Role Title: Capacity & Flexibility Manager
Reports to: Head of Future Power Systems
Location: Belfast (Hybrid)
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‑oriented. 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 Northern Ireland’s electricity needs will evolve in the years and decades ahead. Future Power Systems models future energy demand, identifies the mix of electricity sources needed to power a fully decarbonised system and provides the insight that helps SONI plan a secure, flexible and affordable electricity future.
As Power System Capacity & Flexibility Manager, you will lead a team of analysts and engineers who assess long‑term electricity supply and demand, support the annual All‑Island Resource Adequacy Assessment, and shape the transition to a cleaner power system as new low‑carbon technologies connect and older fossil‑fuelled generators retire.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys leading people, solving complex challenges, working collaboratively and communicating clearly with both technical and non‑technical audiences. We welcome candidates from a broad range of energy, technical or analytical backgrounds.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the team responsible for identifying the type and amount of electricity sources needed to ensure Northern Ireland’s future security of supply and system flexibility.
* Oversee the technical analysis that underpins resource adequacy planning, including capacity requirements for future capacity auctions.
* Build capability within the team by supporting skills development, coaching and knowledge‑sharing.
* Act as a key point of contact for industry and market trends, helping the organisation understand the potential impacts and opportunities.
* Represent SONI at external forums, working groups and industry bodies.
* Build strong partnerships with distribution system operators, gas network operators, third‑party providers and senior stakeholders.
* Lead improvements in capacity adequacy planning to support SONI’s strategic goals, including those in Shaping Our Electricity Future.
* Manage a portfolio of projects, ensuring effective planning, budgeting, scheduling, quality control and risk management.
* Promote a proactive, innovative and collaborative team culture.
* Act as an escalation point for capacity planning issues, providing guidance and support to resolve challenges.
Critical Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Essential
* A degree in engineering, economics, mathematics or another relevant technical or analytical field, with at least 8 years’ relevant experience.
* Strong understanding of energy markets and/or resource adequacy modelling.
* Good knowledge of energy system flexibility – such as interconnection, energy storage and techno‑economic modelling.
* Strong organisational, interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to explain complex topics clearly to non‑technical audiences.
* Experience leading, coaching or developing people.
* Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities, with a focus on practical solutions.
* Experience delivering complex projects or programmes successfully.
* Ability to influence, build consensus and work collaboratively across teams.
* Self‑motivation, adaptability and comfort working in a fast‑changing environment.
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.
If you are seeking a challenging and impactful role within the energy sector, we’d love 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 applications is 8th 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 under‑represented 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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