Head of Commercial Management (Asset)

ESP Utilities is currently looking for a Head of Assets to help with the continued relationships that we have with ICPs and Developers for the build out of networks under the asset adoption process, which are key to achieving compliance.

As part of the senior management team, this role will ensure that these networks meet statutory and regulatory requirements by setting and maintaining policy, procedure and technical standards and providing Tier 2 assurance of our electrical processes. The role will have a broad range of knowledge across electricity distribution with particular experience of EHV networks, network development and policy setting.

The role will lead and inspire a multidisciplinary team, fostering a culture of collaboration, safety, and high performance. The role should be aware of regulatory change with regards to policy such as Access SCR, TCR etc., and hold active engagement with industry bodies such as the ENA and INA.

The Head of Assets (Electricity) will be responsible for ensuring that current and future networks comply with ESP’s standards, industry standards and legislation. This role will engage with industry and regulatory forums alongside the Regulations Team to ensure that ESPUG complies with and manages the risk of regulatory reform and will develop and implement a strategy and action plan to ensure that ESPUG has suitable Policy to address compliance of networks.

A key member of the senior management team with input into discussions and decisions regarding operational, commercial, and regulatory issues. Manage budget and financial performance for asset management activities, ensuring cost-efficiency while maintaining quality standards.

Develop and implement a strategic risk management framework for electricity assets, ensuring that risks are proactively identified, assessed, and mitigated. Lead the response to crisis situations and network emergencies, ensuring swift recovery and minimal disruption. Understand sector risks and take a lead on industry innovation and future energy scenarios.

Maintaining Electric Policy and Procedures to ensure compliance with regulations and ESP asset management requirements. Ensuring that appropriate policy and procedure are in place. Leads strategy and approach to future network design in order to meet Net Zero targets (e.g. demand management, flexible connections, system operation).

Offering technical advice to the Regulations Team to identify risk and impact of code changes, mitigation and development of an action plan to meet our obligations. Setting Policy, ensuring appropriate operational, safety and commercial risk assessment are undertaken. Ensuring asset records are accurate and suitable to meet regulatory requirements and minimise risk – this includes leading audits on completion records.

Reporting on compliance of electric assets, policy and procedure. Auditing the delivery of asset inspection, maintenance and directly managed activities (Tier 2 assurance). Assuring compliance of acquired assets across all voltage levels. Provide support to customers on design of EHV networks necessary for the safe, efficient, and compliant design, construction, operation, maintenance and in accordance with ESP’s standards, industry standards and legislation.

Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, industry partners, and key clients, to influence decisions and ensure alignment with ESPUG's goals. Accountable for developing and maintaining ESP’s Asset Management Policy, processes and accreditations by enacting ESP’s Asset Management Policy, ensuring that risks are identified, recorded and mitigation is put in place, identifying asset investment to minimise risk to ESP, and assuring that ESP assets (all voltage tiers) are maintained appropriately, and that Service Providers produce a safe, compliant and efficient service.

Champion the integration of emerging technologies into asset management, ensuring that ESPUG stays at the forefront of innovation and technological advancements in the energy sector. Evaluate and implement new technologies that enhance network performance, safety, and efficiency. Supporting the design team with technical direction, training and guidance. Providing technical guidance to Customers on design, construction and future networks. Supporting on network emergencies and outages.

Support development of future compliance with electricity network design & operations requirements through close work across industry and the INA. Accountable for Network performance by ensuring that the performance of Electric Network activities is adequately monitored and reported at appropriate frequencies to ensure compliance is maintained. Ensuring that progress, risks and concerns are reported to the Ops Director.

Establish and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor the performance, safety, compliance, and efficiency of electricity networks. Regularly review asset performance data to ensure alignment with strategic goals, identifying areas for improvement.

Experience of planning, design, delivery, installation, operation and maintenance of electricity distribution networks operating at up to 132kV. Ideally good experience of EHV network. Knowledge of the Regulatory and HSE Framework. Knowledge of the philosophy and principles relating to the design of electricity distribution networks. Knowledge of the selection and procurement of materials to be used in the construction of electricity distribution networks.

Ability to assure the design, construction and operation of EHV Networks operating at up to 132kV, in conjunction with suitably qualified and competent Consultants and Service Providers. In-depth knowledge of the electricity industry Standards, Recommendations, Specifications and Legislation relevant to the construction and operation of electricity distribution networks. Ideally be qualified to degree level or hold a minimum of a HND/HNC or equivalent in Electrical Power Engineering and be working towards attaining, or already holding Chartered status.