European Network Interface Strategy Manager in Wokingham

Great Britain is at a critical point on its path to net zero and decarbonisation of the energy system. Energy strategy and policy must go further and faster to ensure that we deliver against the Government’s net zero ambitions in a reliable, affordable, and fair manner.

The National Energy System Operator (NESO) is looking for a European Network Interface Strategy Manager to be part of Strategic Energy Planning (SEP). SEP is accountable for leading the development of an economic and efficient electricity transmission network across Great Britain and ensuring that GB network strategy is informed by developments across Europe. This role will help strengthen how NESO works with European partners and across the business to shape future network requirements, cross-border opportunities, and strategic planning choices needed to support GB’s Net Zero targets.

As the European Network Interface Strategy Manager, you will lead NESO’s strategic approach to European electricity network coordination, working across SEP and the wider business to ensure European developments, policy direction, and emerging cross-border opportunities are reflected in GB network planning. You will build strong relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders, including European partners, Ofgem, DESNZ, and Transmission Owners, to identify trends, influence future planning frameworks, and support joined-up decision making. The role will connect NESO’s domestic network strategy with the wider European energy landscape, ensuring our plans are robust, credible, and aligned with long-term decarbonisation, security of supply, and consumer value.

This role can be based from Warwick, Wokingham, or Glasgow, and offers hybrid working from office and home. Some travel to London, Warwick, and Europe will be required. We are open to full-time as well as flexible working arrangements.

Key Accountabilities:

• Represent NESO and GB interests externally with European energy stakeholders, including leading relationships with the Offshore TSO Collaboration group, ENTSOE, and other groups.
• Provide proactive insights on interactive energy strategies between GB and European networks to government, regulators, and industry stakeholders.
• Create strong relationships with all relevant stakeholders and customers, engaging with external bodies to explore strategic opportunities and policy changes.
• Ensure interconnector solutions for the CSNP are aligned with SSEP and stakeholder expectations.
• Engage with relevant stakeholders to plan future opportunities for European development and create a Cross-Border/European strategy that represents NESO.
• Identify emerging trends and risks related to Europe that the department will need to proactively plan or mitigate against.
• Influence and input into future policy development, engaging with Ofgem, DESNZ, and other key stakeholders.
• Create a high performing culture where every team member is fully engaged and knows the value they create for the organisation.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK by the start of employment. Visa sponsorship may not be available for this role and will be considered in line with business requirements.

About You:

We’re looking for someone who has:

• Knowledge of power system engineering and their application in transmission investment planning, particularly cross border and offshore planning.
• Understanding of strategic GB and European electricity network design and operation.
• Knowledge of future interconnection strategy and delivery approach, including emerging approaches to offshore hybrid assets and offshore coordination.
• Demonstrated ability to build high quality, motivated teams and efficient internal and external working interfaces through active relationship building.
• Demonstrated leadership qualities in accountability, adaptability, and collaboration.
• Proven ability to build high-quality relationships both internally and externally.
• Ability to deliver change and mitigate complex risks for the overall benefit of NESO.
• Ability to develop self and their direct reports to achieve their full potential.
• Ability to think holistically about strategic energy planning and lead others constructively through complex requirements and trade-offs.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to communicate complex technical information in an understandable way.

What You'll Get:

A competitive salary of £60,000 - £75,000 dependent on experience and capability. In addition to 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.

NESO's flexible benefits programme provides you with more flexibility around your health, lifestyle, and protection benefits.

About Us:

At the National Energy System Operator (NESO), we play a vital role in tackling climate change and securing Great Britain's energy future. We 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.

NESO operates independently and transparently, always acting in the best interests of all energy users. We make impartial decisions that balance sustainability, affordability, and security.

Join the energy transformation and help shape the future.

More Information:

This role closes at 23:59, on the day before the date shown above. We encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible.

At NESO, we believe potential comes in many forms and we're committed to a fair, inclusive recruitment process. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation and welcome applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds.