EirGrid Group
Connections Contract Specialist
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Role Title: Connections Contract Specialist
Reports to: Head of Networks
Location: Belfast (Hybrid 2 days remote/3 days office)
Who We Are
SONI is Northern Ireland's Transmission System Operator. We are the people behind Northern Ireland's electricity grid. We make sure that every home, business, school, hospital, factory and farm has power - when and where they need it.
And that's just the beginning of our story. We have a critical role to play in delivering a cleaner, cheaper more secure energy future for everyone living in Northern Ireland.
Our focus is on safety, security and reliability. Our work environment is challenging, fast-moving, collaborative and team orientated. Our culture is driven by continual development, knowledge and teamwork.
Our people are committed to reducing Northern Ireland's reliance on fossil fuels and transforming the energy system to make decarbonisation a reality - while providing a safe and reliable electricity supply in a way that secures the future for those who follow us.
The work you will deliver with us here at SONI matters. Join a great and supportive team and be part of the transformation.
The Role
The Networks team in SONI is central in responding successfully to this transformational change and the increased complexities of planning a power system that supports a clean energy system in Northern Ireland through planning and delivering high voltage customer connections and transmission system infrastructure projects in Northern Ireland.
We are seeking a highly motivated individual who is keen to play a key role in shaping how the transmission grid in Northern Ireland will evolve to support the transformation of the power system and enable the transition to a low carbon energy future in Northern Ireland.
As Connections Contracts Specialist, you will report to the Head of Networks and prepare and manage connection contracts for strategically significant projects connecting to the Northern Ireland transmission system such as large-scale generation, energy storage, demand and technologies that are required for security of supply and to enable the transition to a low carbon energy future. You will work in close collaboration with customers and industry stakeholders to seek opportunities to develop connection and charging policy and contractual terms to meet the evolving needs of the industry.
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Key Responsibilities
- Engaging with customers connecting to the transmission system to provide a high quality and effective customer journey, co-ordinating and hosting meetings and dealing with customer queries efficiently. This includes managing a portfolio of complex and strategically significant connection projects.
- Preparing and managing Connection Offers, Transmission Use of System (TUoS) offers and Connection Agreements, incorporating key elements of technically focused reports into connection contracts.
- Monitoring contractual compliance to ensure SONI and its customers meet their contractual obligations.
- Working proactively with other team members and wider SONI and NIE Networks teams to ensure delivery of connection contracts on time and that requirements are understood.
- Contributing to the development of connections and charging policies to meet the evolving needs of the industry and the power system collaborating with external stakeholders as required.
- Collaborating effectively to continuously improve contracts and processes.
- Building strong and effective relationships with key stakeholders such as NIE Networks, the Utility Regulator and relevant government departments.
- Preparing and presenting papers for senior management, and external stakeholders.
- Supporting other team members and contributing to a team culture that is solution focused.
- Supporting the Connections and Strategy Manager with other work as may be required.
What You'll Need.
Essential
Critical Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- University degree in a business, technical or legal discipline, with a minimum of 2 years' relevant experience.
- Skilled in building and maintaining strong relationships with customers and stakeholders with the ability to communicate effectively.
- Strong customer and commercial awareness.
- Excellent analysis, judgement and problem-solving skills along with an ability to make decisions promptly and effectively.
- Ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
- Demonstrated flexible working approach with the ability to manage and deliver on a range of projects and activities to tight timelines.
- Ability to persuade and influence others.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and a proven ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong IT skills including experience with Microsoft Office packages.
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Desirable:
- Project management and/or contract management experience.
- Experience of working within a similar regulated utility environment.
- Understanding of the technical and commercial aspects of the electricity industry.
- Experience in contract execution.
- Knowledge of relevant industry regulations, licence, codes, policies and contracts.
- Formal Project Management qualification.
Why join us?
- Play a vital role in shaping sustainable energy projects that benefit communities and the environment.
- Enjoy a competitive salary, performance-related bonus, private medical cover, and pension matching.
- Benefit from flexible working arrangements, including hybrid options (3 days office / 2 days home).
- Enhanced holidays, maternity and paternity leave and wellbeing days.
- Access salary sacrifice schemes (such as cycle to work, EV scheme), free car parking, onsite EV charging and complimentary lunch.
- Access professional development opportunities and clear career progression pathways.
- We offer an inclusive culture that values diversity, supports flexible working and empowers you to grow. We know flexible working means different things to different people. Contact us if you'd like to talk about how this role could work for you.
If you are seeking a challenging and impactful role within the energy sector, we'd love to hear from you. Join us in shaping the future of SONI and delivering a cleaner and more secure energy future for everyone living in Northern Ireland.
Closing date for applications is 20th August 2026
SONI reserves the right to extend this deadline where necessary to maximise the applicant pool.
Submit your application by uploading your CV with a cover letter (in one document).
SONI is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to an inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are valued, and everyone can thrive. As a STEM organisation, we are continuing to strengthen gender diversity across our engineering and technology roles and welcome applications from women who want to build and apply their expertise to Northern Ireland's energy system.
We have a duty to prevent illegal working, and applicants must demonstrate they have a legal right to work in the UK. SONI is not providing sponsorship for this vacancy.
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