Distribution System Operator Engineer - Temporary Project

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

The DSO (Distribution System Operator) System Planning team is responsible for forecasting future load requirements of the network and analysis of both primary and secondary networks to identify the long term strategic development of the electricity distribution network.

A fixed term opportunity is available for a DSO Engineer within the System Planning team for a period of up to 12 months, subject to review.

Based at Bristol, Tipton or Castle Donington, you will report directly to the Head of System Planning in a team focused on forecasting and process development.

*Please note the successful candidate may initially be appointed at a lower salary until you have the confidence and ability to carry out the role in full.

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.

Main Responsibilities

This role is directly responsible for providing support and technical oversight to a Strategic Innovation Fund project called PRIDE (Planning Regional Infrastructure in a Digital Environment).

You will be working closely within the DSO System Planning and Future Capability teams within NGED (National Grid Electricity Distribution). The main responsibilities of the role include:

• Prepare data and information as requested to support the PRIDE project achieve the required goals.
• Support existing DSO System Planning activities to develop load projections that can be used for planning the future development of both primary and secondary networks.
• Develop capability within National Grid to visualise information on existing and future capacity with internal and external stakeholders in a coordinated and clear manner.
• Support National Grid Electricity Distribution to develop the data exchanges and technical implementation of Regional Energy Strategic Plans.
• Liaise with internal stakeholders including Future Capability, Connections and IT & Digital teams to ensure that information presented is accurate and recommendations are fully implemented into business as usual processes.
• Represent the Company by liaising with external stakeholders, including the National Energy System Operator and local government, presenting information and collating feedback from non-technical audiences.
• Identify opportunities for improvement in performance and implement or recommend change.
• Support detailed reporting of innovation projects in accordance with Regulatory requirements.
• Review and develop NGED policies relating to innovation to maintain legal and regulatory compliance.
• Assist colleagues in various NGED teams with development, trialing, dissemination and adoption of relevant innovation solutions.
• Identify own development needs and request development opportunities.

The Ideal Candidate

The ability to present information in a clear and reasoned way, together with an open yet analytical approach to problem solving is essential to this role.

You should be self-motivated and demonstrate a clear understanding of the energy industry and the role of distribution networks in the context of local and national decarbonisation targets.  You will ideally have a good understanding of the innovation project delivery and key drivers for innovation work. Project management experience is beneficial but not essential.

We are looking for someone with excellent computer skills who is comfortable working with large amounts of data.  Experience of working with SQL and relational databases is highly desirable and experience of using Geographical Information Systems would be an advantage.

The successful candidate will have experience in producing technical reports and working with diverse groups of stakeholders and it is crucial that you have the ability to self-organise, plan and prioritise work while working under pressure to ensure every task is delivered on time.

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.

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.