Senior Lead Connections & Strategy Analyst

Reports to: Head of Networks

Location: Belfast (Hybrid 2 days remote/3 days office)

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 Networks team in SONI is central in responding successfully to transformational change and the increased complexities of planning a power system that supports a clean energy system in Northern Ireland through planning and delivering high voltage customer connections and transmission system infrastructure projects. We are seeking a highly motivated individual who is keen to play a leading role in shaping how the transmission grid in Northern Ireland will evolve to support the transformation of the power system, maintain security of supply and enable the transition to a low carbon energy future.

As Senior Lead, you will report to the Head of Networks and provide leadership and expertise to develop and implement strategic connections policies in collaboration with key industry stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading the development and implementation of connections related policies that support transformation of the power system.
• Leading the development of supporting programmes, documentation and engaging effectively with external partners.
• Providing leadership and subject matter expertise on complex commercial, contractual, technical and connections policy related matters.
• Leading the proactive improvement and development of business processes, licence conditions, Transmission Interface Arrangements (TIA) with NIE Networks, connections contracts and charging methodologies.
• Preparing and managing Connection Offers, Transmission Use of System offers and Connection Agreements.
• Representing SONI in customer discussions and negotiations to provide high quality and consistent customer engagement.
• Building and maintaining strong and effective relationships with key stakeholders such as NIE Networks, the Utility Regulator and relevant government departments.
• Collaborating and influencing effectively internally across SONI and at senior leadership level.
• Writing robust reports and governance papers and communicating these clearly to internal and external stakeholders.
• Providing guidance and coaching to team members and contributing to a team culture that is solution focused.
• Supporting the team manager with the management of a broad range of business as usual and ad-hoc projects.

Critical Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential:

• University degree in a business, technical or legal discipline, or other relevant equivalent degree, with a minimum of 5 years relevant expertise and experience.
• Demonstrated comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the complex contractual and commercial aspects of the power industry.
• Proven commercial awareness with strong customer and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven experience working with commercial contracts and a strong understanding of the technical, commercial and legal aspects of contracts.
• Understanding of generation, demand and enabling technologies connecting to the power system.
• Demonstrated knowledge and application of relevant regulations, licence, technical standards, codes and policies relating to transmission system and connections planning.
• Advanced problem solving and analysis skills.
• Excellent communication skills to articulate complex topics and results to a non-technical audience.
• Experience in writing high quality, succinct reports and presenting these to internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated consultation skills, with change management concepts and strategies.
• Flexibility and agility to manage a wide range of issues at the same time.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a proven ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Proven track history of maintaining deadlines in a dynamic environment.

Desirable:

• Proven understanding of and strong technical knowledge of the power system and/or connection processes.
• Experience working in a regulated environment.
• Knowledge of the Transmission Interface Arrangements.
• Proficiency in project management.

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.
• Enhanced holidays, maternity and paternity leave and wellbeing days.
• Access salary sacrifice schemes, 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 20 August 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.