Deputy Control Manager
About the role
National Grid Interconnectors is at the heart of UK’s transition to our net zero energy future. We operate a number of HVDC interconnectors that connect the UK’s energy system to some of our closest neighbours, allowing energy to be imported to and exported from the UK. As well as already owning a portfolio of HVDC Interconnectors, we’re working on developing new projects in order to ensure that we are able to meet the UK’s future demands for greener energy solutions.
We're currently recruiting for a Deputy Control Manager within our Control Centre on site at IFA1 in Sellindge.
In this role, reporting to the Control Centre Manager, you’ll be managing a team of HVDC Control Room Operators, a dedicated shift team who are responsible for monitoring and controlling the operation of the IFA1 and IFA2 HVDC Interconnectors, that connect Great Britain to France.
You will be responsible for ensuring safe operation of the systems, developing and maintaining a resilient control room team, ensuring compliance to procedures and working closely with all stakeholders including the Electricity System Operators.
This role is based on a 24/7 operational site and you will be required to participate in a standby rota as an escalation point for site incidents and interventions, and deputise for the Control Centre Manager as required.
The control room manages two interconnectors with UK operational sites in Ashford and Portsmouth. Expectation is that this role will be based at the Control Room location at IFA1 in Sellindge, Ashford and include occasional support and attendance at the IFA2 operational site and potentially others (including international travel).
As this is an onsite role, you ideally would need to be within an hours distance of site, the role also comes with a job requirement car so you must a full UK driving licence.
What you'll do
- Line manage a team of shift operators for the IFA1 and IFA2 interconnectors, prioritising safe operations. This includes setting objectives, planning development and delivering training and Authorisation needs.
- Develop members of the team, deliver training and mentoring to gain Control Person authorisations. Conduct refresher assessments and continual development of their capability. Forward plan recruitment strategy to ensure team resilience.
- Develop and maintain sufficient control operating procedures and guidance so operations are undertaken in accordance with policies and safety rules.
- Work closely and collaboratively with our partners, RTE and the Electricity System Operator, including representing the business in governance forums.
- Understand and work with systems teams and suppliers to develop and improve operational and commercial systems. Also responsible for managing the delivery of specific Control Room projects.
- Understand and promptly respond to and investigate all safety concerns and system issues. Coordinate with control room teams, on-site colleagues and contractors who undertake maintenance and repair works to ensure alarms/messages are managed.
What you'll need
- Experience of working within a control room environment or an engineering background, with knowledge of complex systems (SCADA, HV AC/DC control systems, dispatch systems).
- Experience of working within a HV environment with knowledge and understanding of work and/or failures on HV & LV systems, encompassing both electrical and mechanical systems.
- Experience of making critical business and operational decisions with conflicting priorities and under pressure.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, capable of gaining a high degree of credibility and influencing teams.
What you'll get
A competitive salary between £54,090- £63,940 per annum dependent on capability plus standby allowance, a market supplement payment of £3000 per annum and a job requirement car.
You will also receive 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 number of flexible benefits such as a share incentive plan, salary sacrifice car and technology schemes, support via employee assistance lines and matched charity giving to name a few.
More Information
This role closes on 7th July 2026 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 value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates – we make appointments purely on merit, assessed against objective selection criteria. We support flexible working and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process should you have any physical or mental impairment which may affect your ability to participate in the process.
Please note that in most cases, National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points-based immigration system. As such, applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future under the UK points-based immigration system. However, in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear and demonstrable need for specialist skills that cannot be sourced from the local labour market, National Grid may consider offering sponsorship. All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality, or ethnic origin.