In April 2025 the National Energy System Operator (NESO) took on the exciting new role of being the UK’s Regional Energy Strategic Planner. We are responsible for developing 11 Regional Energy Strategic Plans (RESPs) across nine English regions, plus Scotland and Wales. This role is based in one of the RESP nations and regions - the South East, encompassing Berkshire, Hampshire, Kent, Surrey and Sussex.
https://www.neso.energy/what-we-do/strategic-planning/regional-energy-strategic-planning-resp
Our South East team will work with other NESO teams and with organisations at a local level (‘local actors’), including local government and gas and electricity networks, in developing the RESP.
The purpose of the South East Strategic Officer is to support aspects of developing the South East RESP, as detailed in the Key Accountabilities below.
This role will include a regular team day in our Wokingham office. Some travel will be expected (e.g., to NESO Warwick Office for team workshops or within the nation or region to meet with key stakeholders). We are open to full time and part time applicants, as well as flexible working arrangements.
This Strategic Officer role will be focused on supporting and gaining input from stakeholders in the nation or region. Having an understanding and lived experience of the South East will be key – as will having complementary energy expertise and experience to allow the South East team to reflect Great Britain’s diverse society, environment and energy planning needs.
The role accountabilities will be dependent on the successful candidate’s experience, knowledge and interest. We need people that will contribute to or lead on the following accountabilities:
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK by the start of employment. Visa sponsorship may not be available for this role and will be considered in line with business requirements.
To deliver RESP requires a diverse team made up of individuals with a wide range of skills and knowledge which are unlikely to be present in a single individual. Key skills and experience we are looking for are:
Training and development of the team will be a key priority as we set up RESP. Successful individuals may be asked to help train other team members and also have the opportunity to be trained on less familiar areas.
A competitive salary of £50,000 - £60,000 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.
NESO's flexible benefits programme provides you with more flexibility around your health, 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 acting 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.
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.
The National Energy System Operator, NESO, is the new independent, public corporation at the centre of the energy system taking a whole system view to create a world where everyone has access to reliable, clean and affordable energy. NESO’s work will be the catalyst for change across the global community, forging the path to a sustainable future for everyone.
