National Energy System Operator
Sector Security Risk Lead
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Sector Security Risk Lead
About the Role
Reliable energy systems are fundamental to everyday life in Great Britain. They underpin homes, businesses, public services, and critical national infrastructure, and are essential to economic stability, public safety, and social wellbeing. As the energy system evolves through decarbonisation, increasing electrification, and greater interdependence across sectors, ensuring that it remains secure, reliable, and resilient is more important than ever.
Recent events, including the North Hyde substation fire and subsequent review, and the Iberian Peninsula blackout, have reinforced the importance of understanding and strengthening resilience across the whole energy system—not only today, but for the future.
The Whole Energy System Resilience (WESR) directorate strengthens whole-energy-system resilience by acting as a catalyst for change—turning insights into coordinated, prioritised action that reduces risk and builds capability across the system. WESR delivers this through:
- Analysis and assessments
- Reviews
- Emergency exercises
- Plans that drive tangible improvements in partnership with stakeholders
WESR operates through a continuous improvement cycle, including:
- Learning systematically about energy system risks and resilience
- Conducting prioritised assessments to generate insights and advice
- Translating insights into actionable improvements across the system
The directorate is expanding its capability to maintain a strategic, system-wide view, integrating insights across all teams. This enables each team to specialise in deep expertise in areas such as:
- Time horizons: Short-, medium-, or long-term
- Resilience capabilities: Anticipation, resistance, response, or recovery
- Energy system elements: Electricity, gas, or cross-vector systems
Key Accountabilities
This dynamic role requires flexibility and responsiveness. Reporting to the Sector Security, Risk and Engagement Manager, the successful candidate will:
- Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to identify, assess, and mitigate security risks across the energy sector.
- Lead engagement with energy sector participants to drive progress in risk identification and assessment, ensuring the applicable alignment between resilience, safety, and security.
- Apply the NESO risk management framework for identification, assessment, and monitoring of risks, in collaboration with the Risk Framework team.
- Lead deep dive assessments on critical parts of the energy system to evaluate security and cyber risks, providing clear recommendations for improvement.
- Support the Resilience and Emergency Management Directorate in delivering outcomes that enhance overall system resilience.
- Work with Government entities to understand changes in policy and their potential impact on the security and resilience of the energy system.
- Provide oversight of information, advice, and recommendations shared with Ofgem and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to understand systemic and cascading risks, such as supply chain vulnerabilities, and propose mitigation strategies.
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Preferred Location & Flexibility
This role can be based at Warwick, Wokingham, or Glasgow, with predictable travel between locations. The organisation supports hybrid working (office and home), subject to business needs. Flexible working arrangements are encouraged.
Role Requirements: National Security Clearance
Applicants must meet satisfactory NSV clearance (SC) requirements. Typically, a minimum of five continuous years of residency in the UK is required for approval. Exceptions will be considered.
About You: Key Qualifications
This role requires a strong background in energy, risk management, and leadership. Ideal candidates will demonstrate:
- Energy sector expertise with a deep understanding of whole-energy-system interdependencies.
- Experience in risk assessment and management, specifically within the energy or security sector.
- Essential specialisation in one or more of the following:
- National security
- Electricity, gas, or telecommunication infrastructure systems
- A passion for the energy sector and its net-zero transition.
- Exceptional communication skills, including ability to clarify complex subject matter for varied audiences (e.g., technical, policy, and public stakeholders).
- Experience working with external stakeholders, including:
- Government
- Regulatory bodies
- Intelligence agencies
- Willingness to complete National Security Clearance (or already hold it).
Qualifications
Essential:
- Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience, combined with demonstrable experience in sector security.
Desirable:
- Professional certifications or additional security-related qualifications.
Compensation Package
Competitive salary range of £58,000 - £65,000, based on experience and capabilities.
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Core benefits include:
- Annual bonus tied to company performance
- 26 days of annual leave
- Contributory pension scheme: You contribute a minimum of £100/month, with the company matching up to a maximum of 12% of your contribution.
- NESO Savings Plan: Persistent monthly contributions (£20-£500) are matched at 50% by the employer.
Additional Flexible Benefits
NESO offers a personalised benefits programme, including:
- Flexible bank holidays and holiday trading options
- Additional birthday day off
- Access to cycle-to-work schemes, retail discounts, and gym memberships
- Private medical insurance, critical illness coverage, and personal accident insurance
About NESO
The National Energy System Operator (NESO) is pivotal in tackling climate change while securing Great Britain’s energy future. NESO currently manages the world’s fastest decarbonising electricity system, aiming to operate on a short-term fully renewable energy grid this year. The organisation further influences policy decisions to achieve a clean power system by 2030.
Previously known as the Electricity System Operator (ESO), NESO has transitioned to a whole-system operator, integrating expertise across:
- Electricity
- Gas
- Hydrogen
Operating independently under Ofgem regulation, NESO makes technology-driven decisions prioritising sustainability, affordability, and security. Its flat, inclusive, and non-political governance structure ensures long-term value creation for all energy users.
The shift comes at a pivotal moment as the energy sector undergoes a ambitious transformation toward clean energy.
Why Join NESO
NESO empowers innovation and diversity to foster a future-proof energy revolution. If this role resonates with your expertise and ambitions, we encourage your application.
Timeline note: While roles typically close at 23:59 on the day prior to the posted deadline, early submissions are welcomed.
Commitment to Inclusivity
At NESO, we firmly believe potential transcends checklist compliance. We actively cultivate an environment where diverse experiences thrive and contribute to collective advancement.
If this opportunity interests you but you’re unsure whether you meet every criterion, we encourage you to apply. Our mission is to create a workplace where every individual feels valued, empowered, and inspired to reach their full potential.
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