At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative energy projects and innovate for a sustainable future.
- Company: SONI, Northern Ireland's trusted electricity grid operator.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to decarbonisation and community benefit.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the energy sector and drive change for a cleaner future.
- Qualifications: Senior management experience in energy or infrastructure delivery.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Reporting to: SONI Chief Executive
Contract: Permanent
Location: Belfast, with occasional travel
Applications are invited for the role of Director of Networks and Innovation. Ensure all your application information is up to date and in order before applying for this opportunity.
About SONI
SONI is Northern Ireland's Transmission System Operator. We are the people behind Northern Ireland's electricity grid. We make sure 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.
Role Profile
The Director of Networks & Innovation will lead the programme of visioning and delivering a power system for the future; a once in a generation transformation of Northern Ireland's high voltage transmission grid and the development of world leading operating technology and electricity markets. The Networks & Innovation directorate is central to achieving the future ambitions of SONI on multiple levels.
The role holder will be responsible for a number of business functions including Networks (Grid), Digital Innovation, Future Markets and Future Power Systems. The teams within this Directorate develop scenarios, options, and optimum pathways to ensure that SONI's strategic ambitions are realised, future demand for clean electricity is met, whilst at the same time ensuring that the power system remains stable and reliable during the energy transition.
Networks Overview
The Director of Networks & Innovation will manage the team responsible for planning the development of the high voltage transmission grid, bringing large scale infrastructure projects such as new power lines and substations from conception, feasibility through the planning system to the point of handover to NIE Networks for construction. The projects in SONI's Transmission Development Plan represent in excess of £500m capital investment over the next 10 years and are time critical to allow the flow of renewable energy as we undertake a once-in-a-generation upgrade to Northern Ireland's transmission system.
Future Power Systems Overview
The role holder will create vision and drive the change programme to transform the power system of the future, optimising current technologies such as energy storage, onshore wind and solar, evaluate and support the market entry of new technologies such as offshore wind and long duration energy storage.
Future Markets Overview
The role holder will lead on sponsoring the evolution of the energy market with the Future Power Markets function driving the development of market structures and policies aligned with Northern Ireland's clean energy goals.
Digital Innovation Overview
A power system transformation of this scale and complexity cannot be achieved without world leading operating technology, data, digital and IT systems. The Directorate will vision the digital future of the organisation, develop the relevant strategies and cost effectively deliver the technologies and systems to realise the future vision.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Support the CEO and partner with the business to enable delivery of SONI's strategy.
- Develop and roll out of Networks, Digital, Innovation and Research strategies and associated business plans.
- Build, lead, motivate and engage a high performing team within Networks & Innovation to deliver on the expectations of the business.
- Help to secure new regulatory funding for the business, managing relationships with the Utility Regulatory and Departmental officials as appropriate.
- Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory obligations for the company.
Essential requirements:
- Demonstrable experience at senior management level, reporting to Executive and/or Board level in a complex energy or other utility/infrastructure delivery environment.
- Experience overseeing the successful delivery of major physical infrastructure programmes including awareness of the statutory planning and consenting process.
- Experienced leader, with strong organisational, planning and process management skills.
Desirable requirements:
- Experience of working in the electricity industry; and experience of working and delivering in a regulatory business model.
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).
Closing date for receipt of applications is 10am, Monday 22nd June 2026.
Director of Networks and Innovation employer: SONI Ltd
SONI is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment in Belfast that prioritises safety, innovation, and sustainability. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and extensive professional development opportunities, all while contributing to the vital transformation of Northern Ireland's energy system. Join a passionate team dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the future of energy, where your expertise will help shape a cleaner, more secure energy landscape for generations to come.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Networks and Innovation
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the energy sector. Attend industry events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues or mentors. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching SONI’s recent projects and initiatives. Show that you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about their mission. Tailor your responses to highlight how your experience aligns with their goals in transforming Northern Ireland's energy system.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or use online platforms to refine your answers. Focus on articulating your leadership style and how you can drive innovation within SONI. Confidence is key, so get comfortable talking about your achievements.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. Reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and mention something specific from the interview that resonated with you. It shows you’re genuinely interested!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Networks and Innovation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Director of Networks and Innovation role. Highlight your experience in strategic leadership, project delivery, and stakeholder engagement. We want to see how your background aligns with SONI's vision and objectives.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for energy transformation and how your skills can contribute to SONI's mission. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your experience, focus on major infrastructure projects you've overseen and any innovative solutions you've implemented. We love seeing examples of how you've driven change and improved processes in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at SONI.
How to prepare for a job interview at SONI Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into SONI's mission and recent projects. Familiarise yourself with their strategic objectives, especially around decarbonisation and innovation in the energy sector. This will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As a Director of Networks and Innovation, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples from your past where you've successfully led multidisciplinary teams or managed large-scale infrastructure projects. Highlight how you inspired change and fostered a high-performance culture.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
SONI values collaboration with various stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you've effectively communicated and influenced different groups in previous roles. Share specific instances where your stakeholder engagement led to successful outcomes, particularly in complex environments.
✨Think Future-Focused
The role is all about driving change for the future of Northern Ireland's energy system. Prepare to discuss your vision for innovative solutions in energy markets and how you would approach the challenges of integrating new technologies. Show that you're not just thinking about today, but also about the long-term impact of your decisions.
