National Energy System Operator
Programme Manager
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About the Role
National Energy System Operator's (NESO) strength lies in our people, shaping a future where clean, affordable energy is accessible for all. Every day offers an opportunity to make a real difference, accelerating sustainable GB energy progress and keeping society thriving.
We’re looking for Programme Managers who thrive when the path isn’t clear — who can build structure from ambiguity, hold teams accountable without having direct authority, and influence senior stakeholders with competing priorities and strong opinions.
Programme Managers at NESO are senior leaders who contribute to both the Major Programme Delivery leadership team and the leadership of the activity to which they are deployed. They provide strategic leadership, represent programme management and help ensure the activity’s overall success.
This is a critical leadership role, where strong people leadership is essential to successful delivery. You’ll build high-performing teams, create clarity and accountability, develop talent and lead effectively through both formal and informal relationships. You’ll also play a key role in developing future successors through coaching, mentoring and training aligned to the MPD capability matrix.
You’ll combine this with the strategic, commercial and delivery expertise needed to lead complex programmes and deliver meaningful outcomes for NESO.
This role can be based in Wokingham or Warwick, offering hybrid working with an expectation to spend one day per week at your allocated office location, with support needed at specific times and places depending on programme requirements.
Key Accountabilities
Further key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Develop and own the Programme Plan, driving progress and proactively resolving blockers.
- Build and lead high-performing teams, creating a culture of trust, accountability and continuous development.
- Coach, mentor and develop people, identifying and nurturing future talent and successors.
- Lead through influence, creating alignment across teams and stakeholders without relying on formal authority.
- Lead governance and provide decision-quality reporting to senior leaders.
- Own programme budgets, tracking costs, benefits and resources with rigour.
- Manage risks, issues and dependencies, escalating clearly and recommending solutions.
- Deliver business change to time, quality and budget in a fast-moving environment.
- Lead engagement with third-party partners and manage escalations where required.
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About You
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK by the start of employment. Visa sponsorship may not be available for this role and will be considered in line with business requirements.
You’ve led large, complex programmes where scope shifts, stakeholders disagree and delivery still has to happen. You bring structure to ambiguity, build strong relationships and take personal ownership for outcomes.
You bring:
- A strong track record of delivering transformational programmes in complex, fast-paced environments.
- A proven track record as an exceptional people leader, building high-performing teams and developing talent.
- The ability to inspire, coach and motivate people through uncertainty, change and competing priorities.
- The confidence to challenge and influence at senior levels, including when the room disagrees with you.
- Experience stepping into programmes mid-flight and quickly establishing credibility, structure and momentum.
- Experience across both waterfall and agile delivery environments.
- Strong expertise in planning, risk, dependencies and programme controls.
- Strong financial acumen across budgeting, forecasting and benefits tracking.
- The self-awareness to know when to challenge, when to listen and when to empower others.
Energy sector experience is not required — but a background in regulated industries, infrastructure, or large-scale operational change will be an advantage.
What You'll Get
- A competitive salary of £75,000 - £95,000 dependent on experience and capability
- As well as your base salary, you will receive a benefits allowance, a bonus of up to 20% of your salary for stretch performance, private medical insurance, 28 days annual leave as standard and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%.
NESO's flexible benefits programme provides you with more flexibility around your health, lifestyle and protection benefits, here's just a few available:
- Flexible Bank Holidays & Holiday Trading
- Additional Birthday Day Off
- Cycle to Work Scheme, Retail & Gym Discounts
- Private Medical Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance & Personal Accident Insurance
About Us
At the National Energy System Operator (NESO), we play a vital role in tackling climate change and securing Great Britain's energy future. We already operate the world's fastest decarbonising electricity system and are working towards our ambition to run it carbon-free for a short period this year - provided the market supplies electricity exclusively from renewable sources. Alongside this, we provide expert advice to government on how to deliver a clean power system by 2030.
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In autumn 2024, the Electricity System Operator (ESO) transitioned to become NESO - an independent, expert public corporation with a whole-system view across electricity, gas, and hydrogen. NESO operates independently and transparently, always acting in the best interests of all energy users.
Licensed and regulated by Ofgem, we make impartial decisions that balance sustainability, affordability and security. Our organisation is fully independent from government, the regulator and all commercial interests, with a clear focus on system-wide benefit, long term thing and public value.
The time to deliver is now. Join the energy transformation and help shape the future.
Your energy. Our future. Together
National Energy System Operator (NESO) recognises the potential of bright and talented individuals, and we encourage you to join us as Great Britain’s energy system undergoes an ambitious, exciting, and vital transformation. Together with industry, we are creating a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
More Information
This role closes at 23:59, on the day before date shown above, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary.
Research shows that some people may hesitate to apply unless they meet every single requirement. At NESO, we believe potential comes in many forms and we're committed to a fair, inclusive recruitment process where everyone has the opportunity to show their talents. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds. If this role sparks your interest but you're not sure you tick every box, we still want to hear from you.
We're committed to building a workforce that represents the communities we serve, and a working environment in which each individual feels valued, respected, fairly treated, and able to reach their full potential.
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