Primary System Modelling and Analysis Manager

About Us

We’re National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED), the owner and operator behind the electricity distribution systems for the Midlands, the Southwest of England and South Wales. Serving communities of more than 8 million people, our expert teams deliver heat, light and power for homes and businesses.

National Grid employs over 29,000 people worldwide. We are building an inclusive workplace, a place to actively celebrate the cultures, personalities and preferences of our colleagues – who in turn help to build the success of our business and reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Our vision is to be at the heart of a clean, fair and affordable energy future and we are doing this in a fast-moving industry with an increasing focus on tackling climate change, exploring new energy sources that are renewable, low carbon, and improve efficiency to meet demand.

Job Introduction

An opportunity has arisen for a Primary System Modelling & Analysis Manager.  This role can be based at either Bristol, Castle Donington, Tipton or Cardiff offices.

National Grid’s Distribution System Operator (DSO) is responsible for system and network planning, system operation and flexibility market development across a quarter of the UK, serving 8 million homes and businesses. Reporting into the DSO Head of Modelling and Analysis, the successful candidate will lead a team of engineers, analysts and programmers responsible for primary network modelling, power system analysis, regulatory reporting and development of engineering analysis tooling to drive business efficiency.

The salary for this role will be confirmed with the successful candidate and will be dependant on a number of criteria including experience.

Please note evidence of your qualifications will be required prior to appointment.

As part of our hybrid working approach this role offers a mix of office and home working. Hybrid working can only be considered once your initial training is complete and subject to business need.

If you are offered a position, you will be required to successfully complete a basic DBS check that shows any unspent convictions or conditional cautions.

Main Responsibilities

• Effectively managing a team of engineers, analysts and programmers across multiple locations to deliver a range of enduring activities and standalone projects.
• Working with the wider DSO Management to deliver continual improvement and ensure the DSO meets its licence condition, business objectives and supports the DNO with a clear process driven interface.
• Responsible for the management and coordinating development of all NGED’s EHV power system master models and associated datasets.
• Responsible for the technical aspects of regulatory reports, including: RRP Load Index, Line Loss Factors, Week 24, Load Forecasts, Long-Term Development Statement (LTDS)
• Responsible for delivering accurate LRIC and FCP EDCM Pricing results to Tariffs.
• Coordinating the team to undertake the technical assessments required for managing the T-D interface and working closely with the Statement of Works team to optimise this process.
• Ensuring the master EHV power system models meet the current and long-term needs of all stakeholders and regulatory requirements.
• Provision of data for, and liaison with, National Grid Electricity Transmission and National Grid Electricity System Operator, as required by the Grid Code.
• Leading the development of engineering tooling to improve business (DSO and DNO) processes and drive business efficiency.
• Represent the Company on specialist groups or national working groups, including Engineering Recommendations, ENA Open Networks, Ofgem and CUSC.
• Managing how the team interfaces with the wider business and ensuring they are proactively working with the data owners and maintainers to continually improve data quality and system integration.
• Leading engagement with external stakeholders to support their use of primary modelling data, particularly focussing on open data.
• Effectively plan and schedule team workload to ensure short-term targets and deliverables are met to a high standard and there is a clear long-term strategic direction.
• Provide regular training and dissemination to the team and wider business (formal and informal).
• Provide a supportive environment for trainees and new starters and enabling continual development opportunities for the entire team.
• Other duties and support as required.

The Ideal Candidate

An electrical engineering degree or similar qualification is required.

The role requires strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage a team responsible for projects and deliverables simultaneously. Formal management experience and qualifications are desirable and experience with an Agile approach to project delivery would be beneficial.

Experience with power system software including PSS Sincal, DINIS, Aspen OneLiner, PSSE, IPSA or Power Factory is required. Knowledge of LTDS, RRP, Week 24 and EDCM regulatory reporting is desirable.

The person will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, strong analytical abilities, and a proven track-record in power system modelling and analysis.

The ability to present information in a clear and reasoned way, together with an open yet analytical approach to problem solving, and good computer skills are essential to the role. Experience presenting to small technical groups and simplifying for larger non-technical audience is desirable.

The successful candidate will be process-driven and have a focus on data quality and an ‘automate-first’ approach to enable effective management of and development of the Primary Network Modelling and Analysis team.

Driving Results

• Sets goals for the team that are ambitious but achievable
• Working with all team members to track results and identify areas of improvement and development

Leading People

• Identifies and leverages individual strengths and potential within the team, creates cohesion across different functional areas of focus.
• Able to motivate, counsel, coach, and develop direct reports, peers and others.
• Ability to performance manage team independently and consult only when particularly complex or unusual situations arise

Collaborating and Influencing 

• Builds and leverages a network of relationships that are important to the organisation and its stakeholders
• Acts as a role model for change and performance culture across the organisation.

About The Company

Joining the UK’s leading electricity distribution business means plenty of career opportunities and well-deserved recognition. We reward hard work and encourage ambition. So, as well as a competitive salary, you will also benefit from:

• 26 days paid leave plus 8 bank holidays, up to 28 days with continuous service
• Competitive contributory pension scheme (we double match your contributions up to a maximum of 12%)
• Annual Share Save plan
• Contributory private healthcare scheme for you and your family
• Support via our Employee Assistance Programme, including musculoskeletal and physiotherapy services
• Free on-site parking at all our main sites

Things you need to know

As an equal opportunities employer who is committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, we celebrate individual difference and are actively bringing in more employees from diverse backgrounds to build on our inclusive culture. We anonymise all applications in our recruitment system so we can eliminate unconscious bias and be a workplace that reflects the community we serve. Hiring managers only have access to necessary information at interview stage. If you require additional support to complete your online application, please email nged.recruitment@nationalgrid.co.uk

Recruitment correspondence is usually sent by email, please check your email account including spam/junk folders regularly after the closing date.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early should sufficient numbers of suitable applications be received, so it would be best to apply as soon as you can.