Vendor Manager - NESO
National Grid
About the role
National Energy System Operator’s (NESO) strength lies in our people. Together, we’re shaping the future where clean, affordable energy is accessible for all. Every day is an opportunity to make a real difference, accelerating the progress of sustainable GB energy, keeping people connected and society thriving as we create a brighter tomorrow.
This role reports to the Senior Manager – Vendor Management in NESO Data, Digital and Technology.
You will be responsible for Contract lifecycle management for NESO DD&T contracts and developing and maintaining effective Vendor relationships. You will lead on commercial demand management, working closely with DD&T Leadership, Delivery Heads, Service Owners – and in collaboration with Architecture, Security, Procurement, and Legal teams - communicating regularly with the wider DD&T community.
You will drive value from our strategic relationships and take ownership of process enhancements, ensuring all parties can be held accountable for delivering clear and optimised value to the business.
You will maintain systems of record and ensure key data is correct, to enable contract planning and reporting in a timely manner. You will lead on Vendor Governance activities (inc business reviews, performance management, escalations and dispute management) and ensure effective operations are in place to support agreed outcomes.
This role is be based from 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.
Key Accountabilities
- Effectively operate the contract lifecycle for all IT contracts within your portfolio.
- Build and develop relationships with strategic Partners
- Operate to the expected governance approach for key Partners
- Working with Procurement teams, ensure requirements for supplier services are understood and delivered in a compliant way; ensuring demand is visible, governed and prioritised and ensuring new contracts and services are operationalised effectively, post-contract award.
- Deliver improvements to processes where possible, making the end to end streamlined and transparent, with clear accountabilities and reduced timelines.
- Line management of Commercial analyst within the team.
- Work with DD&T finance team to ensure Invoice Management Process is optimised and well-functioning for the organisation to ensure partners are paid on time, at the right cost and accountabilities for all parties are fully understood and adhered to.
- Work with stakeholders to ensure delivery of purchase orders and provide invoice escalation management to enable prompt payment and accurate reporting
- Work with Vendors to deliver accurate and standardised, regular MI to stakeholders
- Ensuring demands are translated and represented in the contract negotiations process to represent value for money and focusing on the right outcomes for the organisation.
About you
We’re forging the path, and we know we can’t do it alone. That’s why we need visionary minds like yours to join us on this transformative journey. In this case, we’re looking for someone who:
- Experience of working with IT partners (systems and services) in a commercial role.
- Extensive experience of Contract management, specifically in the IT industry (including but not limited to software, hardware, networks and workplace services.)
- Experience of operating to outcome-based contracts and managing contract obligations and performance.
- Good knowledge of Procurement management and regulation.
- Production of key information, metrics relating to vendor management and contracts – cost portfolio, vendor portfolio review, value management etc.
- Line management of team members
- Excellent stakeholder management skills
- Experience of delivering process improvement in a complex and regulatory environment
- The ability to work resiliently under pressure and meet deadlines
- Excellent communications and influencing skills, and the ability to clearly present and discuss solutions at all levels.
- Solutions-oriented and focused on continuous improvement
Research shows that some people may hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. At NESO, we believe potential comes in many forms and we’re committed to a fair, inclusive recruitment process where everyone can show their talents. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds to build a workforce that feels valued and respected and represents the communities we serve.
If this role sparks your interest but you’re not sure you tick every box, we still want to hear from you.
About what you’ll get
A competitive salary between £58,000 – 70,000 – dependent on experience and capability.
As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus of up to 15% of your salary for stretch performance, 28 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.
About us
he creation of National Energy System Operator (NESO) is driven by an urgent need to unify and optimise our approach to energy. A more integrated and coordinated strategy is needed to meet the unprecedented challenges of climate change, ensuring secure energy supply, and keeping costs manageable for consumers.
Join us and empower your potential, energise our team, and be part of something bigger.
Your energy, our future, together.
About the National Energy System Operator (NESO)
In Autumn of 2024, the ESO transitioned to National Energy System Operator, or NESO for short. Previously denoted as the Future System Operator (or FSO), the new National Energy System Operator is 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, are now 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 is 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 was the ESO, 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.
More information
This role closes on 26/09/2025 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.