Head of Market Registration & Compliance (S202661) in Belfast

Role Title: Head of Market Registration & Compliance
Reports to: SEMO General Manager
Location: Belfast (Hybrid – 2 days remote/3 days in 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.

And that’s just the beginning of our story. 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.

The work you will deliver with us here at SONI matters. Join a great and supportive team and be part of the transformation.

The Role
We are seeking a Head of Market Registration & Compliance to join the Single Electricity Market Operator (SEMO), our joint venture with EirGrid.

This is a senior leadership role responsible for leading the strategic direction, governance and operational delivery of market registration and compliance activities across the Single Electricity Market. Reporting to the SEMO General Manager, with a local reporting line to the SONI Director of Operations, you will ensure robust compliance with market rules and regulatory obligations while supporting the efficient operation of the Balancing Market and Capacity Market.

You will lead a team responsible for market registration processes, compliance frameworks, audits and governance activities, while building strong relationships with regulators, market participants and internal stakeholders. The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining market integrity, driving continuous improvement and ensuring SEMO meets its obligations in a dynamic and evolving energy landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of market registration and compliance activities across the Balancing Market and Capacity Market.

• Ensure the timely and accurate delivery of registration processes, annual parameter submissions and associated governance requirements.

• Develop, maintain and continuously improve compliance and control frameworks to ensure adherence to market rules and regulatory obligations.

• Lead internal and external audits, managing risks proactively and implementing actions to achieve high standards of compliance.

• Act as the principal point of engagement with the SEM Committee (SEMC), market participants and other key stakeholders on registration, governance and compliance matters.

• Lead the governance of Balancing Market Rules, providing expert interpretation, guidance and support on rule changes and implementation.

• Build and develop a high-performing team, promoting collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.

• Provide clear and effective reporting to senior leadership on compliance performance, risks, governance activities and regulatory developments.

• Manage budgets and resources effectively to support the delivery of business objectives.

Critical Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential:

• Degree qualification (or equivalent experience) in a relevant discipline.

• Significant leadership experience, including leading and developing teams in a complex operational, regulatory or market environment.

• Strong understanding of electricity markets, regulatory frameworks and governance requirements.

• Proven ability to interpret complex information, provide strategic insight and influence decision-making at senior levels.

• Experience managing compliance, risk or audit activities within a regulated environment.

• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively across organisational boundaries.

• Strong organisational, planning and delivery skills, with a focus on achieving high-quality outcomes.

• Experience managing budgets, resources and operational performance.

Desirable:

• Experience working within electricity markets, market operations or energy regulation.

• Knowledge of the Single Electricity Market (SEM), Balancing Market and Capacity Market arrangements.

• Experience engaging with regulators, industry bodies or government stakeholders.

• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline.

• Professional qualification in governance, compliance, risk management or a related area.

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.

• Benefit from our award-winning wellbeing programme, designed to support your physical and mental wellbeing.

• A one-off payment of up to £5,000 is available to support employees undergoing fertility treatment.

• Employees are entitled to two weeks' paid bereavement leave following a miscarriage, reflecting our commitment to supporting colleagues through significant life events with compassion and care.

• 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.

If you are seeking a challenging and impactful role within the energy sector, we’d love to hear from you. Join us in shaping the future of SONI and delivering a cleaner and more secure energy future for everyone living in Northern Ireland.

Closing date for applications is 19 October 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.