Balancing & Dispatch Senior Strategy Analyst

About the Role

National Energy System Operator (NESO) is leading significant reforms to Great Britain's electricity markets to support a secure, efficient and net zero electricity system. Dispatch Reform is a key component of this transformation and will play a critical role in determining how the electricity system is scheduled, dispatched and balanced in the future.

We are seeking a highly motivated and strategic individual to lead and coordinate the development of Dispatch Reform across market design, implementation planning and digital delivery. The role sits within the Reformed National Pricing programme and will work closely with colleagues across Future Market Design, Implementation, DD&T, System Operations, DESNZ, Ofgem and industry stakeholders.  The successful candidate will help shape reform options, challenge assumptions, identify implementation risks and opportunities, and support the development of an enduring Target Operating Model for future arrangements.  This is a unique opportunity to influence one of the most significant changes to the GB electricity market since NETA and contribute directly to the future operation of the energy system.

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.

Key Accountabilities: 

Dispatch Reform

• Lead the development and evaluation of dispatch reform options, ensuring proposals are strategically aligned, evidence based and deliverable.
• Shape the future dispatch arrangements by translating policy objectives into market, operational and system design solutions.
• Lead the development of Target Operating Models, implementation strategies and transition arrangements.
• Provide strategic direction on reform design, ensuring alignment with broader market and system transformation objectives.

Programme Workstreams

• Provide leadership across Market Design, Implementation, System Operations and DD&T teams to ensure the successful development and delivery of dispatch reform.
• Ensure policy and design decisions appropriately balance operational, commercial, regulatory, digital and implementation considerations.
• Identify and manage strategic dependencies, risks, issues and opportunities across the programme.
• Lead the integration of inputs from multiple workstreams to develop coherent and robust reform recommendations.
• Oversee assessments of impacts on systems, processes, governance frameworks, market participants and operational teams.
• Develop recommendations on implementation sequencing, phasing and transition approaches to support effective delivery.

Policy and Regulatory

• Lead engagement with DESNZ, Ofgem and senior government stakeholders to influence policy development and regulatory outcomes.
• Develop and present strategic briefing materials, consultation responses, executive reports and decision papers.
• Provide expert advice on governance, regulatory and market reform requirements.
• Build consensus across complex stakeholder groups and drive progression of reform decisions through governance and approval processes.
• Act as a recognised subject matter expert on dispatch reform both internally and externally.

Industry Engagement and Stakeholder Management

• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with generators, suppliers, traders, flexibility providers, network companies, industry bodies and other key stakeholders.
• Lead industry engagement activities, including workshops, forums and consultations, to shape reform proposals and secure stakeholder buy in.
• Gather, challenge and evaluate stakeholder evidence to inform decision making and policy recommendations.
• Represent NESO at industry, regulatory and government forums, communicating complex concepts clearly and influencing stakeholder outcomes.
• Act as the senior point of contact for dispatch reform matters, managing competing interests and facilitating stakeholder alignment.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK by the start of employment. Visa sponsorship may not be available for this role and will be considered in line with business requirements.

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.

You will be comfortable operating in highly complex and ambiguous environments, providing strategic leadership whilst ensuring practical and deliverable outcomes. You will have a proven track record of influencing senior stakeholders, shaping policy and delivering change across organisational and industry boundaries.

You will have significant experience in one or more of:

• Electricity market design.
• System operation.
• Power systems economic dispatch.
• Energy policy and regulation.
• Major transformation and reform programmes.
• Electricity trading and commercial arrangements.
• Implementation strategy and business change leadership.

Essential

• Expert understanding of GB electricity market arrangements and industry reform challenges.
• Significant experience leading complex policy, market design or regulatory initiatives.
• Demonstrable experience operating at a strategic level across multiple business functions and disciplines.
• Ability to influence senior leaders, regulators, government officials and industry stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking and problem solving capabilities.
• Experience developing and presenting recommendations to executive level governance forums.
• Ability to translate complex technical, commercial and regulatory issues into clear strategic decisions.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, negotiation and consensus building skills.
• Proven ability to lead through ambiguity and drive outcomes in complex delivery environments.

What You'll Get

A competitive salary of £65,000 - £72,000pa dependent on experience and capabilityAs well as your base salary, NESO's core benefits are the essential perks and advantages that form part of your employee package. - You will receive a bonus based on company performance- 26 days annual leave as standard - A competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%. - Annual Enrollment to NESO Savings Plan, when you save between £20- £500 a month from your take-home pay, we will pay a 50% matching contribution.

NESO's flexible benefits programme provides you with more flexibility around your health, lifestyle and protection benefits, here's just a few available:
- Flexible Bank Holidays & Holiday Trading
- Additional Birthday Day Off
- Cycle to Work Scheme, Retail & Gym Discounts
- Private Medical Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance & Personal Accident Insurance

About Us

At the National Energy System Operator (NESO), we play a vital role in tackling climate change and securing Great Britain's energy future. We already operate the world's fastest decarbonising electricity system and are working towards our ambition to run it carbon-free for a short period this year - provided the market supplies electricity exclusively from renewable sources. Alongside this, we provide expert advice to government on how to deliver a clean power system by 2030.
In autumn 2024, the Electricity System Operator (ESO) transitioned to become NESO - an independent, expert public corporation with a whole-system view across electricity, gas, and hydrogen. NESO operates independently and transparently, always acting in the best interests of all energy users.
Licensed and regulated by Ofgem, we make impartial decisions that balance sustainability, affordability and security. Our organisation is fully independent from government, the regulator and all commercial interests, with a clear focus on system-wide benefit, long term thing and public value.
The time to deliver is now. Join the energy transformation and help shape the future.
Your energy. Our future. Together

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.

More Information

This role closes at 23:59, on the date displayed on the top of this advert, 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 w/c 12th October

Research shows that some people may hesitate to apply unless they meet every single requirement. At NESO, we believe potential comes in many forms and we're committed to a fair, inclusive recruitment

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. If this role sparks your interest but you're not sure you tick every box, we still want to hear from you. process where everyone has the opportunity to show their talents. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds.