Electricity Distribution - Network Planner

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

We are currently recruiting for a Grade 6 Network Planner to join us at our Northampton/Milton Keynes depot. Planners design our network and work with our Engineers to construct, reinforce, alter and replace our equipment. As you can imagine, the pace is fast, and if you join us, our customers will trust you to provide excellent service and minimise any impact.

To be considered, you'll need English and Maths GCSE Grade C/Level 4 minimum, or Functional Skills Level 2 or above. You'll hold a Level 2 City & Guilds 2339, or equivalent qualification of the same level. We'll need to see evidence of your qualifications, and if not already attained you'll need to undertake Level 3 City & Guilds 2339. 

Ready to power up your career? Join us and impact the way people heat, light and fuel their homes, businesses and vehicles. Keep reading and apply.

*Please note you may initially be appointed at a lower salary until all relevant courses and training are complete.

Main Responsibilities

You’ll be hands-on, responsible for project design, costing and quoting and the replacement/diversion/reinforcement of existing electricity network assets. Working primarily on the high-voltage network, you’ll take care of the costs and plan for substation and cable replacements. You’ll also:

• Prepare capital projects and off-site coordination
• Design schemes that align with our Engineering Directives
• Prepare plans, schematics, wayleaves, notices, materials schedules, terms, quotations and agreements
• Liaise with Grade 7 Network Planner to meet all overall network requirements
• Determine the what, how and cost for individual projects, and approve them
• Resolve customer complaints
• Set up scheme files and close down on completion
• Monitor costs on individual capital sanctions, identify and comment on variances, and take corrective action
• Visit sites and work from developer plans

6,700 colleagues share our vision to be at the heart of a clean, fair, affordable energy future. If this appeals to you too, you could soon work in a supportive, rewarding and friendly environment that empowers everyone to succeed. We live by our values of doing the right thing, finding a better way and using our drive to make things happen every day. That’s why we’ll help you build a worthwhile career to be proud of – whatever your role and passion. Together we can bring energy to life using your expertise and the latest technology.

The Ideal Candidate

You may already have experience as a Grade 5 Network Planner, so you'll understand our procedures and standards and already understand our customers and their needs. If you haven’t worked with us before, then you’ll have an electrical background with a qualification to match – perhaps you’ve worked in internal electrical planning. Either way, strong communication skills are key, so you can coordinate jobs and clearly explain issues. As you’ll be in control of your diary, we’ll need you to be resilient, organised and able to prioritise your workload. Team players thrive in this role, and you’ll be used to taking a proactive and more consultative approach. Experience using iPads, computers and our additional software is a must. You will need to be mobile throughout the area as you may be required to undertake standby duties.

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.

You may not possess all the skills required to carry out the role at present but you will have the confidence and ability to reach the necessary standards with appropriate training. 

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.