Project Manager (Major Programme Delivery) NESO in Cardiff

About the role

National Energy System Operator (NESO) recognises the potential of bright and talented individuals and we encourage you to join us as Great Britain's energy system undergoes an ambitious, exciting and vital transformation. Together with the industry, we are creating a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

We are looking for Project Managers who are strategic thinkers and problem solvers inspired by complex challenges and ready to bring their expertise to a dynamic and collaborative environment. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape critical projects, influence strategic outcomes and engage with a diverse portfolio of projects that truly matter. Your strong project delivery skills, problem-solving abilities and capability to navigate complex situations such as balancing competing stakeholder priorities or mitigating unforeseen project risks will be highly valued.

You will directly manage a small team of Project Analysts as well as have a number of indirect reports, so we are looking for someone who can take them on a journey of delivery and influence their performance. As a member of our Major Programme Delivery team within the Transformation and Major Projects directorate, you will be part of a flexible and inclusive central pool of programme/project SMEs. You'll be deployed across key initiatives within the NESO portfolio.

While specifics may vary, your core responsibilities will include:

• Defining project scope, goals and deliverables.
• Developing comprehensive project plans and schedules.
• Managing project dependencies and ensuring that all projects are completed on time, within scope and within budget.
• Involved in setting up the foundations of a programme/project, defining its objectives, scope, structure and resource requirements.
• Establishing a framework for decision-making and accountability and providing regular updates on programme progress and performance.
• Identifying, tracking and managing risks, assumptions, issues and dependencies throughout the project lifecycle.
• Engaging with stakeholders and customers to ensure their needs and expectations are met and managing relationships effectively.
• Overseeing financial planning, budgeting and tracking project expenditures against the budget and preparing financial reports.
• Conducting reviews and evaluations to ensure the programme/project complies with standards and achieves its objectives effectively and efficiently.
• Defining and tracking metrics to measure programme/project performance and ensuring the realisation of expected benefits.
• Guiding and motivating the programme/project team, fostering a collaborative and productive environment and making informed decisions to drive project success.
• Contributing to the development and enhancement of Major Programme Delivery tools, standards and best practice.
• Collaborating effectively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and perspectives to achieve shared goals.

About you

We are excited to hear from experienced project managers from diverse backgrounds who have a track record of successfully managing complex projects and are adaptable to new challenges and environments. Research shows that some people may hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. At NESO, we believe potential comes in many forms and we're committed to a fair, inclusive recruitment process where everyone can show their talents. We celebrate diverse experiences and warmly welcome candidates from various backgrounds and industries to apply.

While energy industry knowledge is not essential, experience in project management within energy, regulatory or process change sectors can be advantageous. You bring:

• The ability to deliver large-scale business change projects in fast-paced operational environments.
• Passion for delivering high-quality work in a collaborative and inclusive atmosphere.
• Strong decision-making and strategic thinking capabilities paired with a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Adaptability and resilience in a changing environment with a commitment to achieving results and ongoing growth.
• Experience in delivering projects in operationally critical environments.
• Experience in waterfall or agile (or both) environments is preferred.
• A good understanding of techniques for planning, monitoring and controlling projects.
• Effective communication skills with good writing ability.
• Excellent organisational and detail-oriented skills with a focus on accuracy and efficiency.
• A commitment to achieving results and continuous improvement.

If this role sparks your interest but you're not sure you tick every box, we still want to hear from you and invite you to join our innovative and inclusive team. We value each individual's unique contributions and are committed to fostering a culture where everyone can thrive. That's why NESO is proud to support several employee resource groups including a Women in Energy network and a BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) network which provide support and advocacy for their members.

About what you’ll get

A competitive salary between £60,000-£80,000 dependent on capability. As well as 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 where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%. As we work towards creating a cleaner, greener and more affordable future for all, we also work towards creating a place for our teammates to belong with professional and personal growth and positive well-being.

Full support and career-development resources to expand your skills, enhance your expertise and maximise your potential along your career journey. A diverse and inclusive community of belonging where teammates are empowered to bring ideas to the table. Generous Total Rewards Plan comprising of health, finance and wealth, work/life balance and career benefits.

About us

At National Energy System Operator (NESO), we're aiming to operate a zero-carbon electricity system for Great Britain by 2030 when there is sufficient renewable generation. This means change is needed across the whole system to transition away from fossil fuels and deliver clean and affordable energy for everyone across the country. Join a journey that matters. Your energy, our future, together.

About the National Energy System Operator (NESO)

In Autumn of 2024, the ESO transitioned to National Energy System Operator or NESO for short. Previously denoted as the Future System Operator (or FSO), the new National Energy System Operator is the independent body responsible for planning Great Britain's electricity and gas networks and operating the electricity system. The ESO, including all of its existing roles, are now at the heart of the new National Energy System Operator. As NESO, we will build on our existing roles, capabilities and ways of working significantly to create an organisation the energy system and its users need. Our new capabilities will enable us to look across vectors including electricity, natural gas and hydrogen and crucially consider the trade-offs between them.

The organisation is set up as a public corporation with its own Board of independent directors with complete operational independence from government, the regulator and any and all commercial interest. As was the ESO, NESO will be licenced and regulated by Ofgem through price control agreements and obligated to identify optimal solutions to system operations and planning in the most sustainable, affordable and secure way for all.

The time to deliver is now. As part of our team, you won't just be touching the lives of almost everyone in Great Britain; you'll be shaping the way we use and consume energy for generations to come.

More information

This role closes on 30th November 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 work towards the highest standards in everything we do, including how we support, value and develop our people. Our aim is to encourage and support employees to thrive and be the best they can be. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds and offer flexible and tailored support at home and in the office.

We're committed to building a workforce that represents the communities we serve and a working environment in which each individual feels valued, respected, fairly treated and able to reach their full potential.