Operations Compliance Manager in Antrim

SONI is Northern Ireland's Transmission System Operator. We are the people behind Northern Ireland's electricity grid, ensuring that every home, business, school, hospital, factory and farm has power when and where they need it. Our focus is on safety, security and reliability. Our work environment is challenging, fast-moving, collaborative and team orientated. Our culture is driven by continual development, knowledge and teamwork. Our people are committed to reducing Northern Ireland's reliance on fossil fuels and transforming the energy system to make decarbonisation a reality while providing a safe and reliable electricity supply.

The Operations Compliance Manager plays a key role in supporting Operations Continuity and Transformation (OCT) activities, ensuring that Grid Code and EU Network Code obligations are effectively implemented and governed across Northern Ireland's electricity system. The role operates within a complex regulatory and operational environment, requiring strong leadership, technical expertise and stakeholder engagement to ensure compliance, support system change and enable the safe transformation of the energy system.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading engagement on the Grid Code and EU Network Codes for Northern Ireland within OCT, ensuring delivery of high-quality implementation in line with expectations.
• Leading the development of robust processes, procedures and governance arrangements to ensure effective oversight of all Grid Code activities and adherence to licence conditions.
• Supporting Senior Management in leading a cross-functional team with a broad range of skills in technical programme management and regulatory management.
• Managing high-profile technical projects involving external consultants, where diplomacy and effective engagement with external stakeholders are essential to achieving positive outcomes.
• Leading the strategic development of Codes at Northern Ireland, all-island and European levels, supporting technology enablement and implementation.
• Leading the rollout of governance arrangements for OCT, ensuring appropriate controls are in place relating to budgets, schedule, quality, risk, change management and activity monitoring.
• Supporting the development of regulatory submissions relating to modifications, derogations, reporting and business planning.
• Undertaking technical and commercial analysis of changes to the NI Grid Code and assessing wider dependencies on other codes.
• Engaging with stakeholders and customers as Distribution Code TSO Member and acting as a key liaison with the Utility Regulator.
• Applying skills, knowledge and experience to ensure effective delivery of processes and procedures.
• Working proactively to monitor relevant processes, ensuring compliance with procedures and applicable Codes and identifying complex issues.
• Supporting wider OCT team responsibilities as required.
• Managing customer and business queries through dedicated channels.

Critical Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Educated to degree level in engineering or an equivalent discipline.
• Minimum of eight years experience working in an energy-related business.
• Strong people management and leadership skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence effectively.
• Demonstrates a positive and adaptable approach when working with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proven leadership capability, with experience developing and communicating programme objectives, motivating teams and maintaining alignment with business strategy.
• Track record of leading major electricity sector programmes while balancing the perspectives of industry, statutory bodies and wider society.
• In-depth understanding of EU, Ireland and Northern Ireland renewable targets and electricity market arrangements on the island of Ireland.

Desirable

• Experience of new technologies, policy development and review, regulatory and customer interface activity, interpreting study results and the use or development of tools and models.
• Experience in the development of technical reports or papers.

Why join us?

• Play a vital role in shaping sustainable energy projects that benefit communities and the environment.
• Enjoy a competitive salary, performance-related bonus, private medical cover, and pension matching.
• Benefit from flexible working arrangements, including hybrid options (3 days office / 2 days home).
• Enhanced holidays, maternity and paternity leave and wellbeing days.
• Access salary sacrifice schemes (such as cycle to work, EV scheme), free car parking, onsite EV charging and complimentary lunch.
• Access professional development opportunities and clear career progression pathways.
• We offer an inclusive culture that values diversity, supports flexible working and empowers you to grow.

Closing date for applications is 05 May 2026. SONI reserves the right to extend this deadline where necessary to maximise the applicant pool. Submit your application by uploading your CV with a cover letter (in one document). SONI is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to an inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are valued and everyone can thrive.