At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the new Resource Optimisation function and enhance operational efficiency.
- Company: Join Northern Powergrid, a leader in the evolving energy industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to shape a new function.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence strategic decisions and drive organisational change.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the energy sector while leading a high-performing team.
- Qualifications: Experience in resource planning and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 85000 - 95000 £ per year.
Do you want to help power your career and be part of an evolving energy industry? The energy industry is advancing with investment in smart technology innovation and Northern Powergrid, as the company responsible for powering everyday life for 8 million customers across 3.9 million homes and businesses in the Northeast, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire, is at the forefront of delivering a power network that meets the region’s needs, now and in the future.
We are establishing a new Resource Optimisation function as part of a wider organisational restructure, creating a pivotal leadership opportunity within Programme Delivery. As Head of Resource Optimisation, you will have a unique opportunity to build and shape this critical function at the centre of our operations. You will play a key role in improving how we optimise the scheduling and utilisation of Industrial and Technical resource to efficiently deliver programmes of work and achieve our strategic objectives while leading a team and influencing at the highest levels of the organisation. This is a high-impact leadership role, with the opportunity to build a completely new function and influence performance, efficiency, and customer outcomes across the business.
Competitive salary between £85,000 - £95,000. We’re excited to hear from candidates with a passion for our company and the industry and a desire to succeed.
Key Responsibilities- Develop and lead the new Resource Optimisation function, setting the strategic direction, operating model, and roadmap.
- Build and lead a high-performing team of resource schedulers, creating a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Develop and embed resource planning, forecasting, and optimisation frameworks across operational activities.
- Act as the key interface between Programme Delivery and Regional Operations, aligning priorities, resolving conflicts, and enabling effective decision-making.
- Ensure effective allocation and utilisation of Industrial and Technical resources, balancing planned and 24/7 reactive demand across the business.
- Interface with, and support the development of capacity models, scenario planning, and resource forecasts to support short, medium, and long-term planning.
- Support the provision of data-driven insight across resource performance, productivity, and constraints, enabling proactive management of risks and opportunities.
- Take the lead on implementing and continuously improve scheduling tools, data, and processes to enhance visibility, efficiency, and responsiveness.
- Support the delivery of programmes of work by ensuring resource availability aligns with delivery plans and milestones.
- Drive consistency and standardisation in resource management practices, metrics, and governance.
- Engage senior stakeholders across the business to influence decision-making and ensure alignment with strategic objectives.
- Strategic Leadership: Ability to define and deliver a new function, setting direction and driving organisational change.
- Resource Planning & Optimisation Expertise: Strong understanding of workforce planning, scheduling, and capacity management in complex environments.
- Commercial & Operational Awareness: Ability to balance cost, performance, and customer outcomes across competing demands.
- Stakeholder Influence: Proven ability to operate at senior levels, influencing across multiple directorates.
- Analytical & Data-Driven Thinking: Strong capability to use data to inform decisions, identify trends, and drive improvement.
- Change & Transformation: Experience of leading change, embedding new processes, and improving organisational capability.
- People Leadership: Ability to build, lead, and develop high-performing teams.
- Communication: Clear and confident communicator, able to translate complex challenges into actionable insight.
- Ideally educated to degree level or higher in a relevant discipline.
- Significant experience in resource planning, workforce utilisation optimisation, or operational planning within a complex organisation.
- Proven track record of leading teams and delivering performance through others.
- Experience working across multiple functions or directorates, managing competing priorities.
- Strong analytical capability, with experience using data to support decision-making.
- Experience of developing and implementing planning or scheduling frameworks, tools, or processes.
- Experience in the energy, utilities, infrastructure, or asset-intensive sectors, with understanding of regulated environments.
- Knowledge of advanced workforce optimisation tools and digital scheduling systems (e.g. SAP, Click, Oracle, or equivalent platforms).
- Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies, with evidence of measurable efficiency gains.
- Experience working in 24/7 operational environments, balancing planned work with reactive demand.
- Track record of influencing executive-level decision-making through insight, analysis, and strategic recommendations.
- Experience of driving standardisation and governance frameworks across geographically dispersed teams.
Head of Resource Optimisation in Castleford employer: Northern Powergrid
Northern Powergrid is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the forefront of the evolving energy industry. With a strong commitment to employee growth and development, we provide opportunities for leadership in shaping new functions like Resource Optimisation, while fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. Our competitive salary packages and focus on innovation ensure that you will be part of a team dedicated to powering the future for millions across the Northeast, Yorkshire, and northern Lincolnshire.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Resource Optimisation in Castleford
✨Get Involved with Industry Events
The energy and utilities sector is always buzzing with events, trade shows, and networking opportunities. We should hit up conferences and exhibitions like Energy UK or Utility Week Live—these are prime spots to mingle with industry professionals and even snag some insider info on job openings!
✨Join Energy-focused Online Communities
Let's tap into online platforms and forums like LinkedIn groups or Reddit communities specifically for energy and utilities. Not only can we showcase our knowledge, but we can also stay updated on company announcements or job leads from people already in the know.
✨Consider Industry Certifications
Pushing ahead with certifications like the NEBOSH National Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health (if you’re into safety) can give us a leg up in this competitive field. It not only builds our credibility but also shows employers that we’re serious about our career in energy and utilities.
✨Apply ThroughNorthern Powergrid's Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through Northern Powergrid's website for the full-time Head of Resource Optimisation role. Many companies prioritise candidates who show initiative by going straight to the source. Make sure we tailor our application to highlight our passion for the energy sector!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Resource Optimisation in Castleford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Energy Knowledge:When crafting your CV and cover letter, make sure you highlight any knowledge or experience related to the energy-utilities sector. Whether it’s coursework, internships, or projects that showcase your understanding of energy management, sustainability, or regulatory frameworks, we want to see that passion and expertise shine through.
Quantify Your Achievements:In our field, numbers speak volumes! Don’t just tell us about your previous roles; quantify your achievements where possible. For instance, mention how you improved energy efficiency by a percentage or contributed to cost savings. This makes your application more compelling and shows us just how impactful you can be.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at Northern Powergrid. Tailor it to reflect how your values align with our mission in the energy sector. Share why you're excited about this specific role and how you envision contributing to our goals.
Demonstrate Your Team Spirit:Collaboration is key in the energy-utilities industry. In your application, emphasise any team projects or experiences where you worked effectively with others, especially on sustainability initiatives or technical projects. We're looking for someone who can mesh well with our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Northern Powergrid
✨Show Your Passion for Renewable Energy
In the energy-utilities sector, it’s vital to demonstrate your enthusiasm for sustainable practices and innovations. Share experiences where you've worked on or studied renewable energy projects, whether that’s through coursework, past internships, or personal initiatives. Let us see how your passion aligns with the ethos of Northern Powergrid.
✨Brush Up on Industry Regulations
Being familiar with industry standards and regulations is crucial in energy-utilities interviews. Make sure to know the basics of relevant policies and frameworks, like the Energy Act or environmental legislation. This will not only show you’ve done your homework but will also prepare you for potential technical questions about compliance during your interview.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Project Management Skills
Most roles in the energy sector involve collaboration with diverse teams. Be ready to discuss examples where you’ve successfully worked in teams or led projects, especially those involving energy initiatives. This is particularly important for a full-time position, as employers want to see you bring a collaborative spirit to Northern Powergrid.
✨Prepare for Technical Assessments
Expect some technical questions or even practical assessments during your interview, especially about energy efficiency methodologies or basic engineering principles relevant to the role. It’s a good idea to brush up on key concepts and be prepared to explain them clearly, as this will demonstrate your technical proficiency and readiness to jump into your new role.
