Operational Development 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 within the DSO (Distribution System Operator) is available for an Operational Development Manager based in either Bristol or Castle Donington, who will lead a small team focused on directing and implementing our programme of development activities through to delivery, leveraging internal delivery resource within our ITD functions, Innovation and DSO teams as well as working with strategic external partners to develop new capabilities and tools.  

The GB energy system is rapidly transforming as we target Clean Power by 2030 and NetZero by 2050. The distribution network is vital in this transformation as we look to accommodate thousands of electric vehicles and heat pumps in people’s homes and connect large volumes of solar and wind. This will require us building out our network at a rate we have not seen this century. In addition, we need to operate the network in a dynamic, ‘smarter’ way, actively managing these distributed assets flexibly to support safer, secure and economic operation of the system. 

National Grid DSO is essential in this transformation, planning the distribution network of the future to enable the energy transformation together with developing and operating flexibility markets to ensure a safe, secure network which is value for money for consumers. 

The DSO Operations Team is a core function of the DSO and central to ensuring that as the operation of our network becomes more dynamic, we continue to operate a safe and reliable network to keep the lights on for our customers.

As part of our hybrid working approach and in line with our policy, this role allows you to apply for a mix of office and home working. Hybrid working can only be considered once your initial training is complete and subject to business need.

* Depending on experience, you may initially be appointed on a lower salary until all relevant courses and training are complete.

Main Responsibilities

• Create and track a strategic programme of operational development.
• Coordinate with the Head of DSO Operation and wider Internal Stakeholders to identify initiatives that seek to improve the performance and capability of the DSO Operations Team.
• Coordinate with SMEs across the business to specify projects for delivery.
• Design and undertake implementation and change management processes to ensure the smooth transition of programme BAU roll-out.
• Clearly communicate milestones, deliverables and progress through relevant reporting, KPIs and external comms.
• Demonstrate thought leadership, representing NGED at internal and external working groups and events.
• Line management of 2 direct reports.

The Ideal Candidate

Ideally the successful candidate will be an experienced Project Manager/Engineer with a strong track record of delivering complex programmes of development. A background within the energy industry would also be beneficial.

You will be adept at translating concepts into deliverables and actively seek to remove barriers to delivery.

You will have strong organisational and analytical skills and be able to communicate proficiently with key stakeholders at all levels.  

You will promote and support the learning and development of your team and yourself.

You will be able to understand the impact of your own activities on customers, public and the environment, and be confident in managing the health, safety and quality of both your own work and others.

A Driving Licence would be beneficial as you will need to be prepared to travel throughout the NGED area.

Ideally, you should hold a degree level or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject beneficial to the role.

Applicants may not necessarily possess all the skills required to carry out the role at present but should have the confidence and ability to reach the necessary standards with in-role training. A flexible attitude is essential as you may be asked to undertake other duties to assist the team in meeting its objectives.

Interviews will take place for those shortlisted, week commencing 13 October 25.

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.

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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:

• Annual performance related bonus
• 28 days Annual Leave plus 8 Bank Holidays
• Competitive contributory pension scheme (we double match your contributions up to a maximum of 12%)
• Annual Share Save plan
• Contributory healthcare 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.