About the role

This is the time for action – we need to move at pace and reform our energy system – to deliver energy security, to tackle climate change and to protect our people.

The Compliance, Quality and Controls Specialist role sits in the 2nd line of defence. You will play a pivotal safeguarding role for our business and be responsible for ensuring our employees comply with applicable laws, regulations and policies. You will also be responsible for testing the effectiveness and efficiency of the supporting control frameworks.

The role involves supporting your team and senior colleagues in the delivery of our Annual Assurance Plan. You will conduct tests of effectiveness over key operational and fraud and bribery controls in place to mitigate risk exposure and support in the delivery of an effective quality assurance programme.

This role can be based from Wokingham or Warwick, with travel to either site when required and we continue to offer hybrid working from office and home.

About us

The ESO has a key role to play in tackling climate change by transitioning GB’s electricity system to net zero. We already operate the fastest decarbonising electricity system in the world, with an ambition for zero carbon operation by 2025. And by 2035, we want to run 100% clean, green energy, all the time.

Becoming the Future System Operator
In 2021, government and Ofgem jointly consulted on proposals for an expert, impartial Future System Operator (FSO) with responsibilities across both the electricity and gas systems, to drive progress towards net zero while maintaining energy security and minimising costs for consumers. In October 2023, the Energy Act 2023 was passed, legislating for this Future System Operator to be created.

The ESO, including all of its existing roles, will be at the heart of the new Future System Operator. We will be taking on additional roles across vectors and sectors to create an organisation with a whole energy system mindset; enabling us to identify solutions to our energy system that are more sustainable, secure, and affordable for all.

The FSO will be set up as a public corporation with operational independence from government – bringing parties together to support optimised decision making and action. As now, it will be licenced and regulated by Ofgem through price control agreements. It is anticipated that the new organisation will be up and running in 2024.

The time to act on climate change is now. As part of our team, you won’t just be touching the lives of almost everyone in Great Britain – you’ll be shaping the way we use and consume energy for generations to come.

Key accountabilities

• Delivering on your annual program of work to time, cost and quality.

• Supporting in the compliance incident process, ensuring coordination and alignment of subject matter experts spanning multiple disciplines and 1st line representatives.
• Investigating potential areas of non-compliance, tracking, monitoring and supporting the business to implement risk mitigation measures, as necessary.
• Conducting risk-based assurance and consulting activities over key operational (non-finance) controls to enhance governance, risk and Controls management processes and ensure controls are effectively operated whilst identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Working across functional lines (Legal, Finance, HR, Audit) to support in the development and enhancement the control framework.
• Collaborating with wider functions e.g. General Council & Company Secretary and People & Culture, to ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and company policies.
• Identifying external and internal Assurance and Compliance best practice and setting in place continuous improvement activities to advance maturity.

About you

What we do isn’t just important – it’s essential. That’s why we look to recruit experts in their field. In this case, we’re looking for someone who:

• Significant experience of the energy industry or a similarly heavily regulated industry with a sound understanding and experience within either the 2nd or 3rd line of defence.
• Lead Auditor Qualification would be desirable but not essential.
• Demonstrable experience of providing high Quality and sound professional assurance management across a large-scale function.
• Deep understanding of the energy sector – including the structure, regulatory environment and the short and long-term issues and opportunities relating to the industry
• Detailed knowledge and understanding of Compliance programmes and Reporting Frameworks
• Expert knowledge of the Assurance Frameworks, ensuring coverage of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Lines of Defence
• Solid interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate, influence and challenge across all disciplines and levels within the organisation, and a proven track record in developing effective relationships across the organisation.

What you'll get

A competitive salary between £45,000 - £50,000pa – dependent on experience and capability.

As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus based on company performance, 26 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%.

More information

This role closes on 26/01/2024 at 23:59, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary.

We work towards the highest standards in everything we do, including how we support, value and develop our people. Our aim is to encourage and support employees to thrive and be the best they can be. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office.

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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