fees and time off for study leave – so long as it's relevant to your role
* Plus many more benefits that help you join the dots between your work and home life
We support a healthy work-life balance and are open to flexible working options.
Diversity and Inclusion
Don't meet every requirement? No problem If you're excited about this opportunity but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification mentioned, we would still love for you to submit your application – you may just be the right person for this role or other opportunities at Cadent.
We value diversity and are committed to being an equitable employer. Our employee communities – Women in Cadent, Pride at Work (LGBTQ+), Embrace (ethnicity and religion), Thrive (disability), the Cadent Military Community, the Grief Awareness Community, and the Men's Engagement Network (M.E.N) – can't wait to welcome you
What's next?
To be considered for this role, please submit your application with an up-to-date CV and our Talent Acquisition team will get in touch soon. To learn more about Cadent, visit our website at Home | Cadent )
Be part of something big. Help shape the future of gas for generations to come.