Distributed Energy Programme Data and Technology Lead – ESO

Job Purpose

Great Britain’s electricity system is undergoing an ambitious, exciting and vital transformation. Together with industry, we are creating a cleaner, greener system, one that protects the planet and serves generations to come.

If you are passionate about Net Zero, enthusiastic about making a real difference to society and enjoy working in a talented and collaborative environment then please consider applying for a role with the Electricity System Operator (ESO) as it transforms to become the Future System Operator (FSO) for GB. The FSO is an independent and expert whole energy organisation on a mission to accelerate our energy transition.

As we transition to Net Zero, we are seeing a proliferation in the volume of flexibility assets (wind, solar, EVs, batteries, etc.) connecting to distribution networks, changing how they behave and unlocking additional flexibility for the ESO and Distribution System Operators (DSOs). The ESO and DSOs need greater visibility of these Distributed Energy Resources (DER) assets to better plan, connect, and operate networks, increase market liquidity, and maintain system resilience through greater co-ordination between ESO and DSO operational activities.

The DER Visibility Programme is the delivery vehicle for achieving this transformation and we are looking for a Data and Technology Lead to join the team.

This role can be based from Wokingham or Warwick, and we continue to offer hybrid working from office and home. We are open to full time and part time applicants, as well as flexible working arrangements. 

About us

As Great Britain’s electricity system operator (ESO), we sit at the heart of the electricity system, using our outstanding engineering and commercial expertise to balance electricity supply and demand. Ultimately, we keep the electricity flowing directly to where it’s needed, second by second.

Becoming the National Energy System Operator

In Summer of 2024, the ESO will transition to becoming the National Energy System Operator, or NESO for short. Previously denoted as the Future System Operator (or FSO), the new National Energy System Operator will be the independent body responsible for planning Great Britain’s electricity and gas networks and operating the electricity system.

The ESO, including all of its existing roles, will be at the heart of the new National Energy System Operator. As NESO, we will build on our existing roles, capabilities, and ways of working significantly to create an organisation the energy system and its users’ need. Our new capabilities will enable us to look across vectors, including electricity, natural gas and hydrogen, and crucially consider the trade-offs between them.

The organisation will be set up as a public corporation with its own Board of independent directors, with complete operational independence from government, the regulator and any and all commercial interest. As the ESO are today, NESO will be licenced and regulated by Ofgem through price control agreements and obligated to identify optimal solutions to system operations and planning in the most sustainable, affordable and secure way for all.

The time to deliver is now. As part of our team, you won’t just be touching the lives of almost everyone in Great Britain – you’ll be shaping the way we use and consume energy for generations to come.

Key Accountabilities

• Identify and articulate the technical data- and technology-based challenges of integrating Distributed Energy into System Operator and Network Operators.
• Innovate with ESO and industry experts to design and develop feasible data and technology solutions for the technical challenges of DER Visibility.
• Leading and assurance of technology implementation with ESO’s Enterprise IT functions.
• Provide technical expertise for the DER Visibility team, and provide technical assurance for related and dependant programme initiatives.
• Deliver data and tech requirements in complex, cross-functional multi-stakeholder environment.
• Work alongside a breadth of internal and external industry stakeholders who are also passionate about delivering Net Zero and the energy transition to coordinate the development, planning and operation of the whole electricity system to facilitate the low carbon transition.
• Contribute to innovations including IT solutions in planning and operation to deliver maximum consumer benefit.
• Represent National Grid in external industry-wide technical forums, seminars and conferences.
• Application of process excellence to deliver efficient process and quality output.
• Communicate complex concepts to wider, non-technical stakeholders.
• Knowledge of the structure, regulatory environment and the short- and long-term issues affecting the energy industry would be an advantage.

About you

What we do isn’t just important – it’s essential. That’s why we look to recruit experts in their field. In this case, we’re looking for someone who:

• Extensive experience in applying solution architecture tools and best practice.
• Understanding of enterprise architecture frameworks.
• Extensive experience working with large and complex data sets, and developing target data structures to meet business and operational needs.
• A comprehensive understanding of data standards and experience in data model design, with skilled use of data modelling tools. An understanding of operational technology and IT/OT conversions is desirable.
• Experience of platform design/re-design is desirable.
• Experience working with developers and architects.
• Able to work closely with product and development teams, to provide assurance.
• Able to work with others to ensure data and technology standards are maintained. 
• Able to operate seamlessly in Waterfall and Agile methods of delivery.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills with the ability to effectively present findings and insights to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

What you’ll get

A competitive salary between £50,000 – £60,000 per annum– dependent on experience and capability. As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus based on company performance, 26 days annual leave as standard and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%.

As we work towards creating a cleaner, greener, and more affordable future for all, we also work towards creating a place for our teammates to belong, with professional and personal growth and positive well-being.

• Full support and career-development resources to expand your skills, enhance your expertise, and maximise your potential along your career journey.
• A diverse and inclusive community of belonging, where teammates are empowered to bring ideas to the table.
• Generous Total Rewards Plan – comprising of health, finance and wealth, work/life balance, and career benefits.

More Information

This role closes on 3rd June 2024 at 23:59, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary. Interviews will be held week commencing 10th June 2024.

We work towards the highest standards in everything we do, including how we support, value and develop our people. Our aim is to encourage and support employees to thrive and be the best they can be. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office. 

#LI-EM1

We’re committed to building a workforce that represents the communities we serve, and a working environment in which each individual feels valued, respected, fairly treated, and able to reach their full potential.