Policy and Strategy Senior Lead (Balancing Costs) - 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.

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Policy and Strategy Senior Lead. If you are seeking a strategic role in the energy, regulatory, or policy space, and would like to play a part in shaping the future of Great Britain’s energy system, this could be the perfect role for you.

Transforming GB’s electricity system is leading to rising costs of balancing the grid. The Constraints & Operational Insights team lead NESO’s work to bring down balancing costs. The team combines deep technical understanding of electricity balancing day-to-day, commercial understanding of electricity markets, data science and policy expertise.

This role is an opportunity to work on one of the most complex and high-profile challenges in the UK energy landscape. The Policy and Strategy Senior Lead will drive NESO’s strategy to minimise balancing costs, working with policymakers, regulators, industry and network operators.

The ideal candidate will bring a robust analytical approach, experience of advising senior leaders on strategic risks and trade-offs, and excellent communication skills.

This role can be based from Wokingham, Warwick or 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.

Key accountabilities

• Develop strategic framework and insights: you will set up the vision and process for medium-term changes needed to bring down Balancing Costs. You will draft materials such as papers, reports, public presentations to communicate the strategy, with a compelling and clear call to action.
• Drive innovation and new approaches: proactively identify gaps and emerging opportunities to minimise balancing costs, using your wider knowledge of the UK energy system context.
• Lead impactful discussions and facilitate effective engagement: You will help NESO’s external stakeholders understand Balancing Costs by building strong relationships, and through excellent communication skills.
• You will train, support and facilitate learning across the team to embed best practice in delivering a robust and convincing strategy

About you

At NESO, we're building a diverse and inclusive team of forward-thinking professionals who are passionate about creating a sustainable energy future. We recognise that the best ideas come from a mix of experiences, so we're looking for individuals from energy, regulatory, policy, or related backgrounds to bring their unique perspectives to this role.

That’s why we need visionary minds like yours to join us on this transformative journey. In this case, we’re looking for someone with:

• Technical knowledge (desirable but not essential): A proven understanding of energy markets (GB or international), electricity network planning, operations, or balancing mechanisms—gained as an engineer, consultant, policy advisor, economist, or in another capacity—will be a strong asset.
• Analytical thinking: You'll excel at breaking down complex issues from first principles and communicating them to diverse audiences, from technical experts to policymakers. We need someone with a track record of using quantitative and qualitative evidence to form independent, insightful viewpoints.
• Communication and stakeholder engagement: Experience in advising and influencing senior stakeholders, both internally and externally, is essential.
• Project management: Demonstrate flexibility and agility in juggling multiple priorities, managing resources effectively, and adapting to the fast-paced demands of the energy sector.

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.

If this role sparks your interest but you’re not sure you tick every box, we still want to hear from you.

About what'll get

A competitive salary between £62,000 - £75,000pa – 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.
• Flexibility in ways of working with a minimum of 1- 2 days at the Warwick office
• Generous Total Rewards Plan – comprising of health, finance and wealth, work/life balance, and career benefits.
  
  

About us

NESO is the National Energy System Operator for Great Britain. We move power around Great Britain to keep homes and businesses supplied with the energy they need 24/7, 365 days a year. This is the first time in Great Britain that one organisation will plan and operate the whole energy system.

We are responsible for planning and delivering the energy of today and the future. To do this we look at all sources of energy (like gas and electricity) and work with customers, other organisations, and government, to deliver what is needed to reach a zero-carbon future. We call these groups NESO's customers.  

Join us and empower your potential, energise our team, and be part of something bigger.

Your energy, our future, together.

Join us, and let’s energise progress.

Your energy, our future, together.

More information

This role closes on 29th January 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.

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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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