At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of Regional Energy Strategic Plans and engage with local stakeholders.
- Company: Join the National Energy System Operator, shaping the future of energy in the West Midlands.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Other info: Opportunities for training and career growth in a collaborative team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on energy planning while working in a dynamic, supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in the energy sector and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
About the Role
In April 2025, the National Energy System Operator (NESO) has taken on the exciting new role of being the Regional Energy Strategic Planner. We will be responsible for developing 11 Regional Energy Strategic Plans (RESPs) across Great Britain. The West Midlands based team will work with other NESO teams and organisations at a local level (‘local actors’), including local government and gas and electricity networks, in developing the RESP. Having an understanding and lived experience of the West Midlands will be key – as will having complementary energy expertise and experience to allow the West Midlands team to reflect the region’s diverse society, environment and energy planning needs. This role will be based in our Warwick office, and we continue to offer hybrid working from office and home. We are open to full time and part time applicants as this role is a job share, as well as flexible working arrangements.
Key Accountabilities
- Develop, consult, and implement relevant parts of the RESP methodology to your region.
- Be the subject matter expert in understanding specific aspects of your region’s energy system planning and the interfaces with both internal NESO and external stakeholders.
- Define and lead on regional energy strategic planning work packages; work in a matrix style structure to ensure work you lead upon is coordinated with other regional and central RESP teams.
- Represent NESO’s regional energy planning function at strategic level and deputise for the regional manager.
- Engage with key regional stakeholders within local government, gas and electricity networks, other local actors and whole energy system stakeholders to understand their views and requirements to ensure that RESP delivers value.
- Design, support and run workshops and engagement activity with the Regional Board, working groups and other regional stakeholders to progress the RESP.
- Produce and deliver clear, concise, short reports and slide packs in progressing the RESP.
- Ensure that the key messages are relevant, clear, and pitched appropriately for the audience.
- Understand, engage and gain required and beneficial inputs from stakeholders in developing the RESP to the prescribed methodology; be able to clearly communicate and propose changes where needed to key assumptions.
- Create new ways to analyse and present problems and potential solutions, sometimes building on the work and experience of others to quickly develop sufficient understanding of unfamiliar topics.
About You
- Experience within the energy sector, including technical energy knowledge.
- Knowledge of energy project development lifecycles and the ‘whole energy’ system – with advanced experience in at least one of the energy vectors (gas and/or electricity networks, heat decarbonisation, hydrogen, transport decarbonisation, etc).
- Experience of working with or within Local Authorities and/or energy distribution companies, ideally relevant to the region you seek to work within.
- Knowledge and ideally experience of working in and/or managing others in newly formed teams.
- Ability to translate complex and technical information into easily understandable messaging for non-technical audiences, in both reports and presentations.
- Knowledge and experience of strategic critical thinking with ability to consider strategic frameworks and concepts, and how changes to these will drive RESP design and implementation.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Experience of communicating with and influencing internal and external stakeholders at a range of levels.
- An understanding of data and systems used in the energy distribution networks and/or in local energy planning.
- Project management, coordination and planning skills to ensure that deadlines are met, governance is adhered to, stakeholders are effectively engaged, and high-quality process and outputs are achieved.
- An inquisitive mind with the ability to join the dots and a willingness to learn about new areas of work.
- Training and development of the team will be a key priority as we set up RESP. Successful individuals may be asked to help train other team members and have the opportunity to be trained on less familiar areas.
What You'll Get
A competitive salary of £55,000 - £65,000 dependant on experience and capability. In addition to the base salary, NESO's core benefits include a bonus based on company performance, 26 days annual leave, a contributory pension scheme with a double match of up to 12%, and annual enrolment to the NESO Savings Plan.
Benefits
- 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
Location
Warwick office, with hybrid working arrangements.
RESP Strategic Lead - West Midlands in Warwick employer: National Energy System Operator
The National Energy System Operator (NESO) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Warwick. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a focus on collaboration with local stakeholders, NESO fosters a culture of innovation and inclusivity. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, comprehensive health insurance, and generous leave policies, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in energy planning.
Contact Details:
National Energy System Operator Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land RESP Strategic Lead - West Midlands in Warwick
✨Get Involved with Industry Events
The energy and utilities sector is always buzzing with events, trade shows, and networking opportunities. We should hit up conferences and exhibitions like Energy UK or Utility Week Live—these are prime spots to mingle with industry professionals and even snag some insider info on job openings!
✨Join Energy-focused Online Communities
Let's tap into online platforms and forums like LinkedIn groups or Reddit communities specifically for energy and utilities. Not only can we showcase our knowledge, but we can also stay updated on company announcements or job leads from people already in the know.
✨Consider Industry Certifications
Pushing ahead with certifications like the NEBOSH National Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health (if you’re into safety) can give us a leg up in this competitive field. It not only builds our credibility but also shows employers that we’re serious about our career in energy and utilities.
✨Apply ThroughNational Energy System Operator's Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through National Energy System Operator's website for the full-time RESP Strategic Lead - West Midlands role. Many companies prioritise candidates who show initiative by going straight to the source. Make sure we tailor our application to highlight our passion for the energy sector!
We think you need these skills to ace RESP Strategic Lead - West Midlands in Warwick
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Energy Knowledge:When crafting your CV and cover letter, make sure you highlight any knowledge or experience related to the energy-utilities sector. Whether it’s coursework, internships, or projects that showcase your understanding of energy management, sustainability, or regulatory frameworks, we want to see that passion and expertise shine through.
Quantify Your Achievements:In our field, numbers speak volumes! Don’t just tell us about your previous roles; quantify your achievements where possible. For instance, mention how you improved energy efficiency by a percentage or contributed to cost savings. This makes your application more compelling and shows us just how impactful you can be.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at National Energy System Operator. Tailor it to reflect how your values align with our mission in the energy sector. Share why you're excited about this specific role and how you envision contributing to our goals.
Demonstrate Your Team Spirit:Collaboration is key in the energy-utilities industry. In your application, emphasise any team projects or experiences where you worked effectively with others, especially on sustainability initiatives or technical projects. We're looking for someone who can mesh well with our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Energy System Operator
✨Show Your Passion for Renewable Energy
In the energy-utilities sector, it’s vital to demonstrate your enthusiasm for sustainable practices and innovations. Share experiences where you've worked on or studied renewable energy projects, whether that’s through coursework, past internships, or personal initiatives. Let us see how your passion aligns with the ethos of National Energy System Operator.
✨Brush Up on Industry Regulations
Being familiar with industry standards and regulations is crucial in energy-utilities interviews. Make sure to know the basics of relevant policies and frameworks, like the Energy Act or environmental legislation. This will not only show you’ve done your homework but will also prepare you for potential technical questions about compliance during your interview.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Project Management Skills
Most roles in the energy sector involve collaboration with diverse teams. Be ready to discuss examples where you’ve successfully worked in teams or led projects, especially those involving energy initiatives. This is particularly important for a full-time position, as employers want to see you bring a collaborative spirit to National Energy System Operator.
✨Prepare for Technical Assessments
Expect some technical questions or even practical assessments during your interview, especially about energy efficiency methodologies or basic engineering principles relevant to the role. It’s a good idea to brush up on key concepts and be prepared to explain them clearly, as this will demonstrate your technical proficiency and readiness to jump into your new role.
