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- Tasks: Lead the transformation of Wales's energy networks and drive innovative projects for a sustainable future.
- Company: Welsh Government, committed to Net Zero and green growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work options, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Wales's energy future and community engagement.
- Qualifications: Strong knowledge of energy networks and strategic planning skills required.
- Other info: Home-based role with travel to Welsh Government offices for meetings.
The predicted salary is between 61098 - 73057 ÂŁ per year.
Closing date - 16/02/2026, 16:00
Advertising basis - Fixed Term, Loan, Secondment
Actual starting salary - A starting salary between £61,098 and £73,057 will be offered to the successful candidate based on their skills, knowledge, experience and performance at interview. This range is not negotiable. Candidates who score above a 5 in the “Experience 2” criterion will qualify for the higher salary.
Salary range or pay band - Grade 7 ÂŁ61,098 to ÂŁ73,057
Work pattern - Full time (applications are welcome from people who work part time, as part of a job share or who work full time)
Group - Economy, Energy and Transport
Location(s) - Pan Wales
Pan Wales means that the location in which the vacancy can be based is flexible, subject to the needs of the business. A list of the Welsh Government's offices can be found on www.gov.wales/welsh-government-offices. Please note it may not always be possible to accommodate a preference for a specific office location.
Purpose of post
Shape Wales’s Energy Future. This role sits within the Energy Division, part of the Economy, Energy and Transport Group—a high-profile, fast-moving team at the forefront of delivering Net Zero Wales and driving green growth. Our work is central to reducing emissions from power and heat, securing new renewable generation, and ensuring energy infrastructure supports prosperity and wellbeing across Wales. Energy underpins economic success, and Welsh Government is leading the way with long-term energy planning to give clarity on future needs. This work helps network companies design and deliver a modern, integrated energy system for Wales. As Lead for Network Liaison, you’ll represent Wales in UK-wide infrastructure planning, working closely with UK Government, delivery bodies, and partners to ensure Welsh priorities are embedded in national plans. You’ll coordinate across Welsh Government and delivery agents to shape decisions on network investment and design. This is a strategic role requiring strong knowledge of energy networks and how they are planned, designed, delivered and regulated. If you want to influence major infrastructure decisions, work on high-impact projects, and help Wales transition to a low-carbon future, this is your opportunity to make a real difference.
Key tasks
- Drive delivery of network plans that enable new demand and renewable generation in Wales, building strong relationships with senior leaders in network companies to keep plans aligned with Welsh Government priorities.
- Represent Wales in UK-wide forums, working with the National Energy System Operator to embed Welsh requirements and secure innovation funding.
- Lead the Welsh response to the Independent Advisory Group on Future Electricity Grid, delivering evidence to help people understand and get involved in new network proposals.
- Champion community engagement in low-carbon network delivery and integrate network plans with statutory planning.
- Collaborate with partners across Wales and the UK to develop new funding models for integrated energy systems that connect communities with renewables and retain benefits locally.
- Establish robust governance for projects, ensuring they are well-supported and successfully delivered.
- Provide trusted advice to Ministers and senior officials, lead external engagement, and share learning to build expertise across the Division.
- Line manage one person, promoting high performance, organisational values, and team motivation.
- Contribute to energy resilience planning and support the effective leadership of the energy delivery team.
Development opportunities
This role offers a unique opportunity to shape delivery in a dynamic area aligned with key Programme for Government priorities and Net Zero Wales commitments. You’ll help ensure Wales maximises the benefits of moving to a clean energy system—work that has the potential to make a real difference for communities across the country. As part of this role you’ll collaborate extensively across Welsh Government and with external partners, UK delivery bodies, and other administrations. You’ll gain valuable insight into energy policy and inter-agency working, experience that will strengthen your profile for future roles. The post also provides exposure to strategy development and policy thinking in emerging areas. We are committed to supporting your growth. The Division will help you build on your strengths, broaden your capabilities, and progress your career. If you’re motivated by innovation, impact, and collaboration, this is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to Wales’s sustainable future.
Other vacancy related information
You will be home based and will be expected to travel to a Welsh Government office, most likely Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, Aberystwyth or Llandudno Junction, to attend meetings weekly or fortnightly. Locations will balance minimising travel with effective delivery and quality of life. You will also travel, for example to London or Warwick, as needed to represent Welsh Government. A reserve list may be held for this opportunity. Any candidate, who is successful in being offered a reserve status, will remain on the reserve list for 12 months. In the event of a large number of applications, an initial sift will be conducted against the lead assessment criterion: Experience 1 and Technical 1. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview. CVs will not be scored but will be used by the panel to gain a fuller understanding of your experience and employment history. At interview, candidates will be expected to give a five-minute presentation demonstrating their technical expertise in energy network planning. More information will be provided at this stage.
Contact point for further information regarding the post - YmatebionYnni-EnergyResponses@gov.wales
Head of Energy Networks in Cardiff employer: Welsh Government
Contact Detail:
Welsh Government Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Energy Networks in Cardiff
✨Tip Number 1
Network, network, network! Get out there and connect with professionals in the energy sector. Attend industry events, webinars, or even local meet-ups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Head of Energy Networks role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview like it’s the final exam! Research the latest trends in energy networks and be ready to discuss how they relate to Wales's goals. Show them you’re not just a candidate, but a passionate advocate for a sustainable future.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a good presentation. You’ll need to showcase your technical expertise, so practice your five-minute pitch until it’s smooth as butter. Make sure you highlight your experience and how it aligns with the role’s requirements.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. Let’s shape Wales’s energy future together!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Energy Networks in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experience align with the role of Head of Energy Networks. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your expertise in energy networks. Remember, scoring above a 5 in the 'Experience 2' criterion can boost your salary offer, so make it count!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it's relevant, and ensure your writing is easy to read. We want to see your passion and clarity shine through!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, you'll find all the details you need about the role there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Welsh Government
✨Know Your Energy Networks
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of energy networks and their planning processes. Understand the current challenges and innovations in the sector, especially those relevant to Wales. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're genuinely interested in shaping Wales's energy future.
✨Prepare Your Presentation
Since you'll need to give a five-minute presentation at the interview, practice is key! Focus on clarity and conciseness while showcasing your technical expertise. Tailor your content to highlight how your experience aligns with the role's requirements, particularly in network planning and community engagement.
✨Build Relationships
Think about how you can build strong relationships with senior leaders in network companies. Be ready to discuss your strategies for collaboration and how you would align their plans with Welsh Government priorities. This shows that you understand the importance of teamwork in achieving energy goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As this role involves line management, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and how you motivate teams. Share examples of how you've promoted high performance and organisational values in previous roles. This will demonstrate your capability to lead effectively within the energy delivery team.
