At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative projects from concept to operational success in the energy sector.
- Company: Join NESO, a pioneering force in sustainable energy solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus potential, generous leave, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of clean energy while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in digital transformation and strong stakeholder engagement skills required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
About the Role
The National Energy System Operator’s (NESO) strength lies in our people. Together, we’re shaping the future where clean, affordable energy is accessible for all. Every day is an opportunity to make a real difference, accelerating the progress of sustainable GB energy, keeping people connected and society thriving as we create a brighter tomorrow. The Innovation Implementation Manager plays a key role in transitioning successful innovation projects into operational NESO products, tools and services. This hybrid role spans technical integration and operational readiness, ensuring solutions meet NESO’s digital, data, cyber and architectural standards while supporting business adoption and early benefits realisation.
Key Accountabilities
- End-to-End Implementation Planning: Ensure all Innovation projects have clear implementation plans, covering scope, milestones, technical integration, operational readiness, learning capture, risks and dependencies. Manages team responsible for the Incubator team processes; including the development and continuous improvement of these processes to support the successful implementation of innovation project outcomes into BAU.
- Cross-Functional Stakeholder Management: Engage with innovation teams, DD&T delivery teams, product owners, Business Partners, Business Change, NESO operational teams, external suppliers and project partners, and UKRI/Ofgem.
- Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) transition: Lead on the transition from SIF Alpha to Beta stages; review applications, provide relevant input to strengthen readiness for project kick-off and delivery. Support applications through the Ofgem/UKRI evaluation process.
- Technical Integration & Compliance: Ensure alignment of projects with architecture, data, cyber, engineering and platform standards.
- Operational Adoption & Business Readiness: Define operational handover requirements, processes, roles and training.
- Benefits Realisation Support: Oversee handover into BAU and ensure planning for benefits tracking is in place. Ensure that projects are compliant with NESO Governance and Ofgem Governance and that the two Governance processes work in alignment. Participate in all Innovation Productionisation Committees; forums for tracking pipeline of projects requiring productionisation, assigning responsibilities, and escalating risks/issues.
About You
We’re forging the path, and we know we can’t do it alone. That’s why we need visionary minds like yours to join us on this transformative journey. In this case, we’re looking for someone who:
- Balanced technical and operational capability.
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Experience delivering or transitioning digital/data/technical solutions into operations.
- Understanding of agile product development and technical delivery.
- Experience with innovation funding (SIF, NIA) or structured bid/governance processes.
Essentials
- Experience in implementation, technical delivery, service transition or operational change, particularly in digital transformation, or innovation projects.
- Bachelors Degree or higher in a relevant area, or equivalent experience.
Desirables
- Energy sector experience.
- Professional certification in project management (Agile PM, Scrum, APM).
Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At NESO, we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace for everyone. So, if you’re excited about this role but your experience or qualifications don’t match the job description exactly, we encourage you to apply anyway. You might just be the right person for our growing business in this role or another one.
About What You’ll Get
A competitive salary between £65,000 - £75,000pa – dependent on experience and 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.
About Us
The National Energy System Operator’s (NESO) mission is to facilitate the decarbonisation of Great Britain’s energy network and ensure the delivery of reliable, affordable, and clean electricity for consumers. We work with stakeholders across the whole energy industry to plan for future network needs, using a wider adoption of technology and changes in consumer behaviour, as well as ensuring we have the right markets, networks, and frameworks in place, to transform the way we operate tomorrow. Join us, and let’s energise progress. Our energy, our future, together.
Innovation Implementation Manager - NESO in Wokingham employer: National Grid
At NESO, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment where innovation thrives. As an employer, we offer competitive salaries, generous benefits including a bonus scheme and a robust pension plan, and a commitment to professional development, ensuring our employees grow alongside our mission to deliver clean and affordable energy. Located in Wokingham, our hybrid working model supports a healthy work-life balance, making NESO an exceptional place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the energy sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Innovation Implementation Manager - NESO in Wokingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current NESO employees on LinkedIn or at industry events. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing a role like the Innovation Implementation Manager.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by understanding NESO's mission and values. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their goals of clean, affordable energy. Show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but for the company culture too!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your STAR technique for answering behavioural questions. Think of specific examples from your past that showcase your technical delivery and stakeholder management skills. This will help you stand out during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of NESO’s innovative journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Innovation Implementation Manager - NESO in Wokingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Innovation Implementation Manager role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t just list your previous jobs; explain how your past experiences relate to the key accountabilities of this role. We want to see how you've successfully transitioned projects into operational products or services in the past.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your main points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you're a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Grid
✨Know Your Innovation Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of innovation projects you've worked on. Be ready to discuss how you transitioned these projects into operational tools and services, as this role is all about implementation. Highlight your experience with digital transformation and how it aligns with NESO's mission.
✨Master Stakeholder Engagement
This role requires strong communication skills and stakeholder management. Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with cross-functional teams in the past. Think about times when you gathered project requirements or collaborated with external suppliers, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Showcase Your Technical Savvy
Since the position involves technical integration and compliance, brush up on relevant technical standards and frameworks. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured alignment with architecture, data, and cyber standards in previous roles. This will demonstrate your balanced technical and operational capability.
✨Understand Agile and Governance Processes
Familiarise yourself with agile product development and structured bid/governance processes, especially in relation to innovation funding like SIF. Be ready to discuss how you've navigated these processes in your past experiences, as this knowledge will be crucial for the role.
