Head of Regulations in Guildford

ESP Utilities Group (ESP) is one of the UK’s largest and longest established Independent Gas Transporters (IGT) and Independent Distribution Network Operators (IDNO), owning and operating gas and electricity networks, as well as gas meters. In 2021, ESP launched a new business offering water and sewerage connections to new build domestic housing and mixed developments. In response to a move away from gas heating solutions, ESP has also recently begun adopting heat networks. Across utilities, we have over 1,100,000 connections on a variety of residential, industrial and commercial networks across the UK.

ESP operates in a highly regulated environment across Gas, Electricity, Water and Heat, all of which are facing significant change as the UK transitions towards Net Zero. This role is responsible for managing regulatory and legislative changes impacting our business services and revenues, to ensure ESP is well positioned to manage the risks and opportunities arising from them. Working closely with the Regulations Director to translate and articulate upcoming changes which will inform the wider company strategy and support ESP as it enters new markets.

• Ensure we have appropriate coverage and tracking of key issues that can impact the business, through attendance of key meetings, scanning and networking.
• Actively build knowledge of the business objectives and relevant regulatory change that could impact the company’s goals.
• Ensure regulatory obligations are well understood in the business so the impact of changes is identified and assessed early.
• Forge and build strong relationships and interactions with external stakeholders (in line with the identified priority areas): regulatory authorities (Ofgem, Ofwat, DWI, CCW, EA, MOSL) and consumer groups and industry bodies to build cooperation and trust and to influence the regulatory agenda to support ESP’s corporate objectives.
• Work with the Regulations Director on new commercial areas and the implications from a regulatory perspective; Heat, Batteries etc.
• Effective communication to senior management of regulatory, public policy and other associated changes and the risks / opportunities these present to ESP.
• Build team capability and assess and recommend solutions for monitoring and supporting in the management of regulatory matters across fuels.
• Draft submissions to consultations from industry bodies, regulators, and government departments and respond in a timely and comprehensive manner to ensure deadlines are met and that ESP’s position is effectively delivered to stakeholders in a professional, compelling manner.
• Monitor changes in regulatory legislation and guidelines as well as manage and influence the detailed implementation of policy by regulators.
• Provide guidance and advice to the wider business on regulatory matters.
• Represent ESPUG within the INA and actively participate in relevant INA sub-committees to protect and further enhance the interests of, firstly ESP licensed businesses and secondly the independent utility community as represented by the INA.
• Deputise for the Regulations Director on internal and external regulatory activities.

• Proven track record of engaging with senior stakeholders.
• Able to build and motivate a small team.
• A strategic and commercial thinker who can assess and understand the business impact of changes.
• Highly articulate and able to lead and influence stakeholders, with a successful track record of managing multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Intellectually curious and able to quickly grasp new concepts.
• Excellent numeracy and written communication skills.
• Outcome and solution focused.
• Able to manage priorities.
• Personable with high emotional intelligence.
• Confident and energetic to drive an agenda forward.
• Understanding of regulated environment.
• Track record in delivering compliance against Code / Licence obligations.
• Familiarity with the independent energy and water markets (Nice to have).
• Experience in managing external service providers and consultants (Nice to have).
• Experience of operating in a regulated utility environment (Nice to have).