Solution Architect - Strategic Energy Planning - NESO

About the Role

National Energy System Operator (NESO) is on a journey towards a sustainable and secure energy future. Together we build on this momentum, advancing the Electricity System Operator’s (ESO) plan for zero carbon operability of the electricity system by 2025.

National Energy System Operator (NESO) are currently looking for a Solution Architect to join the Strategy and Architecture team.  This new role will allow the post holder an opportunity to be influential in defining and enhancing End-to-End Solutions across the Strategic Energy Planning directorate.  

The Solution Architect will work in collaboration with a wide range of technology and business stakeholders, becoming a subject matter expert for a wide range of initiatives within Strategic Energy Planning.  The successful candidate will play a key role in the identification and evaluation of solution options, design solutions within the guardrails and enterprise technology patterns, and advise implementation teams through delivery.  The Solution Architect will contribute to the future evolution of solution roadmaps to help delivery teams navigate towards strategic/target Architecture Vision. 

This role can be based out of Wokingham or Warwick, with some travel being necessary between the two sites to meet with stakeholders and delivery teams.  We continue to offer hybrid working from office and home.  We are open to full time and part time applicants, as well as flexible working arrangements.

Key Accountabilities

• Define End-to-End Solutions for initiatives within the Strategic Energy Planning programme, building comprehensive knowledge of the various technology components and the business capabilities they provide
• Build trust with stakeholders across the Programme, being empathetic to their needs and challenges, whilst being able to clearly articulate pragmatic solutions in a calm and professional manner
• Work closely with other DD&T (including Delivery Partners and Suppliers) colleagues, actively participating in meetings and workshops to help drive solution related conversations to meaningful conclusions
• Map Solution Requirements to Solution Designs, ensuring desired outcomes are supported, and the implications of solutions being implemented are considered from a technology, people and process perspective
• Ensure architectural artefacts produced (including Solution Options and Recommendations, Solution Intent, and High Level Designs) are approved/endorsed through appropriate Architecture Governance processes, working collaboratively with other Integration, Security, Platform and other SME teams to deliver comprehensive solution collateral
• Collateral produced must be written in an easily digestible way, which is fit for purpose of the audience it is aimed towards
• Define innovative solutions which consider non-functional requirements (e.g. Security, Performance, Reliability, Scalability, Stability, Data Archival, and Disaster Recovery) in addition to functional and usability requirements 
• Provide support and guidance to Delivery and Test teams to ensure any changes necessary are validated in the context of the wider solution footprint

About You

We’re evolving to become an organisation that has digital solutions in all aspects of our operations, to optimise our processes and enhance efficiency, all underpinned by firm architectural foundations.  We can’t do it alone. That’s why we need curious and visionary minds like yours to join us on this transformative journey.  In this case, we’re looking for someone who: 

• Is passionate about understanding the needs of customers and can articulate solutions to their challenges in an engaging way
• Has experience of working in cross-functional teams, where there are levels of uncertainty but lots of enthusiasm to deliver
• Is a confident communicator with excellent writing skills, who can build trust and influence stakeholders whilst being pragmatic and open to the opinions of others 
• Is familiar with applying solution architecture tools and techniques to articulate solutions confidently and provide clarity
• Can conceptualise a solution, building that out to identify and propose suitable technology options, then translating conceptual architectures through to reality
• Understands systems integration concepts, including familiarity with file and API-based interfaces
• Fosters strong working relationships with others, and will be able to collaborate with people from the architecture team and beyond 
• Will ensure solutions are articulated in a way that aligns with our architectural principles, including the benefits of capability re-use
• Relevant knowledge and experience of the energy ecosystem, along with familiarity with the datasets involved would be a significant plus. 
• Exposure to the following technologies and platforms would be extremely beneficial (in the context of holistic Solution Definition): Azure Data and Analytics tooling, Salesforce CRM, ESRI GIS, Energy Exemplar Plexos, DigSilent PowerFactory, Azure ML, Python Applications, Azure PowerApps, AI (Azure AAEs/Microsoft Co-Pilot), Enterprise Systems Integration, Portals and Data Exchange, Microsoft 365 and Project Planning Tools.

Qualifications
No formal qualifications are required for this role, but due to the nature of the Strategic Energy Planning programme, a candidate with relevant industry experience relating to Power Systems Engineering, Energy Modelling and the wider Energy Industry is very much preferred.  It essential for applicants to have a ‘can do’ attitude, be able to identify opportunities and define designs which drive efficiency and data quality.  Along with enthusiasm, an optimistic and pragmatic mindset is essential

About What You'll Get

A competitive salary ranging from £60,000 to £70,000 – 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%. 

You will also have access to a comprehensive benefits package tailored to support your well-being and professional success. From a competitive salary to flexible work arrangements, we promote your work-life balance. Enjoy fit for purpose wellbeing and lifestyle offerings, ongoing skill development aligned to our Purpose and Values, and be part of a supportive community that values your individuality and where you can belong.

About Us

Traditionally, Britain’s energy system has been split into two areas – gas and electricity – but to ensure that Britain’s energy system is secure and affordable there needs to be co-ordination across the whole energy system, with one single entity responsible for translating policy into immediate strategy. National Energy System Operator (NESO) will bring unparalleled change.

Forge a path to a sustainable future for everyone.
Your energy, our future, together.

About the National Energy System Operator (NESO)
In Autumn of 2024, the ESO transitioned to National Energy System Operator, or NESO for short. Previously denoted as the Future System Operator (or FSO), the new National Energy System Operator is the independent body responsible for planning Great Britain’s electricity and gas networks and operating the electricity system.  

The ESO, including all of its existing roles, are now at the heart of the new National Energy System Operator. As NESO, we will build on our existing roles, capabilities, and ways of working significantly to create an organisation the energy system and its users’ need. Our new capabilities will enable us to look across vectors, including electricity, natural gas and hydrogen, and crucially consider the trade-offs between them. 

The organisation is set up as a public corporation with its own Board of independent directors, with complete operational independence from government, the regulator and any and all commercial interest. As was the ESO, NESO will be licenced and regulated by Ofgem through price control agreements and obligated to identify optimal solutions to system operations and planning in the most sustainable, affordable and secure way for all. 

The time to deliver 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.

More Information

This role closes on 31/03/2025 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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