Title:  Governance Lead

About the role

National Energy System Operator (NESO) recognises the potential of bright and talented individuals, and we encourage you to join us as Great Britain’s energy system undergoes an ambitious, exciting, and vital transformation. Together with industry, we are creating a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. 

The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has been given an exciting new role of Regional Energy Strategic Planner (RESP) for GB. RESP will support coordinated development of the distribution energy system and enable long-term investment to be made with confidence and ahead of need. The RESP will be developed to be "whole system", shaped by a strong place-based understanding and coordinating development across multiple vectors (electricity and gas – but also potentially heat, hydrogen, and so on,). RESP will ensure coherence between regional and national net-zero ambitions/plans.

We are now recruiting for the team to lead and develop the RESP role. It’s a great opportunity to join us as we set out to help decarbonise the UK in a local community-based way. As we continue our development of the RESP function, we will be establishing new governance forums, including Strategic Boards and working groups in our RESP regions and nations. We will also be standing up national governance to support the overall development of RESP, working with Ofgem and DESNZ. Included in this is how we assure our outputs, both through this governance, but also through business-as-usual work. We are now recruiting for a Governance Lead to be a part of this work. This role will sit within the Policy, Governance and Regulation team in RESP.

As a Governance Lead you will play a leading role around one of the priority areas in Governance outlined above. You will apply your knowledge of governance, place-based engagement and assurance to ensuring that our Governance process for RESP is fit for purpose and meets the needs of our customers. 

This role can be based from 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. 

About us

The 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. 

Key Accountabilites

• Lead specific projects to deliver effective Regional Governance in each of the RESP regions, ensuring consistency and adherence to RESP's mandate for Regional Governance
• Lead on aspects of the License and Guidance development for RESP, currently being set by Ofgem.
• Identify and implement opportunities for RESP governance to provide wider benefit for other NESO activities.
• Ensure an effective interface between RESP regional governance and the national-level governance being established as part of our other strategic energy planning activities.
• Facilitate drafting of industry consultations that have the opportunity to enhance the policy and regulatory framework to enable the successful delivery of the RESP role.
• Provide strategic and practical guidance on regulatory price controls, particular those for gas and electricity distribution companies.

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: 

• Working on network license / guidance documents, either from an industry or government perspective.
• Setting up governance structures, most notably in a local context, i.e. working with Local Authorities in a co-ordinating role.
• Experience of working with or within energy distribution and/or transmission companies, particularly on the regulatory side.

Additionally, we are looking for the following broader experience: 

• Experience within and knowledge of the energy sector.
• An understanding of the ‘whole energy’ system – with experience in one of the energy vectors (gas and/or electricity networks, heat decarbonisation, hydrogen, transport decarbonisation, etc)
• Ability to translate complex and technical information into easily understandable messaging for non-technical audiences.
• Experience of communicating with, and influencing, internal and external stakeholders at a range of levels
• Project management, coordination and planning skills to ensure that deadlines are met, governance is adhered to, stakeholders are effectively engaged and high-quality process and outputs are achieved.

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 £55,000 – £65,000 per annum – 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

This role closes on 21st September 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. Interviews will be held 29th and 30th September 2025. 

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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