SONI Ltd | Market Operator

Role Title: Market Operator Reports to: Head of Market Operations Location: Castlereagh House, Belfast (Hybrid) About Us SONI (System Operator for Northern Ireland) is Northern Irelands Transmission System Operator (TSO). We manage the electricity grid to ensure that power can flow from where it is generated to where it is needed. We are now transforming the power system for future generations. Be part of the change! Our focus is on safety, security and reliability. Our work environment is challenging, fast-moving, collaborative and team orientated. Our culture is driven by performance, knowledge and continual development. Our people are committed to reducing Northern Irelands reliance on fossil fuels and making decarbonisation a reality while providing a safe and reliable electricity supply in a way that secures the future for those who follow us. Our future has never looked more exciting. This is an incredible opportunity to be part of it. The world is ready for change. If you are too, join us. The Role The Market Operator plays a key role in delivery of the full range of work within the Market Operations team, which includes operating and monitoring the trading desk on a shift rota arrangement (1 week in every 4-6 weeks). Upon joining, a comprehensive 3-month training programme is provided to become licensed and following completion of the training, the Market Operator is certified to operate the electricity market auctions as part of the trading desk team. During electricity market auctions, the trading team have specific tasks that need to be completed within pre-determined timelines and the team work to deadlines which can be in real-time, daily, weekly and monthly. As a result, the Market Operator needs to work closely with the other team members to ensure the appropriate support and backup is available within this fast-paced environment. The Market Operator works closely with service providers to operate and verify the results from the various wholesale markets. The Market Operator must maintain oversight of all Market Operations auction activities during the auctions and liaise closely with stakeholders to resolve operational issues, typically to very tight deadlines. These stakeholders include the National Control Centre, Market Operations management and internal IT, in addition to external parties including service providers, traders, the UK system operator, interconnector owners and other European/UK market operators. When the Market Operator is not working shift on the trading desk, the role involves a blend of responsibilities for projects, system release testing, service changes, market analysis and process improvement. Key Responsibilities Perform key daily checks and ensure market system processes operate smoothly and where issues are identified, seek to resolve the issue within agreed parameters or escalate as necessary. Where resolution of issues is not clear, use experience and knowledge to identify potential solutions and engage with senior team members to address. Engage with internal and/or external stakeholders to address market operation queries. Monitoring key market activities such as auctions and publication of reports to ensure accuracy and timeliness. Using excels skills, investigate any errors that have been flagged on the market system. Rectify errors during market auctions using agreed procedures and engage with internal and external stakeholders as appropriate to ensure smooth operation Monitor the market system inputting data and validating outputs to ensure accuracy. Engage with customers where data is missing and provide workarounds for data submission. Publish urgent market messages via email to external stakeholders as required. Raise incident tickets on the system and coordinate internal and external parties to resolve issues. Proactive participation in daily incident committee meetings with European Market Operators representing EirGrid as appropriate. Prepare a handover of shift notes following each shift to the Market Operator next on the trading desk. Run reports and quality checks before ensuring reports have been published on relevant website. Work closely with the National Control Centre and Castlereagh House Control Centre to resolve issues where they arise in real-time and escalate to Team Lead as appropriate. Perform user acceptance testing of system releases (full training provided). Review and enhance processes, procedures, and checklists to provide continuous improvement in management of operational risks, efficiency execution of activities and adherence with the latest operating obligations. Perform analysis on market outcomes and produce reports for both internal and external stakeholders. Identify, develop and implement ongoing service changes and improvements, process improvement and training activities Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements in performing market auction activities Provide standby availability cover 7 days per month from 7am to 7pm in case issues arise on the trading desk and additional resources are required. It should be recognised that the nature of this post will change over time as the needs of the business change and it is a requirement of the job that the holder will contribute to this development. What Youll Need Joining SONI as a Market Operator, youll need: Essential: 3 Years experience in data, financial and/or a critical operational role Effective time management skills, with a history of achieving strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment Strong attention to detail Ability to work effectively within a team environment under time pressure with a flexible approach Excellent communication skills and confidence to work cross functionally in a business environment Desirable: Strong skills in MS Office products and file management systems e.g. SharePoint Advanced level skill in MS Excel Experience in programming and query languages such as Visual Basi, Python, SQL Experience in Market Analysis or Trading analysis in electricity markets What You Will Get This is an opportunity to lead and contribute to the advancement of a critical component of the energy infrastructure. The rewards package includes a competitive salary commensurate with experience, eligibility for an annual performance related payment, private medical provision, competitive pension with employer matching arrangements, a variety of salary sacrifice schemes (e.g. pension and cycle to work) together with hybrid working arrangements when not on shift (3 days office: 2 days working at home), flexible start and finish times, competitive holidays and complimentary car parking with electric charging point on site. If you are seeking a challenging and impactful role within the electricity sector, we invite you to apply. Submit your application by uploading your CV with a cover letter (in one document). Closing date for applications is 21st January 2025. SONI is an equal opportunities employer. SONI is not providing sponsorship for this role. Skills: Market electricity operator