About the role

This is the time for action – we need to move at pace and reform our energy system – to deliver energy security, to tackle climate change and to protect our people. 

The ambition of the Virtual Energy System (VirtualES) programme is to enable the creation of an ecosystem of connected digital twins of the entire energy system of Great Britain, that will operate in synchronisation to the physical system. It will include representations of electricity and gas assets and link up to other sectors.

This ecosystem of connected digital twins will enable the secure and resilient sharing of energy data across organisational and sector boundaries, facilitating more complex scenario modelling to deliver optimal whole-system decision making. These whole-system decisions will result in better outcomes for society, the economy, and environment by balancing the needs of users, electricity and gas systems and other sectors.

Creating the VirtualES is a socio-technical challenge that requires a collaborative and principled approach, aligned with the National Digital Twin Programme, led by the Department for Business and Trade, and other energy sector digitalisation programmes. 

This role will be focused on supporting the development of the Virtual Energy System Programme, which includes in the near term the development of the data sharing infrastructure pilot and MVP. It will also help support other related digitalisation and innovation projects being led by ESO.

This role can be based anywhere in the Great Britain, but you will be required to commute to various industry events and meetings across the UK. Our offices are based in Wokingham, Warwick, or Glasgow, 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.

For more information on the programme look at our website: https://www.nationalgrideso.com/virtual-energy-system
 

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 Summer 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.

Key Accountabilities

• Supporting the activities required in the development of the Virtual Energy System Programme, which includes in the near term the development of the data sharing infrastructure pilot and MVP.
• Provide expert knowledge internally and externally on energy data, energy policy, data sharing, governance, and system architecture.
• Provide expert support and input into other related digitalisation and innovation projects being led by ESO.
• Project planning, governance, and reporting, supporting Common Framework Manager.
• Managing collaboration with internal & external partners and energy sector stakeholders to ensure that future requirements are supported by Virtual Energy System
• Work with wider Virtual Energy System team to support programme activities.
• Represent the Virtual Energy System programme at conferences, forums, and other industry events in front of key stakeholders. Mixture of in person and virtual events. 
• Support communications requirements with Stakeholder Engagement team.

About you

• Strong knowledge and understanding of the energy system, including the technical and policy landscape, challenges, and drivers of energy system digitalisation.
• Demonstrable problem-solving skills
• Collaboration and stakeholder management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communications

If you believe that good communication, collaboration, and inquisitiveness drive better results, if you care about making our customers and stakeholders’ experience of working with the ESO a great experience, and if you are excited about change and comfortable with shaping and delivering fast-paced projects, then please reach out. We would love to hear from you. 
 

What you'll get

A competitive salary between £55,000 - £65,000 – 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%. 

You will also have access to a comprehensive benefits package tailored to support your well-being and professional success. From a competitive salary to flexible work arrangements, we promote your work-life balance. Enjoy fit for purpose wellbeing and lifestyle offerings, ongoing skill development aligned to our Purpose and Values, and be part of a supportive community that values your individuality and where you can belong.

More information

This role closes on 19/03/2024 at 23:59, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary. 

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.

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