Network Operations Manager in Cardiff

An opportunity is available for a Network Operations Manager in the South West & Wales Control Team, based at Lamby Way, Cardiff. In this operationally critical role, you will work as part of a team on shifts 24/7/365, ensuring the safe and continuous operation of the Control Centre when on duty, as well as undertaking a key role within the Control Centres Leadership Team.

The successful candidate will need to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the electricity distribution network and the governance around its operation. You will be someone who is able to lead in a learning culture and effectively contribute to change and its delivery, ensuring your leadership promotes a safe-to-say environment. You’ll be a confident and clear communicator with a passion for team success who will lead in showcasing our National Grid Values.

It is not essential that you are currently in a role where you hold an operational authorisation as a Control Engineer, however in this case you will be expected to demonstrate a self-driven plan of how you will achieve that authorisation within the early stages of the appointment (6-12 months), demonstrating existing skills and experience that will be the bedrock for this progression.

National Grid is the largest Electricity Distribution Network Operator in the UK and our Control Centres have a critical role to play in the energy transition and are key enablers for NGED in delivering outstanding operational performance. Our Network Operations Managers are central to that delivery.

Depending on experience, you may initially be 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

This is a leadership role and as such individuals are expected to undertake the necessary tasks needed to discharge their responsibilities, these 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 275/400kV faults or running arrangements.
• Facilitating a real-time relationship with the DSO and their Energy Management Centre.

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 in Lamby way, Cardiff.

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

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.