About the role

Great Britain's electricity system is undergoing an ambitious, exciting and vital transformation. Together with industry, we are creating a cleaner, greener system, one that protects the planet and serves generations to come.

The Whole Energy Modelling Team will undertake analysis across a range of topics and energy vectors (electricity, gas, hydrogen) in support of our multidisciplinary Strategy and Policy directorate. Your role will involve contributing to this whole energy system analysis, particularly in the context of case studies that address key decisions around the future of the energy industry as it decarbonises. This analysis will provide the quantitative evidence necessary to inform and support the development of effective energy insights and advise to government.

Through analytical evidence and rigour you will contribute to our role in providing independent strategic advice and recommendations to industry and government on how to incorporate decarbonised energy vectors into the UK’s energy. This will include scoping the work, undertake research and data analysis, and provide insights that meet the expectations of stakeholders and industry. These are expected to include considering the role of Hydrogen, and routes to decarbonising heat, transport and industry.

This role can be based from Warwick or Wokingham, and we continue to offer hybrid working from office and home. We are open to full time and part time applicants, as well as flexible working arrangements.

About us

Our mission is to facilitate the decarbonisation of Great Britain’s energy network and ensure the delivery of reliable, affordable, and green electricity for consumers. We work with stakeholders across the whole energy industry to plan for future network needs, using insight to make sure we can balance the system today and find opportunities to transform the way it operates tomorrow.

Becoming the National Energy System Operator
In Autumn of 2024, the ESO will transition to becoming the National Energy System Operator, or NESO for short. Previously denoted as the Future System Operator (or FSO), the new National Energy System Operator will be the independent body responsible for planning Great Britain’s electricity and gas networks and operating the electricity system. 

The ESO, including all of its existing roles, will be at the heart of the new National Energy System Operator. As NESO, we will build on our existing roles, capabilities, and ways of working significantly to create an organisation the energy system and its users’ need. Our new capabilities will enable us to look across vectors, including electricity, natural gas and hydrogen, and crucially consider the trade-offs between them. 

The organisation will be set up as a public corporation with its own Board of independent directors, with complete operational independence from government, the regulator and any and all commercial interest. As the ESO are today, NESO will be licenced and regulated by Ofgem through price control agreements and obligated to identify optimal solutions to system operations and planning in the most sustainable, affordable and secure way for all. 

The time to deliver is now. As part of our team, you won’t just be touching the lives of almost everyone in Great Britain – you’ll be shaping the way we use and consume energy for generations to come.

About you

What we do isn’t just important – it’s essential. That’s why we look to recruit experts in their field. In this case, we’re looking for someone who has:

A wide understanding of the energy sector; knowledge of the structure, political/regulatory environment and the short- and long-term issues affecting the industry. Analytical skills: Experience in analytical role(s) including the ability to think holistically across energy vectors to bring together a whole energy systems approach. You can effectively grasp and critique information from a wide range of sources including key stakeholders and industry publications. You can convert quantitative and qualitative data from this into valuable insights and analyses for a diverse range of audiences. Structured problem solver: You excel in structured problem solving, with a focus on data-related challenges and solutions. Communication: You can convey complex findings to non-technical stakeholders. You can translate data and analysis into value-adding insights, commentary and recommendations that inform decision making. A high level of computer literacy and are proficient in using analytical software packages (e.g., R, SQL, MatLab, Excel, VBA or Excel Solver). Confidence using large bespoke software / a high level of computer literacy (e.g. excellent Excel skills). You should also have experience using data science packages (e.g. SQL, Python, MatLab) or developing analysis tools.

Key Accountabilities

Collaborate within a team of Whole Energy Modelling Analysts under the guidance of the Whole Energy Modelling Manager. Together, you will ensure modelling is robust and effectively informs the creation of whole energy insights and responses to requests for advice, analysis and information from government and the regulator. Conduct the modelling and analysis required for specific projects in the portfolio of statutory requests and whole energy insights. This will involve working with cross-functional teams to develop the overall scope, assumptions, and parameters for each project, and then developing the scenarios and conducting the studies required to inform the project. Apply whole system thinking to draw conclusions from your analyses and share your findings with the wider Strategy and Policy directorate. Work with them to translate these conclusions into compelling, evidence-based insights. Build relationships with other NESO modelling teams and share best practice. Identify experts in specific types of studies and models and seek their advice to support complex projects. Provide guidance and training to more junior team members within the Whole Energy Modelling team Conduct energy industry research to stay abreast of emerging modelling techniques and assumptions, applying these to whole energy analysis. Work with the horizon scanning functions in the Strategy and Policy directorate and across the business to understand their findings and update assumptions accordingly. Consider potential hypotheses to explore, work with the team to evaluate these, and present them as proposals for future whole energy insight topics.

What you'll get

A competitive salary between £52,000 and £65,000pa – dependent on experience and capability.

As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus based on company performance, 26 days annual leave as standard and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%.

As we work towards creating a cleaner, greener, and more affordable future for all, we also work towards creating a place for our teammates to belong, with professional and personal growth and positive well-being.

Full support and career-development resources to expand your skills, enhance your expertise, and maximise your potential along your career journey. A diverse and inclusive community of belonging, where teammates are empowered to bring ideas to the table. Generous Total Rewards Plan – comprising of health, finance and wealth, work/life balance, and career benefits.

More Information

We work towards the highest standards in everything we do, including how we support, value and develop our people. Our aim is to encourage and support employees to thrive and be the best they can be. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office.

We're committed to building a workforce that represents the communities we serve, and a working environment in which each individual feels valued, respected, fairly treated, and able to reach their full potential.
#LI-SP1

On1 October 2024, we're becoming the (NESO).

NESO’s new careers site goes live onMonday 7 October. In the meantime, you’ll still see National Grid branding. The job application process remains the same. If you have any questions, please contact: