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 being a catalyst for change – turning insight into coordinated, prioritised action that reduces risk and builds capability across the system. WESR delivers this through analysis, assessments, reviews, emergency exercises, and plans that drive tangible improvements with our partners.
WESR Operates Through a Continuous Improvement Cycle That Includes
These specialised topics could focus on a combination of particular:
This role can be based out of Warwick, Wokingham or Glasgow, with travel to the other two on occasion. We continue to offer hybrid working from office and home, and are open to flexible working arrangements.
This role is designated as requiring a National Security Vetting (NSV) clearance (SC). The level of clearance associated with this role (SC) will usually need you to have been a resident in the UK for the last five years to apply. We would invite any applicants who do not currently meet this residency requirement to still express an interest in the role.
Key Accountabilities
This is a varied role, and the successful candidate will be expected to work flexibly and dynamically across boundaries as required. Reporting to the Sector Security, Risk and Engagement Manger, Key accountabilities include:
Experience in energy, risk management and leadership qualities are essential for this role. We are looking for someone who has the following qualities:
Essential:
Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience with significant demonstrable experience in sector security
Desirable
Additional professional security qualifications/certifications in appropriate areas
What You'll Get
A competitive salary of £58,000 - £65,000 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:
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.
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
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 show their talents. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds.
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 being a catalyst for change – turning insight into coordinated, prioritised action that reduces risk and builds capability across the system. WESR delivers this through analysis, assessments, reviews, emergency exercises, and plans that drive tangible improvements with our partners.
WESR Operates Through a Continuous Improvement Cycle That Includes
- Learning systematically about energy system risks and resilience
- Conducting prioritised assessments to generate insights and advice
- Translating insights into actions that drive tangible improvements
These specialised topics could focus on a combination of particular:
- Time horizons (short-, medium-, or long-term)
- Resilience capabilities (anticipation, resistance, response, or recovery)
- Energy system elements (electricity, gas, or cross-vector systems)
This role can be based out of Warwick, Wokingham or Glasgow, with travel to the other two on occasion. We continue to offer hybrid working from office and home, and are open to flexible working arrangements.
This role is designated as requiring a National Security Vetting (NSV) clearance (SC). The level of clearance associated with this role (SC) will usually need you to have been a resident in the UK for the last five years to apply. We would invite any applicants who do not currently meet this residency requirement to still express an interest in the role.
Key Accountabilities
This is a varied role, and the successful candidate will be expected to work flexibly and dynamically across boundaries as required. Reporting to the Sector Security, Risk and Engagement Manger, Key accountabilities include:
- Working collaboratively with a team of experts to identify, assess, and make recommendations to mitigate security risks across the energy sector
- Leading on engagements with energy sector participants to drive progress on identifying and assessing risks enabling the resilient, safe, and secure operation of the energy system.
- Apply NESOs risk management framework for identification, assessment and monitoring of risks, working collaboratively with the Risk Framework team
- Leading on the delivery of deep dive assessments on parts of the energy system to identify and assess security and cyber risks and make recommendations as appropriate.
- Supporting teams across the Resilience and Emergency Management Directorate on the delivery outputs which improve whole energy system resilience
- Working with Government to understand policy changes that could affect the security and resilience of the whole energy system
- Providing oversight of information, advice, and recommendations to Ofgem and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
- Working with stakeholders to understand systemic and cascade risks to the energy system, including for example supply chain dependencies.
Experience in energy, risk management and leadership qualities are essential for this role. We are looking for someone who has the following qualities:
- You must have experience of the energy sector and knowledge of whole energy system interdependencies and interactions
- You must have experience in applying risk assessment and management in an energy or security environment
- Extensive experience and knowledge in one or more of the following areas is essential: National security, electricity, gas and/or telecoms infrastructure and systems
- Passionate about the energy sector and the transition to Net Zero
- You must be a strong communicator with excellent writing skills and proven ability to assemble complex ideas, issues, and observations into clear and simple explanations, ensuring that communication is prioritised to deliver greatest consumer value and improved resilience outcomes.
- Experience working with external stakeholders, including Government, Regulators, and Intelligence Agencies
- You must have, or be willing to undertake, National Security Clearance
Essential:
Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience with significant demonstrable experience in sector security
Desirable
Additional professional security qualifications/certifications in appropriate areas
What You'll Get
A competitive salary of £58,000 - £65,000 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
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.
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
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 show their talents. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds.