Future Power Markets Manager

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. We have a critical role to play in delivering a cleaner, cheaper, more secure energy future for everyone living in Northern Ireland. 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 in a way that secures the future for those who follow us.

We are seeking two Future Power Markets Managers to play a critical leadership role in shaping how electricity markets evolve to support decarbonisation, system security and consumer value. These roles sit at the heart of SONI’s Strategic Markets Programmes and the delivery of the Pillars of Shaping Our Electricity Future. Working closely with internal teams, regulators, governments, market participants and European partners, you will help design, analyse, develop and deliver markets that are fit for a low‑carbon future. While the two posts will have different areas of emphasis – Market Analysis and Market Development – both roles share a strong common core: leadership, strategic thinking, stakeholder engagement and delivery of complex programmes in a regulated environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to the development and delivery of future power market initiatives across the all‑island electricity market.
• Support the transition to a low‑carbon energy system through effective market design, analysis and development.
• Identify, evaluate and prioritise future market opportunities and initiatives aligned to SONI’s strategic objectives.
• Plan and deliver high‑quality analytical studies, modelling, reports and decision‑support data.
• Develop and document methodologies, assumptions and findings to support regulatory submissions and stakeholder engagement.
• Maintain awareness of industry trends, emerging technologies and best practice in electricity market operation.
• Assess routes to market for emerging and low‑carbon technologies such as offshore wind, energy storage and green hydrogen.
• Develop strategies, frameworks and commercial approaches to support market access for new technologies.
• Support pilot projects, trials and innovation initiatives that test future market solutions.
• Develop and maintain project plans, risk registers, issue logs and delivery milestones as part of all‑island programmes.
• Manage resources to ensure delivery of SONI commitments in a cost‑effective and transparent manner.
• Lead the delivery of technical and/or commercial projects designed to achieve regulated targets and stakeholder outcomes.
• Influence and coordinate with key stakeholders including Government Departments, Regulatory Authorities, market participants, European market bodies, TSOs and colleagues across SONI and the EirGrid Group.
• Build trusted relationships and contribute to policy development through robust, data‑led insight.
• Communicate complex technical and commercial issues clearly to diverse audiences.
• Lead, mentor and develop high‑performing teams of analysts.
• Build capability, support professional development and foster a collaborative, solutions‑focused culture.
• Set clear objectives, manage performance and allocate resources effectively.

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Relevant third‑level qualification with typically 8+ years’ relevant experience in a challenging analytical, commercial or project development environment within the energy sector.
• Proven experience leading teams, managing resources and delivering complex outcomes.
• Strong understanding of power markets design and operation.
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects or programmes within a regulated environment.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving and critical‑thinking skills.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information clearly.
• Ability to mentor and develop others, building capability within high‑performing teams.

Desirable

• Experience working with the Irish Single Electricity Market (SEM), European power systems or TSOs.
• Knowledge of electricity market operations and impacts across transmission and balancing markets.
• Familiarity with market and network codes and regulatory frameworks.
• Experience with forward‑looking market analysis, project pipeline management or policy‑driven initiatives.
• Understanding of decarbonisation pathways, renewable energy policy and emerging market mechanisms.
• Experience working in a regulated industry and assessing compliance with regulatory obligations.

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.

Closing date for applications is 12th May 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. We are committed to an inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are valued, and everyone can thrive. As a STEM organisation, we are continuing to strengthen gender diversity across our engineering and technology roles and welcome applications from women who want to build and apply their expertise to Northern Ireland’s energy system. 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.