Network Options Engineer

Reference Number - 78616

This Network Options Engineer will report to the Network Options Manager and will work within the DSO directorate based in our London office. You will be a permanent employee.

You will attract a salary of £71,914.00 and a bonus of 3%. This role can also offer blended working after probationary period (6 months) - 3 days in the office and 2 remote

Close Date: 05/04/2024

We also provide the following additional benefits

• Annual Leave
• Personal Pension Plan - Personal contribution rates of 4% or 5% (UK Power Networks will make a corresponding contribution of 8% or 10%)
• Tenancy Loan Deposit scheme
• Tax efficient benefits: cycle to work scheme
• Season ticket loan
• Occupational Health support
• Switched On - scheme providing discount on hundreds of retailers products.
• Discounted access to sports and social clubs
• Employee Assistance Programme.

CONTEXT:

Join UK's first ever independent Distribution System Operator (DSO). As our Network Options team is growing, we're looking for individuals who want to make a difference and help the UK deliver Net Zero.

UK Power Networks' infrastructure facilitates the connection and operation of low carbon assets, such as electric vehicles, solar farms, grid scale batteries, and wind turbines, to power the UK's low carbon transition. We strive to be the most efficient DSO.

Making clear choices on solutions to system needs via a transparent decision-making framework to achieve the lowest-cost outcomes for UKPN's customers is a central tenet of UKPN's DSO. Our DSO Strategy, part of the ED2 Business Plan, sets out that the Distribution Network Options Assessment (DNOA) process, will ensure all available network and non-Network Options are assessed according to an open common framework. This is designed to give all partners confidence that decisions are always being made in the best interests of customers in an unbiased way. Hence, in 2023 we established a state-of-the-art Distribution Network Options Assessment process (DNOA) and other frameworks that will underpin the delivery of investment decisions during RIIO - ED2.

We have already completed a full cycle of implementation our DNOA Methodology in the first year of RIIO-ED2. We will progress the evolution of our DNOA Methodology further in 2024. Hence, we need skills like yours to enhance the DNOA processes help us further. This is a role of strategic importance, as it is part of our ED2 high-profile commitments that sets the tone with BEIS, Ofgem and market participants. Additionally, it relates to the £400m direct benefits of our DSO, with wider system benefits with NPV of £(phone number removed)bn by 2040.

You will have an important role in the Network Options team. Whilst the role will work with the Network Options Manager, you will have to be comfortable working independently. You will also have to be flexible and take ownership of requests within an inherently uncertain and constantly changing business environment. You will help deliver value to the business and make an impact within the electricity distribution industry.

This post will be based at Newington House in London although your work may involve visits to other locations.

JOB PURPOSE:

You will lead the delivery relating to the Distribution Network Options Assessment framework (DNOA) and associated processes and capabilities. It will also relate to other relevant operability frameworks to promote the efficient operation of the distribution system. This will include the development of any required IT capabilities and further building out of the DNOA team. The objective is to provide UKPN's DSO with a continuously best-in-class DNOA process that delivers the best outcomes for UKPN's customers at lowest cost.

Also, you will lead the DNOA team and oversee the execution of DNOA assessments. This will involve co-ordination of several teams in the DSO, service providers (including the DNO and third-party service providers) and other partners to obtain inputs (system needs, proposed solutions) and analysis (technical and economic assessment of solution options). The post holder and the Network Options team will then conduct evaluations of the proposed options according to the DNOA framework producing the recommendation for the solution which forms the DNOA output. The outputs of this evaluation will then be presented as a recommended solution to the DSO leadership and DSO Supervisory Board by the post holder, who will then conduct any further reviews and iterations required.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

1. Support the Network Options Manager and the DSO Director in defining and delivering the capabilities required for the UK Power Networks DSO, whilst ensuring ongoing compliance with our regulatory commitments
2. Manage the design and implementation of the Distribution Network Options Assessment andOperability Framework processes the relate to:
   1. Design new advanced DNOA and operability processes, running stakeholder consultations on proposed designs and refine process based on stakeholder input (internal and external)
   2. Implement the new advanced DNOA processes, including iterative deployment and refinement, embedding the process into BAU
3. Lead on outputs required by our independent Supervisory Board and external engagement activities with important external partners and customers.
4. Provide analysis and modelling to monitor and inform the setting of business targets, including our commitment for £410m of savings during ED2.
5. Coordinate with other teams within the Network Strategy team, such as the Networks Insight, and the wider DSO directorate, including the Flexibility Markets team.
6. Coordinate with other DNO teams, such as the Infrastructure Planning, Capital programme and Connections teams.

SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPEREINCE:

Essential skills, qualifications, and experience:

• A degree or equivalent experience in power systems engineering or other quantitative discipline;
• Experience working in an electricity networks business(es), with an understanding of the relevant Distribution Code and Grid Code requirements;
• Excellent understanding of flexibility markets activities and flexibility products;
• An understanding of networks businesses' planning activities and processes for assessing solutions to network needs;
• A high level of business, environmental, safety, financial, and regulatory awareness;
• Process mapping experience using relevant IT software;
• Engage with multiple partners, including experience interacting with senior partners on material investment decisions;
• Build strong relationships with others to achieve our goals
• Excellent leadership, communication and influencing skills;
• Passion for delivering net zero and supporting the energy transition, particularly decarbonisation of the power sector
• Experience in benchmarking and quantitative analysis of network and market options, e.g. using a CBA

Beneficial skills, qualifications, and experience

• An understanding of the GB energy system, including its structure, markets and expected developments;
• An in-depth understanding of the topology and operational characteristics of distribution networks, and a working knowledge of transmission network topology and operation;
• Experience working in a large corporate environment;
• Experience in an start-up or new business unit;
• Experience in scripting programming using Python and/or other programming languages.

Development:

Joining the DSO team poses an exciting opportunity, should you not currently possess the full range of essential skills, qualifications and competencies listed above, there may be an opportunity for further development to equip you. If you do not possess all relevant competencies for the core grade, it will be appropriate to appoint at a lower grade until they have developed the required competencies.

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.