Planning Engineer in Manchester

We are seeking a highly analytical and forward thinking professional to join our team as a DSO Reinforcement Engineer. In this pivotal role, you will identify, assess, and prioritise network reinforcement requirements—supporting capacity release, stakeholder needs, and long term investment planning across our electricity network. This is an exciting opportunity to influence multi million pound investment decisions, play a key part in regulatory performance, and support the UK's transition to a low carbon future.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Network Planning & Investment Strategy • Identify and prioritise network reinforcement requirements, including capacity release to meet stakeholder needs. • Develop long term reinforcement investment plans aligned to our business planning timetable.
• External Stakeholder Engagement • Analyse Local Area Energy Plans (LAEPs) and other developments modelled within SP ENW forecasts. • Produce needs papers for reinforcement schemes that support local authority and stakeholder ambitions. • Contribute to outperforming DSO incentives through enhanced stakeholder satisfaction and robust evidence gathering (representing up to £18m in ED2).
• Finance & Programme Development • Lead on identifying network needs across the entire secondary network. • Draft needs papers that feed into a reinforcement programme projected to exceed £66m during RIIO ED2, increasing our Regulated Asset Value (RAV) and associated revenue.
• Regulatory Reporting • Prepare draft submissions for regulatory licence condition reporting related to secondary networks, including CV2, CV3, RRPs, volume drivers and DSO metrics. • Support accurate and compliant reporting to avoid significant penalties (up to 10% of annual revenue per process).
• Regulatory Publications & Industry Collaboration • Coordinate delivery of the Long Term Development Statement (LTDS) (published twice annually) and contribute to the Network Development Plan. • Engage with NESO, Ofgem, and ENA on Regional Energy System Plans, including Strategic Energy Needs.
• Internal Collaboration • Work closely with the Strategic Planning team to: o Communicate primary and secondary network impacts and capacity requirements o Draft and finalise needs papers and programme approval documents o Support delivery of Strategic Energy Needs, LAEP insights, and local authority decarbonisation and growth strategies.
• Change Management • Lead implementation of updated Ofgem guidance relating to EHV network reinforcement compliance and reporting.
• Health, Safety & Network Security • Support secure electricity supply by identifying risks such as overloaded assets or fault levels exceeding equipment ratings, enabling proactive mitigation.

What we’re looking for

We welcome applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences who meet the following criteria:

• Degree in electrical engineering. A master’s degree or equivalent desirable.
• Proven experience in power systems and electrical network modelling, e.g. using tools such as IPSA, DIgSILENT or prototype tools on other software platforms.
• Experience in related engineering (preferably on electricity distribution planning) or relevant research areas.
• Membership of an appropriate professional body (e.g. the IET, IEEE) an advantage.

What we’re offering

We value your expertise. In return, you’ll receive:

• An annual bonus scheme
• 25 days annual leave increasing with length of service
• Private Healthcare
• An employee rewards portal offering discounts on several well-known brands
• A market-leading contributory pension scheme
• Employee assistance programme
• Opportunity for professional development through our L&D function.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We’re proud to foster a workplace where everyone can thrive. We celebrate diversity and are committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve. We believe that embracing our differences makes us stronger.