SEMO General Manager (S202673) in Belfast

Reports to: Director of Operations/SEMO Governing Committee

Location: Dublin, Ireland or Belfast, Northern Ireland (with travel between sites) – Hybrid (3 Days in Office, 2 Days Remote)

Who We Are

SEMO (Single Electricity Market Operator) is a joint venture between EirGrid plc and SONI Ltd, responsible for operating the all-island Single Electricity Market (SEM). We ensure the efficient, transparent and compliant operation of the wholesale electricity market, supporting a secure and sustainable energy future for everyone across the island of Ireland. At SONI, we are the people behind Northern Ireland's electricity grid. Every day, we work to ensure homes, businesses, schools, hospitals, factories and farms have the electricity they need, when they need it. 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.

The Role

We are seeking a SEMO General Manager to lead the SEMO business. In this role, you will provide strategic leadership to ensure SEMO delivers its objectives while fully complying with licence and regulatory obligations, safeguarding the integrity of the Single Electricity Market. You will be accountable for the effective delivery of all core market functions, ensuring accurate and timely market operations and settlements. Reporting to the SEMO Governing Committee, you will ensure critical issues are escalated and managed appropriately. You will lead and align SEMO teams, oversee day-to-day operations, and engage proactively with market participants, regulators, policymakers, and internal stakeholders. Acting as a key representative for SEMO, you will contribute to regulatory consultations, industry forums, and European-level engagement, building trusted and collaborative relationships across the energy sector. You will also lead financial and resource planning, ensuring alignment with Price Control requirements and long-term capability needs. With a strong focus on risk and compliance, you will maintain robust governance frameworks, oversee audits, and ensure continuous improvement. This role will champion innovation and transformation, including digitalisation and process optimisation, to meet both current and future market needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Provide clear, inclusive leadership to define and deliver SEMO’s objectives in alignment with market and regulatory obligations, supporting outcomes for all consumers across the island of Ireland.
• Operational Oversight: Oversee the end-to-end delivery of SEMO’s core functions—Market Operations, Market Settlement, Stakeholder Engagement, and Market Registration & Compliance—ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and resilience.
• Governance & Reporting: Maintain strong governance frameworks, chair the SEMO Operational Committee, and ensure timely and transparent reporting to the SEMO Governing Committee, including escalation of key risks and issues.
• Decision-Making: Lead operational decision-making across SEMO, ensuring alignment with business objectives, delivery of business plan targets, and effective communication with internal and external stakeholders.
• Technical Leadership: Act as a point of escalation for SEM-related matters, providing guidance and support to the SEMO management team to resolve complex challenges.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain effective relationships with regulators, market participants, policymakers, and industry partners. Represent SEMO at industry forums, consultations, and European-level engagements.
• Financial & Resource Management: Oversee budget management and resource planning, ensuring alignment with regulatory frameworks and supporting capability development across teams.
• Risk & Compliance: Ensure strong risk management practices and compliance frameworks, including oversight of audits and implementation of relevant actions.
• People & Capability Development: Lead and support diverse teams of experts, encouraging collaboration, continuous learning, and knowledge sharing.
• Change & Innovation: Promote an inclusive culture of innovation, leading transformation initiatives such as digitalisation and process improvement to support SEMO’s ongoing success.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Significant experience in a leadership role within the electricity sector or a related industry, with strong knowledge of market operations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, engage and motivate teams in a collaborative and inclusive way.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence and build trusted relationships.
• Sound decision-making and problem-solving capability in complex environments.
• Degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant discipline.
• Experience leading teams and delivering results in evolving or uncertain environments.
• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to interpret data and make informed decisions.
• Effective interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Experience in identifying, managing, and mitigating risk.
• Adaptability, resilience, and comfort working in complex, fast-changing environments.
• Proven ability to lead through others and support high-performing teams.

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.

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 20 November 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.