Director of Networks & Innovation

Director of Networks is a once-in-a-generation transformation of Northern Ireland’s high-voltage transmission grid and the development of world-leading operating technology and electricity markets.

The Networks Digital Build, lead and motivate teams to achieve operational excellence, continuously improve performance, deliver infrastructure and change programmes at pace and deliver outcomes benefiting consumers and wider society; Embrace change, developing network, innovation, market and digital solutions to make a real difference to our operations, our staff, and our customers; Future-proof the delivery of a resilient, efficient, affordable and secure transmission system for NI; Bring together a range of innovation, networks, digitalisation programmes and services to support systems operations, energy transformation and address workforce transformation challenges; Build a centre of excellence attracting a range of talented multidisciplinary subject matter experts.

Provide strategic thought leadership around solutions to the capacity and adequacy needs of the power system consistent with government renewable targets and carbon emission budgets; Proactively contribute to the overall development and achievement of strategic vision of SONI and support business objectives; Create, implement, assess and improve directorate business plans, strategies, processes and procedures; Sustain and grow a dynamic, enabling work environment and positive company culture promoting SONI as an employer of choice; Collaborate and coordinate closely with colleagues in the SONI Leadership Team to drive performance, enable the business to achieve future ambitions and establish key strategic partnerships with parent organisation (EirGrid), the Utility Regulatory and other core government and business groups; Support the acceleration of the decarbonisation of energy and positively contribute to the energy transformation; Report performance of the business to the SONI Board, Chief Executive, management and other stakeholders; Influence at a European level through SONI’s involvement with ENTSO-E and NESO.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Support the CEO and partner with the business to enable delivery of SONI’s strategy;
• Develop and roll out Networks, Digital, Innovation and Research strategies and associated business plans;
• Develop and implement Networks;
• Build, lead, motivate and engage a high-performing team within Networks;
• Work closely with our People and Place Function to attract and develop talent across several disciplines to support growth targets and ambitions;
• Help secure new regulatory funding for the business, managing relationships with the Utility Regulatory and Departmental officials as appropriate;
• Manage processes for all areas of Networks;
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory obligations for the company;
• Provide timely and relevant information to the senior management team and to the Board;
• Exemplify and role-model the values and leadership behaviours expected of a senior leader in the organisation and lead the transformation of culture within the company;
• Provide a strong and effective contribution to the wider corporate management of the business, support key business initiatives and ensure operational considerations are integrated into decision-making processes;
• Work with the leadership team in role-modeling the organisational values, desired leadership behaviours and championing a culture of performance excellence, collaboration and continuous improvement;
• Any other reasonable duties and responsibilities as requested.

Personnel specification

Essential requirements

• Demonstrable experience at senior management level, reporting to Executive and/or Board level in a complex energy or other utility/infrastructure delivery environment;
• Experience overseeing the successful delivery of major physical infrastructure programmes including awareness of statutory planning and consenting process;
• Experienced leader, with strong organisational, planning and process management skills, and proven ability to lead, inspire and develop large, multidisciplinary teams while fostering a high-performance inclusive culture;
• Experience of influencing strategy development with the ability to translate strategic concepts into operational solutions capable of implementation;
• Keen judgement and foresight with the ability to effectively understand, influence and communicate with a variety of internal and external stakeholders;
• Change oriented and able to effectively challenge the status quo, while bringing stakeholders on a change journey;
• Capable of communicating and influencing at Board level and effective in engaging with the Board and sub-committees thereof in relevant matters.

Desirable requirements

• Experience of working in the electricity industry and experience of working and delivering in a regulatory business model.

Remunerations and Benefits

• 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. Flexible working means different things to different people.

Closing date 10am, Monday 22nd June 2026.

Application information

To apply for this role, candidates must contact Clarendon Executive directly. A detailed candidate brief with further information on the role is available at https://clarendonexecutive.com/careers/director-of-networks-innovation. Alternatively, to arrange a confidential conversation please contact Claire McKee of Clarendon Executive on 02890 725750.

Equal Opportunities

SONI is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to an inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are valued and everyone can thrive. As a STEM organisation, we are continuing to strengthen gender diversity across our engineering and technology roles and welcome applications from women who want to build and apply their expertise to Northern Ireland’s energy system.

Legal

We have a duty to prevent illegal working and applicants must demonstrate that they have a legal right to work in the UK. SONI is not providing sponsorship for this vacancy.