At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the evolution of the UK energy system and influence future planning.
- Company: Join Cadent, a leader in shaping sustainable energy solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, private medical insurance, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Net Zero initiatives and innovative energy solutions.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in energy system planning and strategic thinking required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
As our Head of Energy System Planning, you’ll play a critical leadership role in shaping how Cadent engages with and influences the future of the UK energy system. This isn’t just about planning — it’s about defining the role of gas networks within a whole-system transition, ensuring Cadent is positioned at the forefront of Net Zero, hydrogen and multi-molecule energy solutions.
This is a permanent role based at Ansty Business Park, Coventry, where you’ll lead Cadent’s strategic approach to national, regional and local energy system planning. You’ll translate complex external plans and scenarios into clear strategic choices, ensuring our network remains resilient, efficient and aligned to future system needs.
You’ll work closely with senior internal leaders and external organisations such as NESO, Ofgem and DESNZ, providing thought leadership, insight and influence to shape energy system planning frameworks and decision making across the industry.
Why you’ll love this role:
- Strategic Leadership – Lead Cadent’s approach to energy system planning, ensuring gas networks are integrated into whole-system solutions.
- Industry Influence – Shape national and regional planning frameworks through engagement with key bodies including NESO, Ofgem and government.
- Future Energy Focus – Define the role of hydrogen, biomethane, hybrid heat and flexibility within Net Zero pathways.
- Insight & Scenario Planning – Lead the use of advanced analytics, modelling and scenarios to inform strategic decisions under uncertainty.
- Stakeholder Engagement – Build trusted relationships with senior internal and external stakeholders to influence complex decision making.
- Regulatory & Investment Impact – Translate system planning outputs into clear implications for asset strategy, investment planning and regulatory submissions.
- Innovation & Capability Building – Develop a high-performing team and champion new approaches to energy system planning.
What you’ll bring:
- Energy System Planning Expertise – Extensive experience in system planning, strategic network planning or scenario development within a regulated environment.
- Net Zero & Whole-System Insight – Strong understanding of decarbonisation pathways and the role of gas networks in future energy systems.
- Analytical & Strategic Thinking – Ability to translate complex system analysis into clear, actionable insights for senior stakeholders.
- Leadership Capability – Proven ability to lead teams, influence at senior level and foster high performance and innovation.
- Stakeholder Influence – Experience shaping policy, regulatory frameworks or industry-wide initiatives.
- Technical & Digital Awareness – Knowledge of advanced analytics, modelling or AI-enabled tools to support planning and decision making.
- Qualifications – Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience in energy systems, engineering, economics or a related field.
Apply now to lead how Cadent shapes and responds to the future energy system, ensuring resilience, affordability and sustainability for our customers.
Interviews will be held on Wednesday 24th June.
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
- A company car allowance
- 25 days’ holiday, plus 8 statutory days and an option to buy or sell holiday days
- An Annual Performance Bonus of up to 20% 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. Be part of something big. Help shape the future of gas for generations to come.
Head of Energy Systems Planning employer: Cadent Gas
At Cadent, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that champions innovation and collaboration in the energy sector. Located at Ansty Business Park in Coventry, our team enjoys a range of benefits including private medical insurance, generous holiday allowances, and a competitive pension scheme, all while contributing to a sustainable future for the UK. We are committed to employee growth through professional development support and fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where every voice is valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Energy Systems Planning
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at events. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Cadent and understand their role in the energy sector. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around Net Zero and innovative energy solutions.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring examples of your past work in energy system planning to the table. Highlight your analytical skills and how you've influenced decision-making in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of Cadent’s mission to shape the future of energy.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Energy Systems Planning
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of Energy Systems Planning. Highlight your experience in energy system planning and how it aligns with Cadent's goals for Net Zero and innovative energy solutions.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about shaping the future of the UK energy system and how your skills can help Cadent lead the way in this transition.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves strategic leadership, be sure to include examples of how you've successfully led teams or influenced decision-making in previous roles. We want to see your ability to drive innovation and high performance!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Cadent.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cadent Gas
✨Know Your Energy Systems
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of energy systems, especially around Net Zero and hydrogen solutions. Be prepared to discuss how gas networks can integrate into whole-system transitions and share your insights on decarbonisation pathways.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Energy Systems Planning, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've led teams or influenced senior stakeholders in the past, particularly in complex decision-making scenarios.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would build trusted relationships with key stakeholders like Ofgem and NESO. Be ready to discuss your experience in shaping policy or regulatory frameworks and how you would approach stakeholder engagement in this role.
✨Analytical Thinking is Key
Highlight your analytical skills by discussing how you've used advanced analytics or modelling in previous roles. Be prepared to explain how you translate complex data into actionable insights that inform strategic decisions.
