An opportunity is available for a DSO Panel Secretariat, working within National Grid Electricity Distribution’s (NGED’s) Distribution System Operator (DSO).
The DSO Panel: Our DSO is responsible for shaping the future development of NGED’s distribution network in line with future energy demands. This includes planning and network development and developing markets for flexibility. However, within distribution businesses, there may be a perceived conflict between DSO and network ownership roles. The potential for any conflict to occur can be minimised and the impact diminished by ensuring appropriate steps are taken with respect to independence and governance. NGED is committed to introducing measures to ensure independent oversight and external assurance of its DSO. This includes appointing and convening NGED’s DSO Panel.
The DSO Panel Secretariat is an outstanding opportunity to implement and shape a key governance function, the DSO panel, while working closely with senior stakeholders within NGED and the external members of NGED’s Independent DSO Panel. This post-holder will be responsible for bridging the relationship between the DSO Panel Chair and NGED DSO Senior leadership including the Director of DSO and the NGED President. More information about the DSO Panel Chair can be found here: https://www.nationalgrid.co.uk/news-and-events/latest-news/regina-finn-announced-as-independent-panel-chair-at-national-grid-s-distribution-system-operator
Key Accountabilities:
The Secretariat for the DSO Panel is an important liaison position, offering a unique opportunity to work with senior leaders in the energy sector. Your voice will be a trusted advisor to the DSO Panel Chair, and it will carry weight and hold authority within NGED DSO. While the Chair and the Panel meet four times a year, the Secretariat is a consistent presence within NGED representing the needs and the interests of the DNO Panel.
This role offers hybrid working and the base location will be agreed with the successful candidate.
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 Responsibilities
Establishing yourself as the internal point of contact for the DSO Panel and support the Chair and DSO Panel members in navigating internal DSO teams.
Strategic management and oversight of the DSO Panel and planning and driving the agenda and gathering high quality papers to ensure the right conversations are happening at the right time and at the right level.
Organising the quarterly cycle of DSO panel meetings and ensuring smooth running including timekeeping, note-taking, logistics such as establishing availability/dates for the meetings, booking rooms, ordering catering.
Tracking scrutiny and challenges raised by the DSO Panel, logging follow-up actions and ensuring that NGED DSO teams follow up and take action to address the concerns raised.
Implementing the governance function of the DSO Panel and integrating it into existing internal and external NGED structures. Managing DSO Panel reporting obligations, both internal and external.
Other governance duties as needed.
The Ideal CandidateYou’re a collaborative professional, with a proven ability to think strategically and to execute. You’re inquisitive, curious and able to constructively challenge, whilst building strong and meaningful relationships with senior stakeholders, internally and externally, to support and influence effectively.
We're looking for a delivery-focused individual with strong project management skills who keeps sight of delivering good outcomes as well as the outputs to successfully operationalise the DSO Panel. You must be passionate about playing a critical role in delivering net zero.
You will have previous experience in a secretariat role and leading/supporting a board level structure, or similar/commensurate experience as well as experience working with and gaining the trust of senior leaders and boards and influencing across all levels in an organisation.
Proven communication skills and ability to be clear, diplomatic and focused are key, as is proven ability to work flexibly and collaboratively with senior internal and external stakeholders and to deliver effective outputs and presentations.
We’re looking for a forward thinker who can identify, plan and deliver objectives at speed, whilst energy industry experience would be an advantage, but it is not essential.
Required Skills: Project management, stakeholder engagement, influencing, collaboration, communication, strategic thinking
Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At National Grid, we’re committed to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace for everyone. So if you’re excited about this role but your experience or qualifications don’t match the job description exactly, we encourage you to apply anyway. You might just be the right person for our growing business in this role or another one.
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 and annual bonus eligibility, 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
