Network Operations Manager

About Us

We’re National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED), the owner and operator behind the electricity distribution systems for the Midlands, the Southwest of England and South Wales.

Serving communities of more than 8 million people, our expert teams deliver heat, light and power for homes and businesses.

National Grid employs over 29,000 people worldwide.

We are building an inclusive workplace, a place to actively celebrate the cultures, personalities and preferences of our colleagues – who in turn help to build the success of our business and reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.

Our vision is to be at the heart of a clean, fair and affordable energy future and we are doing this in a fast‑moving industry with an increasing focus on tackling climate change, exploring new energy sources that are renewable, low carbon, and improve efficiency to meet demand.

Job Introduction

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join National Grid Electricity Distribution’s Control Centre Leadership Team as a Network Operations Manager, based at Pegasus, Castle Donington.

This operationally critical role places you at the heart of network operations, leading the safe and continuous operation of the Control Centre within a 24/7/365 shift environment, while contributing to the wider leadership of the function.

We are looking for a leader with a strong understanding of electricity distribution network operations and the governance that underpins them.

You will be passionate about developing people, leading change, and creating a positive learning culture where colleagues feel empowered to speak up, challenge constructively and continuously improve.

You will be a confident communicator who can inspire teams, build strong relationships and champion National Grid’s Values, helping to deliver excellence in safety, customer service and operational performance.

Candidates who do not currently hold operational authorisations will need to demonstrate a clear and self‑driven plan for developing operational competence in role, supported by relevant experience and transferable skills.

As the UK’s largest Electricity Distribution Network Operator, our Control Centres play a vital role in maintaining network resilience and enabling the energy transition.

Our Network Operations Managers are central to delivering safe, reliable and outstanding operational performance for our customers and stakeholders.

Depending on experience, you may be initially appointed at a lower salary until all relevant courses and training are complete.

• Evidence of your qualification certificates will be required prior to appointment
• Main Responsibilities

In this leadership position, you will play a key role in driving operational excellence and team performance, undertaking a range of responsibilities that support the delivery of our objectives.

These will typically include

• Maintaining HV and EHV system security and ensuring that operations are carried out within the Distribution Safety Rules and other appropriate Company policy.
• Ensuring compliance with Distribution and Grid Codes and other system safety rules.
• Leading and managing all Control Engineers and Senior Control Engineers when on duty.
• Drive the resolution of any matters that may affect safety, network security, or operations.
• Leadership and development of team members and managing performance of direct reports.
• Consulting with Control Managers of other systems.
• Monitoring external factors that may affect network security or performance and ensuring relevant wider business awareness.
• Managing the response to safety incidents and faults, providing guidance and making decisions.

Submission of real‑time and post incident reporting and the accurate recording of IIS data.

• Undertake project work required for improvement or change in the Control Centres.
• Supporting the work of the wider Control Leadership Team.
• Liaising with other business departments and stakeholders, internal and external.
• Day to day management of shift rotas.
• Efficient management of overtime and fatigue.
• Reporting and investigating operational incidents, near misses and any other relevant incidents.
• Ensuring timely and effective communication with the National Energy System Operator (NESO) by approved means as necessary to maintain DNO or UK Energy Security.
• Leading and coordinating the Control Centre(s) response to network emergencies or unplanned events, such as demand control or ESR, and associated communication dissemination.
• Facilitating the provision of training for Control Engineers.
• Liaising with transmission systems to mitigate the effects of 275/400k V faults or running arrangements.
• Facilitating a real‑time relationship with the DSO and their Energy Management Centre.
• The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate must have a minimum of a level 4 (HNC or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering and extensive experience of electrical power systems, with knowledge of power networks.

Must be able to demonstrate experience in leadership and decision‑making ability, as well as knowledge of UK emergency electricity procedures, codes and legislation.

Must live no further than 60 minutes from the Control Centre.

As the post you are applying for attracts a National Security Vetting clearance there are further eligibility requirements, information can be found on the gov. uk website .

To meet national security vetting requirements, you will normally need to have been resident in the UK for at least 5 years for Security Clearance (SC) prior to the date of application.

There are exceptions to this however and examples of these include

• you have been serving overseas with HM Forces or in some other official capacity as a representative of HM Government

Benefits

Joining the UK’s leading electricity distribution business means plenty of career opportunities and well‑deserved recognition.

We reward hard work and encourage ambition.

So, as well as a competitive salary, you will also benefit from

• Annual performance‑related bonus
• Competitive contributory pension scheme (we double match your contributions up to a maximum of 12%)
• Annual Share Save plan
• Contributory healthcare for you and your family
• Support via our Employee Assistance Programme, including musculoskeletal and physiotherapy services
• Free on‑site parking at all our main sites
• Equal Opportunities

As an equal opportunities employer who is committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, we celebrate individual difference and are actively bringing in more employees from diverse backgrounds to build on our inclusive culture.

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