Programme Coordinator - Networks in Antrim

SONI is Northern Ireland’s Transmission System Operator. We are the people behind Northern Ireland’s electricity grid, ensuring 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, playing a critical role in delivering a cleaner, cheaper and more secure energy future for everyone living in Northern Ireland.

The Networks team in SONI is central in responding to transformational change and the complexities of planning a power system that supports a clean energy system in Northern Ireland through high-voltage customer connections and transmission system infrastructure projects. We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Programme Coordinator to support the Project Management Office (PMO), offering a unique opportunity to shape this function.

This role is crucial in managing large capital projects from inception to construction, including optioneering, planning, risk/change management and public consultations. The successful candidate will work closely with the Networks team to capture the full programme of works within SONI, ensuring effective use of project controls, scheduling, risk management, cost control and innovative project management practices.

The role holder will collaborate to enable successful outcomes for the PMO, support complex programmes by identifying and managing risks at both programme and project levels, assist in developing plans and timelines, monitor performance against key milestones, and produce regular reports for internal and external stakeholders while working closely with NIE Networks through the Joint Programme Management Office.

• Collaborate with the Programme Management Office lead and project managers to schedule programmes, ensuring seamless integration of tasks and timelines across multiple projects; conduct regular meetings, status updates, and proactive mitigations to keep projects on track.
• Plan, manage, and oversee project analysis from initiation to completion in collaboration with the Project team, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope and budget through effective planning, resource allocation, risk assessment and continuous monitoring.
• Implement and maintain a robust risk and change management framework, including workshops and design controls to manage scope and improve cost management across our programmes.
• Liaise with project managers to develop, maintain and update detailed project schedules, ensuring alignment with project objectives and providing clear visibility of project status.
• Communicate programme updates, risks and performance to both internal and external stakeholders, including facilitating consultations and managing engagement activities.
• Coordinate the preparation of monthly project reports covering status, risks and change logs for both internal and external stakeholders.
• Support SONI’s governance controls and standards, ensuring they meet quality requirements and adopt best practices for continuous improvement.
• Support the development of innovative project management practices and improved information management processes, including adopting new technologies and driving efficiency.
• Champion quality standards and continuous improvement across all projects.

• Third-level qualification in a relevant discipline.
• At least three years of experience in a Project Management Office role or similar organisational structure.
• Experience in programme management, including the ability to identify risks and issues, propose effective solutions and influence others to move toward common goals.
• Strong IT skills, particularly proficiency in project management software, SharePoint, Power BI, dashboards and Office 365 (e.g., MS Project).
• Excellent communication skills with an emphasis on high-quality report writing and presenting complex portfolio-level issues to all business levels.
• Stakeholder management skills, both internal and external.
• Demonstrated flexible working approach with ability to prioritise multiple demands and activities while maintaining a professional and positive focus.
• Highly organised with the ability to work on initiative and coordinate activities of others while working effectively as part of a team.
• Full, clean driving licence with access to a car.

• Relevant Project Management certifications or qualifications.
• Familiarity with the energy sector and linear infrastructure projects and experience working within a similar regulated utility environment.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing innovative project management practices.
• Digitisation of project management processes.
• A proven experience in managing large capital projects from inception to construction phase.
• Experience working in a collaborative, multi-stakeholder environment.

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 (e.g., 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.

Closing date for applications is 03 March 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 under-represented 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.