Innovation Portfolio Governance Lead - ESO

About the role

The UK has set out its ambition to be net zero by 2050 and the energy industry is responding – together we are building a cleaner, greener Britain.

As the Innovation Portfolio Governance Lead you are instrumental to our journey towards zero carbon. You will work across the ESO, and with external stakeholders, to ensure that we are delivering against our business plan whilst meeting our innovation funding requirements. You will lead on innovation funding governance and regulatory reporting to Ofgem. You work closely with the Electricity and Gas Networks to set the direction of focus for innovation in the energy industry, identifying opportunities for collaboration and disseminating the outputs of the portfolio.

This role can be based from Wokingham or Warwick, 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

As Great Britain’s electricity system operator (ESO), we sit at the heart of the electricity system, using our outstanding engineering and commercial expertise to balance electricity supply and demand. Ultimately, we keep the electricity flowing directly to where it’s needed, second by second.

Becoming the Future System Operator
In 2021, government and Ofgem jointly consulted on proposals for an expert, impartial Future System Operator (FSO) with responsibilities across both the electricity and gas systems, to drive progress towards net zero while maintaining energy security and minimising costs for consumers. In October 2023, the Energy Act 2023 was passed, legislating for this Future System Operator to be created.

The ESO, including all of its existing roles, will be at the heart of the new Future System Operator. We will be taking on additional roles across vectors and sectors to create an organisation with a whole energy system mindset; enabling us to identify solutions to our energy system that are more sustainable, secure, and affordable for all.

The FSO will be set up as a public corporation with operational independence from government – bringing parties together to support optimised decision making and action. As now, it will be licenced and regulated by Ofgem through price control agreements. It is anticipated that the new organisation will be up and running in 2024.

The time to act on climate change 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

As the Innovation Portfolio Governance Lead you will:

• Ensure the Innovation portfolio meets the funding eligibility requirements
• Oversee all Innovation funding regulatory reporting at project and portfolio level
• Prepare key metrics and portfolio analytics for senior leadership and external reports
• Own the portfolio management platform (DFN) and promote its use across the innovation team
• Work alongside the Innovation Business Partners, and wider Innovation team, to coordinate innovation activities that run across the business
• Represent the ESO on a number of industry working groups working closely with the electricity and gas networks to meet joint regulatory requirements
• Understand the key strategic challenges, processes, and priorities of the ESO

About you

Essential

• Organisation and time management: ability to manage a dynamic workload and meet regulatory timelines
• Communication: excellent written and verbal communication skills to provide clear and concise updates on the innovation portfolio and activities (internally and externally) and present projects at network-wide innovation forums.
• Stakeholder management: comfortable in building and managing relationships with internal and external stakeholders, communicating effectively with colleagues throughout the organisation, the networks, other external bodies, and potential partners.

Desirable:

• Understanding of the GB Energy system
• Experience of working in a regulated environment
• Experience of delivering regulatory reporting

What you’ll get

A competitive salary between £45,000 – £55,000 – 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 22/02/2024 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.
#LI-SP1