Strategic Energy Planning (SEP) Assurance Manager - NESO
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 actin 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.
About The Role
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.
The Portfolio Assurance Manager role sits within the Strategic Energy Planning (SEP) Directorate, which oversees the development of a whole-energy system approach that considers community and environmental interests, as well as safeguarding system resilience and minimising system cost. The role will look to lead Assurance activities across the Portfolio of Programmes within SEP.
This role can be based in Warwick or Wokingham, 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
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 has/is:
Essential
A competitive salary of £60,000 - £70,000 dependent on experience and capabilityAs well as your base salary, NESO's core benefits are the essential perks and advantages that form part of your employee package. - You will receive a bonus based on company performance- 26 days annual leave as standard - A competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%. - Annual Enrollment to NESO Savings Plan, when you save between £20- £500 a month from your take-home pay, we will pay a 50% matching contribution.
Benefits
NESO's flexible benefits programme provides you with more flexibility around your helath, lifestyle and protection benefits, here's just a few available:
This role closes at 23:59, on the date displayed at the top of this advert, 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
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. If this role sparks your interest but you're not sure you tick every box, we still want to hear from you. process where everyone has the opportunity to shoe their talents. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds.
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 actin 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.
About The Role
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.
The Portfolio Assurance Manager role sits within the Strategic Energy Planning (SEP) Directorate, which oversees the development of a whole-energy system approach that considers community and environmental interests, as well as safeguarding system resilience and minimising system cost. The role will look to lead Assurance activities across the Portfolio of Programmes within SEP.
This role can be based in Warwick or Wokingham, 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
- SEP Assurance Framework Ownership: Designing, owning, and continuously improving the SEP assurance framework, ensuring alignment with internal standards, external requirements (e.g. HM Treasury Green Book and Aqua Book), internal audit expectations, and NESO quality principles.
- Assurance Oversight: Developing, maintaining, and overseeing delivery of a proportionate, risk-based annual assurance plan aligned to NESO’s strategy, priorities, and risk appetite, in collaboration with senior leaders
- Assurance Reviews: Providing independent assurance across programmes and projects lifecycles, assessing performance and controls, change management approaches, organisational readiness, capability impacts, stakeholder engagement, and alignment to benefits realisation objectives and delivering clear, evidence‑based advice to senior leaders and the Portfolio Management Board.
- Recommendation Tracking & Follow-Up: Leading the tracking, monitoring, and reporting of assurance recommendations, ensuring timely closure and escalation of risks and issues to senior leadership as required.
- Third-Party Assurance Management: Managing and coordinating third-party assurance activities, acting as the primary interface with the independent external providers, to ensure appropriate scoping and scheduling and oversee the quality of outputs.
- Controls, Governance & Management Practice Assessment: Evaluating the design and effectiveness of programme, project, and portfolio controls, governance structures, decision-making processes, and reporting arrangements.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Continuous Improvement: Engaging confidently with senior leaders, programme leaders, delivery teams, and NESO-wide assurance functions, promoting good practice, capability uplift, and continuous improvement across SEP.
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 has/is:
Essential
- Strong leadership, communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to challenge and influence senior leaders constructively.
- Proven experience in assurance management, programme and project delivery, audit and risk management.
- Deep understanding of programme and project delivery frameworks and effective management controls.
- Strong analytical, critical thinking and report‑writing skills, with the ability to identify risks and business readiness gaps.
- Demonstrated ability to lead assurance activities.
- Practical experience applying and assuring against HM Treasury Green Book and Aqua Book guidance.
- Experience in managing and performing assurance in the energy industry
- Qualification or Knowledge of MSP, PRINCE2, or similar delivery frameworks.
- Technical IT assurance experience & knowledge including Digital & IT related standards.
A competitive salary of £60,000 - £70,000 dependent on experience and capabilityAs well as your base salary, NESO's core benefits are the essential perks and advantages that form part of your employee package. - You will receive a bonus based on company performance- 26 days annual leave as standard - A competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%. - Annual Enrollment to NESO Savings Plan, when you save between £20- £500 a month from your take-home pay, we will pay a 50% matching contribution.
Benefits
NESO's flexible benefits programme provides you with more flexibility around your helath, 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
This role closes at 23:59, on the date displayed at the top of this advert, 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
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. If this role sparks your interest but you're not sure you tick every box, we still want to hear from you. process where everyone has the opportunity to shoe their talents. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds.