Head of Control Centre Operations

Role Title: Head of Control Centre Operations

Reports to: Director of Operations

Location: Belfast (Hybrid)

Who We Are

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.

The Role

The Head of Control Centre Operations is a senior leadership role within SONI, responsible for the safe, secure, reliable and economic operation of the Northern Ireland transmission system. Based in Castlereagh House Control Centre (CHCC), you will oversee day-to-day system operations and shape the long-term capability of our Control Centre to support Northern Ireland's ambitious renewable energy and decarbonisation goals. Reporting to the Director of Operations, you will lead the Control Room and back-office teams who manage real-time operations. You will provide clear, timely decision-making, act as the first escalation point for operational issues and ensure robust governance is always followed. You will also guide and support staff, helping them grow, problem-solve and deliver high-quality operational performance. This role plays a central part in delivering SONI's strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Northern Ireland's Control Centre Operations to ensure the system is operated safely, securely, reliably and economically, delivering a high-quality dispatch that benefits customers.
• Hold end-to-end responsibility for day-to-day system operations across the Control Room and back-office teams, acting as the first point of escalation for operational issues.
• Oversee monitoring of plant margins, demand forecasts, renewable forecasts and generation to ensure system security standards are met at all times.
• Develop and oversee operational procedures and quality assurance processes that support continuous risk analysis and ensure compliance with Operating Security Standards.
• Lead transmission and generation outage planning.
• Manage operational change within the Control Centre, including new technologies, tools, processes and ways of working and support staff through this change journey.
• Lead, develop and support a high-performing engineering team, including resource planning, coaching, performance management and talent development.
• Ensure safety requirements are met in line with NIE Networks Safety Rules, and participate in incident investigations when required.
• Build strong working relationships with EirGrid, power stations, renewable generators, system service providers, DSOs, interconnectors, other TSOs and regulators.
• Act as a key point of contact for regional and European control centres (e.g. GB, CORESO) and coordinate with other TSOs during emergency conditions.
• Represent SONI at regulatory, governmental, industry and media engagements as required.
• Maintain momentum on delivering SONI's strategy as it relates to Control Centre Operations.
• Advise on and influence the development of operational policy to manage future system changes.
• Deputise for the Director of Operations when required.
• Ensure senior leaders are fully informed of key operational issues and developments.
• Participate in the on-call rota for NI Operations.
• Proactively identify areas needing organisational focus to support SONI's ambition to be a world-class TSO.

Critical Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential:

• Engineering degree (or HNC with equivalent experience) and typically 8+ years of technical experience in power system operations.
• Detailed knowledge of the Northern Ireland transmission system.
• Strong understanding of safe, secure, reliable and economic operation of a transmission system.
• Experience managing and leading a team, with the ability to work effectively under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
• Working knowledge of Energy Management Systems, control centre security tools and scheduling/dispatch tools.
• Ability to plan and manage operational risk.
• Excellent communication skills able to confidently articulate technical issues to varied audiences.
• Ability to innovate, adapt to change and manage evolving demands.
• Strong influencing, negotiation and diplomacy skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a senior leadership team, including resolving conflict when necessary.

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.

If you are seeking a challenging and impactful role within the energy sector, we'd love to hear from you. Join us in shaping the future of SONI and delivering a cleaner and more secure energy future for everyone living in Northern Ireland.

Closing date for applications is 8th April 2026. Submit your application by uploading your CV with a cover letter (in one document).

SONI is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We particularly encourage women to apply, as they are currently underrepresented in our organisation. We have a duty to prevent illegal working and applicants must demonstrate they have a legal right to work in the UK. SONI is not providing sponsorship for this vacancy.