Senior Connections Design Lead - NESO in Glasgow

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. This role will be based within the Customer Connections Team at NESO. The team manages the connection of generation and demand to Great Britain’s high voltage electricity network. These roles are in the Connections Strategy team within Customer Connections which is responsible for the design of the future connections process.

This role will support the development of the connections methodologies and processes to ensure they support the ongoing reforms in the wholesale market and new strategic planning processes. Much work has already been done to align with the Clean Power Action Plan but there is a lot more to do. We will be working closely with DNOs and TOs through the ENA as well as Government and Ofgem colleagues. We will also be engaging with industry through written consultation and in person events such as the regular Connections Forum. This role can be based from Wokingham, Warwick or Glasgow, and we continue to offer hybrid working from office and home. We are open to full time and part time applicants, as well as flexible working arrangements.

The National Energy System Operator’s (NESO) mission is to facilitate the decarbonisation of Great Britain’s energy network and ensure the delivery of reliable, affordable, and clean electricity for consumers. We work with stakeholders across the whole energy industry to plan for future network needs, using a wider adoption of technology and changes in consumer behaviour, as well as ensuring we have the right markets, networks, and frameworks in place, to transform the way we operate tomorrow.

In Autumn of 2024, the ESO transitioned to National Energy System Operator, or NESO for short. Previously denoted as the Future System Operator (or FSO), the new National Energy System Operator is the independent body responsible for planning Great Britain’s electricity and gas networks and operating the electricity system. The ESO, including all of its existing roles, are now at the heart of the new National Energy System Operator. As NESO, we will build on our existing roles, capabilities, and ways of working significantly to create an organisation the energy system and its users’ need. Our new capabilities will enable us to look across vectors, including electricity, natural gas and hydrogen, and crucially consider the trade-offs between them. The organisation is set up as a public corporation with its own Board of independent directors, with complete operational independence from government, the regulator and any and all commercial interest. As was the ESO, NESO will be licenced and regulated by Ofgem through price control agreements and obligated to identify optimal solutions to system operations and planning in the most sustainable, affordable and secure way for all.

Key Accountabilities

• Identify and develop options for aligning the connection process with other wider reforms in the sector, e.g. Reformed National Pricing, the Strategic Spatial Energy Plan, the Centralised Strategic Network Plan and Regional Energy Strategic Plans.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to plan, coordinate, and implement these tactical changes.
• Spot future gaps in the process and determine the actions needed to address them, while developing and managing plans for delivery.
• Produce papers and briefing notes to inform senior decision-makers throughout the process.
• Contribute to shaping the evolving role by bringing curiosity, strategic thinking, self-motivation, connections expertise, and strong stakeholder management skills.

About You

We’re forging the path, and we know we can’t do it alone. That’s why we need visionary minds like yours to join us on this transformative journey. In this case, we’re looking for someone who:

• Passionate about the low carbon transition.
• Experience of working in a complex policy area.
• Solid experience of using critical thinking.
• Strong communicator with excellent writing skills.
• An engineering or technical background desirable.

Research shows that some people may hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. At NESO, we believe potential comes in many forms and we’re committed to a fair, inclusive recruitment process where everyone can show their talents. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds to build a workforce that feels valued and respected and represents the communities we serve.

What You’ll Get

A competitive salary between £63,000 - £68,000pa – dependent on experience and capability. As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus based on company performance, 26 days annual leave as standard and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%. As we work towards creating a cleaner, greener, and more affordable future for all, we also work towards creating a place for our teammates to belong, with professional and personal growth and positive well-being. Full support and career-development resources to expand your skills, enhance your expertise, and maximise your potential along your career journey. A diverse and inclusive community of belonging, where teammates are empowered to bring ideas to the table. Generous Total Rewards Plan – comprising of health, finance and wealth, work/life balance, and career benefits.

More Information

This role closes on 8th February 2026 at 23:59, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary. We work towards the highest standards in everything we do, including how we support, value and develop our people. Our aim is to encourage and support employees to thrive and be the best they can be. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office. We’re committed to building a workforce that represents the communities we serve, and a working environment in which each individual feels valued, respected, fairly treated, and able to reach their full potential.