Connections Strategy Manager - NESO

About the role

National Energy System Operator (NESO) recognises the potential of bright and talented individuals, and we encourage you to join us as Great Britain’s energy system undergoes an ambitious, exciting, and vital transformation. Together with industry, we are creating a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

NESO are looking for a Connections Strategy Manager to be part of our wider Connections team, that manages the connection of generation and demand to Great Britain’s high voltage electricity network.

You’ll therefore be at the forefront of helping Great Britain transition rapidly towards a zero carbon future that can deliver our climate change goals.

You will be responsible for developing and implementing a range of strategic initiatives, both nearer-term and longer-term, to align the technical, commercial and regulatory elements of our connections process with developments across the energy sector (for example Strategic Spatial Energy Planning, Centralised Strategic Network Planning, Market Reform, and the introduction of Regional Energy Strategic Planning). You will work collaboratively with other teams across NESO and with industry, Government and Ofgem.

This role can be based from Wokingham, Warwick, Glasgow, 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

National Energy System Operator (NESO) has a key role to play in tackling climate change by transitioning GB’s electricity system to net zero. We already operate the fastest decarbonising electricity system in the world, with an ambition for zero carbon power operation by 2030 when there is sufficient renewable generation. We are also providing advice to the Government on achieving a decarbonised power system by 2030.

So, join the energy transformation and help shape the future.

Your energy, our future, together.

About the National Energy System Operator (NESO) (External)

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

NESO, including all of its existing roles, are now 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 is 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 was the ESO, 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.

Key Accountabilities

• Develop, seek approval for, and implement a range of strategic initiatives, both nearer-term and longer-term, to align the technical, commercial and regulatory elements of our connections process with developments across the energy sector
• Work collaboratively with others within NESO and within industry, Government and Ofgem, to ensure that your proposals are robust, well justified and align with NESO strategy and policy and take appropriate account of data, technology, regulatory and commercial considerations and organisational capability
• Manage your work, and the work of any direct reports, in an organised and efficient way, establishing key milestones and deliverables and reporting regularly against these to ensure that work is delivered on time and to a high standard 
• Engage on your remit with key internal and external stakeholders (including the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ofgem, Transmission Owners, Distribution Network Operators and generation and demand connection customers), ensuring that information and proposals are presented and explained clearly and concisely
• Create a high performing culture where every direct report is fully engaged and knows the value they create for the organisation
• Develop yourself and direct reports to drive performance and to create a strong career path and progression

About you

We’re forging the path, and we know we can’t do it alone. That’s why we need visionary minds like yours to join us on this transformative journey. In this case, we’re looking for someone who:

• Passionate about renewable energy and making a positive difference for GB energy consumers
• Ability to see the big picture and think strategically
• Ability to deliver change and mitigate complex risks, in a sometimes uncertain environment
• Experience of building efficient working relationships and developing self and others to achieve their full potential
• Strong communicator with excellent writing skills with a proven ability to communicate complex information in a way non-experts can understand

Research shows that some people may hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. At NESO, we believe potential comes in many forms and we’re committed to a fair, inclusive recruitment process where everyone can show their talents. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds to build a workforce that feels valued and respected and represents the communities we serve.

What you'll get

A competitive salary between £70,000 - £78,000pa – dependent on experience and capability.

As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus of up to 15% of your salary for stretch performance, 28 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 10th February 2026 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.

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. 

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.

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