Primary System Planning Manager

To support the increased need for strategic investment across National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) secondary network, we are seeking a Primary System Planning Manager who will report into the Head of System Planning within the Distribution System Operator (DSO). You will be required to lead, develop and motivate a team of DSO Engineers to identify the areas of investment across the four licence areas that we cover, and manage the process for directing load related investment for NGED.

The role will be based in one of the main regional offices at either Cardiff, Castle Donington, Bristol or Tipton with the need to be mobile and work between these and other NGED office locations as required.

As part of our hybrid working approach this role offers a mix of office and home working. Hybrid working can only be considered once your initial training is complete and subject to business need.

Salary range £70,000 - £80,000 plus performance related bonus and car allowance.

If you are offered a position, you will be required to successfully complete a basic DBS check that shows any unspent convictions or conditional cautions.
About UsWe’re National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED), the owner and operator behind the electricity distribution systems for the Midlands, the Southwest of England and South Wales. Serving communities of more than 8 million people, our expert teams deliver heat, light and power for homes and businesses.

National Grid employs over 29,000 people worldwide. We are building an inclusive workplace, a place to actively celebrate the cultures, personalities and preferences of our colleagues – who in turn help to build the success of our business and reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Our vision is to be at the heart of a clean, fair and affordable energy future and we are doing this in a fast-moving industry with an increasing focus on tackling climate change, exploring new energy sources that are renewable, low carbon, and improve efficiency to meet demand.
Main ResponsibilitiesRole responsibilities:

Provide clear guidance and expectations to the team and ensure high quality output, creating an environment to encourage the development of individuals.
To set objectives, monitor performance and exercise control of the Primary System Planning function.
To ensure internal and external customers of the DSO are provided with the highest level of service.
Represent NGED externally as required and deal with internal and external stakeholder enquiries.

Team Responsibilities:

Analyse the primary networks across the NGED areas for the current and forecast position, using the results to identify areas where strategic investment of primary networks will be required to facilitate load growth for all licence areas.
Maintain a register of system constraints and network solutions for the primary network to provide the business with visibility of future load related investment opportunities, and publish team output on a biennial basis in order to comply with Electricity Distribution Licence Condition 25B (Network Development Plan).
Manage the process to assess the technical flexibility service requirements where identified as a viable solution to an identified network constraint.
Periodically perform cost benefit analysis process for load related expenditure across primary networks, appraising build and non-build solutions and publishing the result as the Distribution Network Options Assessment.
Interface with DSO teams to provide support with external stakeholder engagement, regulatory reporting, development of flexibility services and assist development of NGED network modelling tools to ensure accurate network analysis is being undertaken
Interface with DNO teams (primarily Asset Management, Network Design and Field Ops delivery) to ensure that areas of primary network highlighted for strategic investment are translated into a delivery programme and to help identify areas where strategic investment can be utilised to unlock capacity.

The Ideal CandidateWe’re looking for a good communicator who is self-motivated with strong inter-personal skills. You will be able to demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the principles and issues associated with primary network design, modelling and forecasting for distribution System Planning.

It’s essential you have the ability to present information in a clear and reasoned way, together with an open yet analytical approach to problem solving.

You should have proven report writing and presentation skills as there is a requirement for this within the role, for external and online publications.

IT Skills - A sound working knowledge of Word and Excel is essential.  Knowledge of working with large databases would be an advantage and experience with power system software including PSSE, IPSA or Power Factory is preferred.

Qualifications – An Electrical Engineering degree or equivalent qualification is desirable but not essential.

A full UK driving licence is essential for this role.
About The CompanyJoining the UK’s leading electricity distribution business means plenty of career opportunities and well-deserved recognition. We reward hard work and encourage ambition. So, as well as a competitive salary, you will also benefit from:

26 days paid leave plus 8 bank holidays, up to 28 days with continuous service
Competitive contributory pension scheme (we double match your contributions up to a maximum of 12%)
Annual Share Save plan
Private healthcare scheme
Support via our Employee Assistance Programme, including musculoskeletal and physiotherapy services
Free on-site parking at all our main sites

Things you need to know

As an equal opportunities employer who is committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, we celebrate individual difference and are actively bringing in more employees from diverse backgrounds to build on our inclusive culture. We anonymise all applications in our recruitment system so we can eliminate unconscious bias and be a workplace that reflects the community we serve. Hiring managers only have access to necessary information at interview stage. If you require additional support to complete your online application, please email nged.recruitment@nationalgrid.co.uk

Recruitment correspondence is usually sent by email, please check your email account including spam/junk folders regularly after the closing date.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early should sufficient numbers of suitable applications be received, so it would be best to apply as soon as you can.