At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Planning Engineers in optimising resources for major renewable energy projects.
- Company: Join National Grid, a leader in clean energy infrastructure.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, and flexible benefits including a pension scheme.
- Why this job: Be part of the transition to renewable energy and make a real impact on the future.
- Qualifications: ONC in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering or relevant experience; strong communication and negotiation skills.
- Other info: Enjoy hybrid working and travel opportunities across England and Scotland.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 48000 £ per year.
About the role
The way we power our lives is changing. As the UK moves away from fossil fuels and increases clean energy generation, we’ll need significant new infrastructure in order to connect this renewable energy from where it’s generated to where it’s needed. The Strategic Infrastructure (SI) business unit has been established to initially deliver 17 new major projects in the UK, as well as other strategic projects to help us deliver on our net zero ambitions and help the UK Government meet its target of 50GW of renewable energy by 2030. Join us as a Planning Assistant to support the SI Offshore Engineering team. You will assist the Planning Engineers in optimising system access and managing critical resource requirements across the SI portfolio of projects (Onshore and Offshore), delivered under the ASTI framework. In this role you can enjoy our hybrid working from office and home. You will be flexible to regular travel throughout England and Scotland, depending on the project.
Key accountabilities
- Support the prioritisation, sequencing and interface management of project works within geographical regions.
- Assist in validating and governing requests for system access and critical resources prior to submission into core planning systems.
- Work collaboratively with all National Grid delivery units to co‑ordinate and manage conflicts in the SI portfolio across all planning timescales.
- Ensure planning decisions are accurately documented and communicated with clear reasoning, to all relevant stakeholders.
- Escalate unresolved issues to the Planning Engineers.
About you
- Ability to build relationships and work collaboratively across the NGET business and all Delivery Vehicles.
- An understanding of the electricity industry planning processes.
- Knowledge of the Planning Processes across all work types.
- Appreciation for system access planning and ability to bundle work across all planning timescales.
- Experience managing resource plans and constraints in operational and strategic timeframes.
- Strong stakeholder engagement, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
- Ability to manage and prioritise conflicts in real‑time.
- Effective communication of complex issues and solutions.
- Preferred experience in ENAMS, OPPM, P6 and Digital Planning Tool.
- Minimum ONC (NVQ Level 3 qualification) in an Electrical or Mechanical Engineering discipline or relevant experience.
What you will get
A competitive salary between £43,000 - £48,000 - 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.
About us
National Grid Strategic Infrastructure is a Business Unit created to propel our grid forward to deliver in 5 years, what has been achieved in the previous 30. By 2030 we aim to have 17 new major infrastructure projects live across England, Scotland and Wales. Here at National Grid, we connect homes and businesses to power, making sure supply and demand match each other. We make sure the lights are on in schools, operating theatres, and sporting arenas; we’re thousands of people working on behalf of millions of people. Our investment in Strategic Infrastructure via The Great Grid Upgrade will mean more home‑grown power, greater energy security and a cleaner future. Whatever your role, wherever you work with us, you’ll help us hit stretching targets and achieve our far-reaching goal: to secure, clean energy that supports our world far into the future. Here, you will be at the heart of energy.
More information
This role closes on 15 February 2026 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. Interviews to be held 27 February, 2 March or 6 March in‑person in Warwick. 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.
Planning Assistant employer: National Grid
Contact Detail:
National Grid Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current employees at National Grid. Building relationships can give you insider info and might just land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company’s projects and values, especially around renewable energy. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their mission and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills. You’ll need to explain complex issues clearly, so get comfortable discussing your experiences and how they relate to the role of Planning Assistant. Mock interviews can be super helpful!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at National Grid and contributing to a cleaner future.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Planning Assistant role. Highlight your relevant experience in project management and stakeholder engagement, as these are key for us in the Strategic Infrastructure team.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to mention any experience you have with planning tools like ENAMS, OPPM, or P6. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their understanding of the electricity industry planning processes.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language to explain your past experiences and how they relate to the role. We appreciate effective communication, especially when it comes to complex issues.
Apply Early!: We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible rather than waiting until the closing date. This gives us a chance to review your application early and potentially get you in for an interview sooner!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Grid
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the electricity industry planning processes and the specific role of a Planning Assistant. Brush up on system access planning and be ready to discuss how you can optimise resource management across projects.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, prepare examples of how you've successfully built relationships and collaborated in past roles. Highlight your stakeholder engagement and conflict resolution skills to demonstrate your ability to manage real-time conflicts.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Familiarise yourself with tools like ENAMS, OPPM, P6, and Digital Planning Tool. Be prepared to discuss your experience with these systems and how they relate to managing resource plans and constraints in both operational and strategic contexts.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex issues and solutions in a straightforward manner. During the interview, focus on articulating your thought process clearly, especially when discussing planning decisions and their implications for stakeholders.