Data Science Manager (Gas and Hydrogen)

About the role

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.

In the rapidly evolving world of energy planning, the role of a Data Science Manager at NESO is becoming increasingly important. The Data Science Manager will bridge the gap between delivery of our energy plans for gas and data-driven insights.

Working in the Gas and Whole Energy Network Development team, within our Strategic Energy Planning directorate, the role is to ensure that our data analysis processes and concepts for gas network planning continually develop using the latest available technologies and methods.

The Data Science Manager is an expert data scientist who leads projects and manages a team of data scientists. This role involves hands-on work, project leadership, and direct management responsibilities. You will be responsible for delivering strategic business insights, driving innovation, supporting the professional development of your team, promoting good data management practices and providing wider support across NESO.

This role can be based from Wokingham or Warwick and 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.

About us

The creation of National Energy System Operator (NESO) is driven by an urgent need to unify and optimise our approach to energy. A more integrated and coordinated strategy is needed to meet the unprecedented challenges of climate change, ensuring secure energy supply, and keeping costs manageable for consumers.

Join us and empower your potential, energise our team, and be part of something bigger.

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.

Key accountabilities

• • Gas network needs: Develop and deliver assessments of gas network capability using probabilistic analysis of energy supply and demand across Great Britain.
  • Team leadership: Oversee and nurture a high-performing team of data scientists. This includes hiring top talent, providing ongoing mentoring and training, and fostering a collaborative team culture. Stay up to date on new techniques in the field and be an authority on data science.
  • Insight and strategy development: Collaborate with senior management and both internal and external stakeholders to identify areas where data can provide insights and drive value. Develop, demonstrate and use data science techniques to drive high-quality strategic insight across gas and hydrogen vectors. Leverage advanced analytics techniques such as predictive modelling, machine learning, and data visualisation to uncover actionable insights.
  • Data quality assurance: Implement robust data quality assurance processes to ensure data accuracy, completeness, and reliability. Establish data governance frameworks and enforce best practices to maintain data integrity throughout the data lifecycle. Support and promote good data management practices within GWEND, SEP, NESO and industry.
  • Data strategy development: Define and implement GWEND’s data strategy in alignment with business goals. Identify data sources, set standards for data collection and storage, and establish processes for data integration and analysis. Support and encourage good data stewardship and custody, ensuring relevant restrictions such as confidentiality are maintained.
  • Project management: Manage innovative data science projects from inception to completion, defining project goals, deliverables, and timelines. Allocate resources, monitor progress, and ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget. Ensure robust code versioning and documentation practices are set and adhered to.

About you

We’re forging the path, and we know we can’t do it alone. That’s why we need visionary minds like yours to join us on this transformative journey. In this case, we’re looking for someone who:

• Experience: Proven experience in data science, analytics, or a related field, with experience in a managerial role preferred.

• Technical skills: Strong technical skills in data analysis, statistical analysis, and machine learning, with proficiency in programming languages such as Python and R. Familiarity with data visualisation tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI), code management and data technologies (e.g. Azure) is essential.
• Project management skills: Familiarity and experience of different project management techniques – especially those related to software engineering.
• Leadership skills: Effective leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate team members while fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Communication skills: Excellent communication and presentation skills, capable of translating complex technical concepts into clear and concise language for both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

About what you'll get

A competitive salary between £55,000 - £69,000 per annum – dependent on experience and capability. As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus of up to 15% of your salary for stretch performance, 28 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%.

As we work towards creating a cleaner, greener, and more affordable future for all, we also work towards creating a place for our teammates to belong, with professional and personal growth and positive well-being.

• Full support and career-development resources to expand your skills, enhance your expertise, and maximise your potential along your career journey.
• A diverse and inclusive community of belonging, where teammates are empowered to bring ideas to the table.
• Generous Total Rewards Plan – comprising of health, finance and wealth, work/life balance, and career benefits.

More information

This role closes on 30th January 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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