National Energy System Operator
Supplier Performance & Risk Manager
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About The Role
National Energy System Operator’s (NESO) strength lies in our people. Together, we’re shaping the future where clean, affordable energy is accessible for all. Every day is an opportunity to make a real difference, accelerating the progress of sustainable GB energy, keeping people connected and society thriving as we create a brighter tomorrow.
2026 continues to be an exciting year for NESO’s Procurement team as we strengthen supplier performance, risk assurance and long-term value across our supply base. We are now looking for a Supplier Performance and Risk Manager to join the team. You will lead the design and implementation of NESO’s supplier performance and third-party risk approach, including standard operating procedures, risk mitigation strategies and performance governance. You will also manage identified strategic suppliers within the Facilities Management and Professional Services framework.
Working closely with procurement, legal, compliance, finance, contract managers and suppliers, you will help ensure supplier obligations, service levels, controls and regulatory requirements are clearly understood, embedded and managed effectively. We are looking for someone with strong supplier, contract and performance management experience in a complex or regulated environment, with the ability to provide clear insight, manage risk exposure and drive continuous improvement across supplier relationships.
This role can be based in Wokingham or Warwick and we continue to offer hybrid working from office and home. We are open to full time and part time applicants, as well as flexible working arrangements.
Key Accountabilities
- Designing development and implementation of supplier performance management standard operating procedures, ensuring processes are aligned to NESO objectives, regulatory requirements, industry good practice and the wider Procurement and Property operating model.
- Developing and implementing supplier risk mitigation strategies and contingency plans to minimise the impact of supplier-related risks, including financial, operational, compliance, cyber, business continuity, reputational and ESG risks.
- Owning the methodology and approval of standard supplier scorecard, which measures suppliers contractual obligations to assess quality, delivery, cost, sustainability, innovation, resilience and value outcomes.
- Establishing and owning the supplier risk registers framework, governance, escalations and assurance, providing clear visibility of supplier risk exposure, mitigation activity, controls, ownership, escalation routes and wider third-party risk factors, including financial stability, regulatory compliance, operational resilience and reputation.
- Preparing clear supplier performance and risk reporting for senior stakeholders, governance forums and assurance activities, supporting timely decision-making, escalation and remediation.
- Overseeing supplier performance and contractual compliance assurance, ensuring that where intervention is required it is proportionate.
- Providing oversight of supplier risk management processes to ensure effectiveness and that appropriate controls are embedded.
- Collaborating with procurement, legal, compliance, finance and business stakeholders to embed supplier risk and performance management practices into procurement, contract management and organisational processes.
- Providing guidance and training to internal stakeholders on supplier performance and risk management processes, procedures, controls and best practice, including the creation and ongoing maintenance of standard operating procedures building organisational capability.
- Maintaining awareness of industry trends, emerging risks and regulatory changes relating to supplier risk management, third-party risk, public sector procurement and the energy sector.
- Engaging with external stakeholders, regulatory authorities and industry associations to stay informed of evolving standards, good practice and supplier risk expectations.
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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.
About You
We’re forging the path, and we know we can’t do it alone. That’s why we need visionary minds like yours to join us on this transformative journey. In this case, we’re looking for someone who:
- Proven experience leading supplier performance, supplier risk, contract management or third-party risk activities within a complex, regulated or public sector environment.
- Strong strategic thinking capability, with experience designing supplier performance, supplier risk or third-party risk operating models, frameworks and governance approaches that align to organisational objectives, regulatory requirements and long-term value delivery.
- Experience designing and embedding supplier risk and performance governance frameworks, including operating procedures, controls, escalation routes, assurance activity and reporting standards.
- Experience leading supplier performance and risk assurance activity, including preparing senior-level reporting, presenting recommendations and driving timely escalation, remediation and decision-making through governance forums.
- Strong analytical and judgement skills, with the ability to interpret supplier performance, risk, contractual and market data to identify material issues, assess organisational exposure and recommend proportionate interventions.
- Strong knowledge of supplier risk management principles, methodologies and best practice, including risk assessment, mitigation planning, contingency planning, monitoring and reporting.
- Ability to challenge and advise Senior stakeholders, suppliers and governance forums on Supplier performance, third party risk, assurance and findings and any required interventions.
- Excellent senior stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence, challenge and advise senior stakeholders, suppliers and governance forums on supplier performance, third-party risk, assurance findings and required interventions.
- Experience managing, coaching or providing direction to colleagues, ensuring clear priorities, quality standards and effective delivery across supplier performance and risk activities.
- Ability to set priorities, provide direction and maintain delivery focus across multiple supplier performance, assurance and risk workstreams.
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What You'll Get
- A competitive salary of £70,000 - £75,000 dependent on experience and capability
- As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus of up to 15% of your salary for stretch performance, 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%.
Benefits
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.
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.
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