Systems & Cyber Asset Manager in Ashford

National Grid Interconnectors is at the heart of the UK’s transition to a net zero energy future. We operate a growing portfolio of HVDC interconnectors that connect the UK’s energy system to neighbouring markets, enabling the secure import and export of energy. We’re currently recruiting for a Systems and Cyber Asset Manager to join our team at IFA1 based at Sellindge.

At IFA1, based in Sellindge, you’ll join a team responsible for the security, resilience and compliance of critical operational systems and networks that underpin interconnector operations. As a Systems and Cyber Asset Manager, you will lead a specialist team accountable for managing and securing key operational technology (OT) systems, ensuring they remain safe, compliant, and fit for purpose. The role is based on site at IFA1 in Sellindge, Kent. To be considered for the role, please note we require candidates to live within an hour of site with a full UK driving licence.

What you’ll do:

• Leading and developing a multidisciplinary team of system, cyber asset management and OT engineering professionals.
• Owning and managing all systems and cyber assets at the IFA1 site, ensuring they operate securely and reliably in line with business, regulatory and legislative requirements (including NIS regulations).
• Interpreting central cyber, engineering and assurance policies and implementing them effectively across the IFA1 interconnector and control room environments.
• Driving a strong culture of continuous improvement and cyber security awareness across the team.
• Ensuring safe systems of work are developed and adhered to as a non-negotiable priority.
• Managing system performance across hardware, networks and supporting infrastructure (e.g. power, HVAC), ensuring no operational impact.
• Overseeing lifecycle management, including asset replacement, supplier performance, spares, and the initiation of projects or tenders to maintain resilience and compliance.
• Coordinating outages and routine maintenance activities to ensure safe and successful delivery.
• Leading incident response and disaster recovery preparedness, ensuring robust testing and readiness across the team.
• Managing supplier performance, budgets and compliance to required quality and regulatory standards.
• Supporting assurance, audit activities and regulatory reporting, working with internal SMEs and stakeholders.
• Producing reports and insights for internal forums (e.g. Asset Excellence, Cyber forums) and external/regulatory stakeholders.
• Supporting delivery of works across the wider Interconnectors portfolio (IFA, IFA2, NSL, Viking Link) as required.
• Participating in a site call-out rota and supporting live operational incidents when necessary.

What you’ll need:

• Background in Operational Technology, with an understanding of the energy sector and familiarity with SCADA, Control and Protection systems.
• Knowledge of high voltage systems and networks is beneficial, but not essential.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability, with the ability to operate in a fast-paced, critical environment.
• Confidence in overseeing and supporting maintenance of physical hardware and site-based systems.
• Experience using asset management tools and systems.
• Networking certifications (e.g. CompTIA, Cisco) or familiarity with ISO/IEC standards are desirable.
• Understanding of cyber security standards (e.g. ISA/IEC 62443) and regulatory frameworks such as NIS is advantageous.
• Proven leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver business objectives to time and budget.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.

What you’ll get:

A competitive salary between £71,000- £88,000 per annum dependent on capability. As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus based on personal and company performance 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 number of flexible benefits such as a share incentive plan, salary sacrifice car and technology schemes, support via employee assistance lines and matched charity giving to name a few.

This role closes on 28th September 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. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates - we make appointments purely on merit, assessed against objective selection criteria. We support flexible working and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process should you have any physical or mental impairment which may affect your ability to participate in the process. 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.