Head of Operations

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 is available for a Head of Operations role one based in the Derby depot – East Midlands and one in the Telford depot– West Midlands. Reporting to an Operations Director you will be responsible for leading the Distribution Network in the East or West Midlands area, ensuring that it is developed, operated, and maintained efficiently and effectively in accordance with appropriate legislation, laid down policies and standards.

Working within an established teamwork environment you will be required to set direction through providing creative and innovative leadership to meet targets and motivate your team to ensure we maintain consistently high levels of customer service. 

National Grid Electricity Distribution is committed to safeguarding the interests of the Company, colleagues and customers. This role is subject to a satisfactory Barring Service, (DBS) check, depending on the role different levels of screening and vetting are required. Some roles require a triannual check.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and develop Team Managers in effectively undertaking their duties.
• Set objectives, monitor and drive performance and take accountability of Distribution activities in the Distribution Area.

• Co-ordinate the formulation of Capital and Revenue Budgets for the Distribution Area and to monitor and control expenditure of these budgets.
• Ensure that customers in the Distribution Area are provided with the highest standard of service commensurate with their needs and agreed standards.
• Ensure that all customer complaints in the Distribution Area are brought to a successful resolution.
• Ensure that the Distribution System is developed, operated and maintained as efficiently and effectively as possible and in accordance with appropriate legislation, laid down policies and standards.
• Promote good employee relations and to create an environment that motivates and encourages the development of individuals.
• Contribute to the development of engineering strategy, policy and objectives.
• Develop individuals to lead in accordance with National Grid values and create a team environment that leads to successful output from the Depot.
• Successfully liaise with peers and key stakeholders, to lead to successful outcomes for the operational business area. This includes frequent contact with internal stakeholders such as other leaders within Field Operations and Asset Management, including the Control Centre. External stakeholders include Customers (large and small), in particular Engineering Managers of large consumers and representatives of contractors, up to Director level. 
• Complexity and Creativity:
  • Deal with a wide range of problems on a continuous basis. They range from technical through to personal, organisational and customer related issues to dealing with major system emergencies.
  • Regularly support Team Managers on technical and organisational matters which will considerably influence their decisions and therefore the performance of the Distribution Network and the Distribution Business.
  • Regularly provide information in respect of the financial performance and the operating performance of the Distribution business in comparison with agreed objectives.
  • In determining ways of improving performance and promoting change, to exercise a high degree of creativity and strategic vision.                

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will have:

• Knowledge of working in a regulated industry, the electricity sector would be advantageous
• Experience of leading and managing teams through change.
• Drive performance within your team
• Motivate and manage others.
• Communicate effectively with customers, suppliers, and internal/external stakeholders.
• A degree in Engineering or equivalent level of education is preferred but not essential.

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
• Annual performance related bonus of up to 15% of basic salary
• Private healthcare scheme for you, and contributory healthcare for 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.