Graduate Regulatory Analyst, Electricity Distribution, Bristol
About the Position
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.
As a Graduate Regulatory Analyst, you'll join the Distribution System Operator (DSO) team within National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED), helping to shape the future of the electricity network as the energy sector evolves. You'll gain hands‑on experience understanding the regulatory, commercial and policy landscape that influences how the DSO operates, working with colleagues across NGED and the wider National Grid business to help identify risks, opportunities and future priorities. Through structured training, real project work and stakeholder engagement, you'll develop the skills and knowledge needed to support strategic decision‑making in a highly regulated environment.
What You’ll Do
You’ll help the DSO understand and respond to regulatory changes that shape the future of the electricity distribution network.
- Develop an understanding of the regulatory, commercial and policy environment in which the DSO operates.
- Research and analyse industry developments, using horizon scanning to identify emerging risks, opportunities and regulatory changes.
- Work with colleagues across the DSO, NGED and National Grid Group to help identify opportunities to generate value from the regulatory framework.
- Support the development of the DSO’s position on key industry reform programmes and regulatory initiatives.
- Contribute to responses to regulatory consultations, coordinating input from a range of internal stakeholders.
- Help prepare briefing materials, presentations and key messages for engagement with Ofgem and other external stakeholders.
- Support regulatory reporting and governance activities while building strong relationships across the business.
What You’ll Need to Apply
You’ll need to achieve a minimum 2:2 in Economics, Maths or Business/Regulatory related degree discipline. It doesn’t matter when you graduated or if you are currently working towards your qualification. We just need you to be eager to apply your knowledge in a real‑world setting.
We’re looking for graduates who are interested in the energy sector and the regulatory environment in which it operates, with a curiosity for understanding the bigger picture and identifying risks and opportunities. You’ll enjoy analysing information, developing insights from data and working with a wide range of stakeholders to support strategic decision‑making.
Please note: Due to the amount of travel required for this role, you must obtain a full, valid UK driving licence no later than 27th September 2027 (by your start date).
If you progress to the assessment centre stage, you must have passed your driving theory test before attending and be able to provide evidence of this.
You’ll need flexibility to travel within role and throughout your rotations in order to carry out the requirments of this role you’ll need to travel to sites, depots/offices and our training centres.
Location
This role is based in Castle Donnington OR Avonbank, Bristol and with occasional travel to National Grid sites and depots.
What You’ll Get In Return
We are proud to offer a starting salary of £38,289 with annual salary increases throughout the programme.
As a first step in your career within the energy industry, our Graduate Programme offers a unique opportunity to develop your skills, gain valuable experience, and build a long‑term career with National Grid.
Alongside a tailored development programme designed to power your career at National Grid, you’ll also enjoy a range of fantastic rewards and benefits, including:
- 26 days' annual leave, plus statutory holidays.
- Access to flexible benefits, including cycle‑to‑work and holiday buy/sell schemes.
- The opportunity to participate in our Sharesave and Share Incentive Plans.
- You’ll develop well‑rounded skills through practical experience.
- A £2,000 joining bonus upon starting the programme.
- A £2,400 payment upon successful completion of the programme.
- An accommodation allowance of up to £200 per month as you move around the business during placements.
- Additional annual leave when moving between placements, plus support with relocating your personal belongings.
- Dedicated mentoring, regular feedback, networking opportunities, and volunteering opportunities to support your development.
- A permanent role with National Grid upon successful completion of the programme.
About the Graduate Programme
As you’ll be joining our 18‑month graduate programme, you’ll have a tailored development pathway to support you as you develop a wide range of leadership, business, and technical skills. You’ll attend in‑person and virtual development sessions throughout your programme to equip you with the essential skills required, as you begin your career at National Grid. We’re committed to the personal development of our colleagues so as well as the support from your line manager as you navigate your new role, you’ll also have access to 1:1 coaching and a mentor, from a previous cohort to help you transition from campus to corporate life.
All graduates complete the core development programme to develop key skills such as how to make an impact, giving feedback and presentation skills. Aligned to this role is our Commercial pathway, where you’ll further develop commerciality skills and gain important insight of engineering and electricity to increase your understanding of our business and industry. Dependent upon your role you may also complete a formal qualification.
We believe in the importance of getting as much on‑the‑job experience as possible and to do this, you will complete three 6‑month placements, across the UK, designed to deepen your understanding of your speciality but to also broaden your knowledge of our business. At the end of your 18‑month programme you’ll return to your initial placement area to kickstart your career.
About National Grid
National Grid is the UK’s critical energy infrastructure company, operating the electricity network and infrastructure that connects millions of people to the energy they use every day, supporting homes, businesses and communities across England and Wales.
We know the future of energy won’t be shaped by what we know today. It will be shaped by what’s possible tomorrow. That’s why we’re investing in the next generation of talent, giving apprentices, undergraduates and graduates the opportunity to learn from experts, gain hands‑on experience and contribute to work that matters from day one.
Are you ready to unlock the power of the possible?
Our energy flows through absolutely everything we do
Life here at National Grid is more than just our purpose or our values, it’s everything we put into everything we do. It’s our commitment to diversity and inclusion; how we help our employees learn and grow; and how we partner with and support the communities where we live and work. It’s all this, and so much more.
We leverage our collective strengths to do meaningful BIG work so that we can be at the heart of a fair and affordable energy future.
Your salary is reviewed each year against the market for your role, skills, knowledge and experience.
Incentive
Annual performance plan or bonus (depending on your role) rewards your contribution to our success each year.
Retirement
Generous pension plan with company contributions up to 12%.
Private medical insurance for self and family.
National Grid's Early Careers opportunities in the UK are open to all applicants who meet the eligibility criteria including an existing and valid right to work in the UK. As part of the application process this will need to be evidenced and verified before you can start the programme.
Please note that in most cases, National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points‑based immigration system. As such, applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future under the UK points‑based immigration system. However, in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear and demonstrable need for specialist skills that cannot be sourced from the local labour market, National Grid may consider offering sponsorship. All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality, or ethnic origin.
National Grid operates in both the UK and US, with a broad portfolio of energy businesses dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and sustainable power.
From electricity and gas transmission to advancing clean energy and modernising grids, our work covers every aspect of the energy system.
Graduate Regulatory Analyst, Electricity Distribution, Bristol employer: National Grid plc
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