Power Systems Technology Enablement Manager in Antrim

Location: Belfast (Hybrid).

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 work is focused on safety, security and reliability. We operate in a challenging, fast-moving, collaborative environment with a culture driven by continual development, knowledge and teamwork. Our aim is to reduce Northern Ireland’s reliance on fossil fuels and transform the energy system to decarbonise while ensuring a safe and reliable electricity supply for the future.

This role sits within SONI’s Future Power Systems function — the team responsible for understanding how the electricity system will evolve and ensuring Northern Ireland is ready to integrate the new technologies that will power a net-zero future. FPS models future energy needs, supports whole-system planning, and leads the organisation’s innovation strategy so SONI can operate a secure, flexible and fully decarbonised electricity grid.

As Technology Enablement Manager, you will lead a team of engineers and analysts who assess emerging technologies, shape innovation priorities and help SONI introduce new solutions into both the Northern Ireland power system and the all-island Single Electricity Market. You will play a key role in strengthening collaboration between SONI and NIE Networks, supporting new tools, technologies and operational practices that enable a smarter, cleaner, more flexible electricity system.

This is a leadership role for someone who enjoys guiding teams, solving complex challenges, working collaboratively across organisations and translating technical insights for different audiences. We welcome candidates from a broad range of energy, engineering, data, technology or other analytical backgrounds.

• Lead the team responsible for evaluating emerging technologies and innovative operational practices that enhance security of supply and system flexibility in Northern Ireland and across the all-island Single Electricity Market.
• Oversee workstreams that introduce new technologies into the power system, including the development of innovation processes and technology-enablement roadmaps.
• Support the Head of Function by ensuring the team has the skills, tools and capabilities needed to meet current and future organisational needs.
• Act as a key contact for industry and market trends, assessing potential impacts and providing insight and leadership on enabling new technologies.
• Represent SONI externally, engaging with relevant forums, industry groups, academic partners and stakeholders.
• Build strong working relationships with distribution system operators, gas network operators, third-party providers and other senior partners.
• Lead and champion innovation that supports SONI’s strategic goals, including Shaping Our Electricity Future and the SONI Innovation Strategy.
• Manage a portfolio of projects, ensuring effective oversight of staffing, budgets, schedules, quality, risk and performance.
• Foster a proactive, innovative and collaborative team culture, encouraging high-performance behaviours and professional growth.
• Act as an escalation point for technology-enablement matters, providing direction, support and timely issue resolution.

• Essential Degree in engineering, economics, mathematics or another relevant technical/analytical field, with at least 8 years’ relevant experience.
• Strong understanding of technology innovation processes and/or energy systems.
• Knowledge of energy system flexibility, including the role of interconnection and energy storage.
• Excellent interpersonal and organisational skills, with a strong track record of delivering complex work.
• Adaptable, solution-focused and able to work effectively in changing environments.
• Leadership experience, including coaching, developing and supporting team members.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical issues clearly to non-technical audiences.
• Programme or project management experience with a record of achieving successful outcomes.
• Ability to influence, build consensus and work collaboratively across internal and external teams.
• Self-motivation, enthusiasm and the ability to deliver in the context of evolving requirements.
• Confident decision-making aligned with organisational strategy and objectives.

• Desirable Experience working in the electricity, gas or wider energy sector.
• Knowledge of all-island energy policy and the Single Electricity Market.
• Experience engaging with regulators, policymakers or external industry groups.

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. We know flexible working means different things to different people. Contact us if you’d like to talk about how this role could work for you.

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.