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- Tasks: Lead horizon scanning to identify future energy trends and inform strategic decisions.
- Company: Join NESO, a key player in shaping sustainable energy for Great Britain.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus potential, 28 days leave, and a strong pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of energy while working in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in horizon scanning or market research, preferably in the energy sector.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a supportive community that values diversity.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 78000 £ per year.
About the role
National Energy System Operator's (NESO) strength lies in our people. Together, we're shaping the future where clean, affordable energy is accessible for all. Every day is an opportunity to make a real difference, accelerating the progress of sustainable GB energy, keeping people connected and society thriving as we create a brighter tomorrow.
By working closely with government, the regulator and industry, NESO will play a vital and central role in advising on energy policy and strategy to ensure that it is not only optimal and deliverable but that it drives effective action and delivery plans across all industry vectors. NESO will also use its experience and expertise across the whole energy system to provide independent energy insights, supporting industry with optimal decision making and strategic direction.
The Horizon Scanning Manager is a strategically important role that ensures NESO remains forward‐looking, informed, and ready to respond to opportunities and risks across the whole energy landscape. Leading a specialist team, you will build and embed NESO's horizon scanning capability, gathering intelligence on policy, technology, markets, and innovation to support strategic advice, business planning, and the development of whole system insights.
This role can be based from Wokingham or Warwick and we continue to offer hybrid working from office and home.
Key Accountabilities
- Lead and develop NESO's horizon scanning function, providing credible, future‐focused intelligence that informs strategic decision‐making.
- Maintain awareness of emerging trends, innovations, disruptions, and regulatory or political developments across the whole energy system.
- Support the embedding of horizon scanning into NESO's corporate frameworks, working with business performance, enterprise risk, and strategy teams to shape how futures, indicators, trends and signposts are incorporated.
- Design horizon scanning inputs into strategy workshops, ensuring senior leaders are equipped with forward looking intelligence that tests assumptions and informs strategic prioritisation.
- Develop and embed best‐practice approaches and channels for horizon scanning, ensuring information is coordinated, accessible, and consistently used across NESO.
- Expand the use of tools, technologies, and repositories to deliver high‐quality, timely insight and anticipate system‐wide change.
- Provide line management, coaching, and strategic direction to analysts, fostering a high‐performing and collaborative team environment.
About You
- Proven experience in horizon scanning, strategic intelligence, or market research roles, with a track record of shaping organisational awareness of future risks and opportunities.
- Experience working in the energy sector, with an understanding of industry structures, regulatory frameworks, and long‐term strategic challenges.
- Recognised for your ability to synthesise complex information and form strategic viewpoints that support senior‐level decision‐making.
- Experienced in leading teams in future‐focused environments.
- Degree‐level qualification or equivalent professional experience.
Skills
- Excellent written and verbal communicator, capable of connecting the dots across complex themes for senior audiences. Skilled at creating order out of complexity.
- Strong visual judgement with a keen eye for how information is presented, producing materials that are accurate, intuitive and easy to engage with.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to anticipate and interpret emerging challenges and opportunities.
- Effective task and line management, supporting the growth and development of high‐performing teams.
About What You'll Get
A competitive salary between £60,000 – 78,000 – dependent on experience and capability. As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus of up to 15% of your salary for stretch performance, 28 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%. You will also have access to a comprehensive benefits package tailored to support your well‐being and professional success. From a competitive salary to flexible work arrangements, we promote your work‐life balance. Enjoy fit for purpose wellbeing and lifestyle offerings, ongoing skill development aligned to our Purpose and Values, and be part of a supportive community that values your individuality and where you can belong.
About Us
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. Join us, and let's energise progress. Your energy, our future, together.
About The National Energy System Operator (NESO)
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. NESO, 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.
The time to deliver is now. As part of our team, you won't just be touching the lives of almost everyone in Great Britain – you'll be shaping the way we use and consume energy for generations to come.
More information
This role closes on 06/01/2026 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. Interviews will be held in early January. 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.
Horizon Scanning Manager in Royal Leamington Spa employer: National Energy System Operator
Contact Detail:
National Energy System Operator Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Horizon Scanning Manager in Royal Leamington Spa
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the energy sector, especially those who work at NESO. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into NESO's recent projects and initiatives. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role but are genuinely excited about contributing to our mission of clean energy.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles, especially those related to horizon scanning or strategic intelligence. We love hearing about real experiences!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the NESO team and making a difference in the energy landscape.
We think you need these skills to ace Horizon Scanning Manager in Royal Leamington Spa
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Energy: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the energy sector shine through. We want to see how your experience aligns with our mission of creating a sustainable future. Make it personal and relatable!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Don’t just send a generic CV! We love it when candidates customise their applications to highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the Horizon Scanning Manager role. Show us why you’re the perfect fit!
Be Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity in communication. When detailing your experiences, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read and understand your key achievements.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Energy System Operator
✨Know Your Energy Landscape
Before the interview, dive deep into the current trends and challenges in the energy sector. Familiarise yourself with recent developments in policy, technology, and market dynamics. This will not only show your passion for the role but also help you engage in meaningful discussions with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to synthesise complex information and form strategic viewpoints. Think of situations where you've successfully identified risks or opportunities in previous roles. This will demonstrate your capability to contribute to NESO's horizon scanning function effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing intricate topics. Use visuals or examples to make your points more relatable. Remember, the interviewers are looking for someone who can connect the dots across complex themes for senior audiences.
✨Emphasise Team Leadership Skills
As a Horizon Scanning Manager, you'll be leading a team. Be ready to discuss your experience in managing teams, fostering collaboration, and driving high performance. Share specific instances where you've coached or developed team members, as this will resonate well with NESO's values.
