Strategy and Policy Programme Manager in Warwick

At the National Energy System Operator (NESO), we play a vital role in tackling climate change and securing Great Britain's energy future. We already operate the world's fastest decarbonising electricity system and are working towards our ambition to run it carbon-free for a short period this year - provided the market supplies electricity exclusively from renewable sources. Alongside this, we provide expert advice to government on how to deliver a clean power system by 2030.

In autumn 2024, the Electricity System Operator (ESO) transitioned to become NESO - an independent, expert public corporation with a whole-system view across electricity, gas, and hydrogen. NESO operates independently and transparently, always acting in the best interests of all energy users. Licensed and regulated by Ofgem, we make impartial decisions that balance sustainability, affordability and security. Our organisation is fully independent from government, the regulator and all commercial interests, with a clear focus on system-wide benefit, long term thinking and public value.

The time to deliver is now. Join the energy transformation and help shape the future. Your energy. Our future. Together.

National Energy System Operator (NESO) recognises the potential of bright and talented individuals, and we encourage you to join us as Great Britain’s energy system undergoes an ambitious, exciting, and vital transformation. Together with industry, we are creating a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

About the Role

Sitting at the heart of NESO’s Strategy & Policy function, you will lead the strategic programme management of our energy insights portfolio, ensuring that our most critical projects are prioritised, scoped, and resourced effectively. This role is central to enabling NESO’s licensed activities, which include our flagship Future Energy Scenarios, provision of independent advice to government and Ofgem, and the advancement of our strategic priorities in analysis and insight. You will work closely with the Strategy & Policy leadership team to drive alignment, transparency, and impact across a diverse and high-profile programme of work.

Key Responsibilities

• Programme leadership: Own and manage the strategic programme of energy insights across the Strategy & Policy department, ensuring coherent planning, prioritisation, and sequencing of projects against NESO’s strategic objectives.
• Project delivery: Delivery of NESO’s statutory advice to government and Ofgem, ensuring insight projects are strategically positioned to inform policy and regulatory decisions.
• Process ownership: Own internal processes for project steering and governance across the energy insights and advice portfolio.
• Leadership collaboration: Act as a trusted partner to the Strategy & Policy leadership team, facilitating strategic planning, resource allocation, and cross-functional coordination. Familiarity with energy sector policy and regulation and strategy development is desirable.
• Project scoping & resourcing: Work closely with Strategy and Policy teams and Delivery Programme Manager to ensure projects are well-defined and appropriately staffed.
• Continuous improvement: Identify opportunities to enhance programme management practices, tools, and culture across the Strategy & Policy function.

About You

You are a strategic thinker and a natural organiser, with a passion for enabling impactful work in energy. You thrive in complex environments and are confident navigating ambiguity, building consensus, and driving delivery.

Skills & Experience:

• Proven experience in strategic programme or portfolio management, ideally within energy, infrastructure, or public policy sectors.
• Strong understanding of programme governance, prioritisation frameworks, and resource planning.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels and guide leadership to make decisions.
• Experience working across multidisciplinary teams and translating strategic goals into actionable plans.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment with multiple competing priorities.

Desirable Attributes:

• Familiarity with energy system modelling, policy development, or regulatory frameworks is highly desirable.
• Collaborative and inclusive leadership style.
• Analytical mindset with a focus on outcomes and impact.
• Experience in managing programmes that deliver statutory advice or public-facing insights.

What You'll Get

A competitive salary of £58,000 - £75,000 dependent on experience and capability. As well as your base salary, NESO's core benefits are the essential perks and advantages that form part of your employee package:

• You will receive a bonus based on company performance.
• 26 days annual leave as standard.
• A competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%.
• Annual Enrollment to NESO Savings Plan, when you save between £20-£500 a month from your take-home pay, we will pay a 50% matching contribution.

NESO's flexible benefits programme provides you with more flexibility around your health, lifestyle and protection benefits, here's just a few available:

• Flexible Bank Holidays & Holiday Trading.
• Additional Birthday Day Off.
• Cycle to Work Scheme, Retail & Gym Discounts.
• Private Medical Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance & Personal Accident Insurance.

This role closes at 23:59, on the date displayed at the top of this advert, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary. Research shows that some people may hesitate to apply unless they meet every single requirement. At NESO, we believe potential comes in many forms and we're committed to a fair, inclusive recruitment process where everyone has the opportunity to show their talents. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds.