Role Title: Operations Performance Manager, Operations Continuity & Transformation (OCT)Reports to: Head of Operations Compliance & TransformationLocation: Hybrid (3 days in office, 2 days remote)
Who We AreSONI is Northern Irelands Transmission System Operator. We are the people behind Northern Irelands electricity grid. We make sure that every home, business, school, hospital, factory and farm has power – when and where they need it.
And thats just the beginning of our story. We have a critical role to play in delivering a cleaner, cheaper more secure energy future for everyone living in Northern Ireland.
Our focus is on safety, security and reliability. Our work environment is challenging, fast-moving, collaborative and team orientated. Our culture is driven by continual development, knowledge and teamwork.
Our people are committed to reducing Northern Irelands reliance on fossil fuels and transforming the energy system to make decarbonisation a reality while providing a safe and reliable electricity supply in a way that secures the future for those who follow us.
The work you will deliver with us here at SONI matters. Join a great and supportive team and be part of the transformation.
The RoleAs Operations Performance Manager, you will play a key role in ensuring Northern Ireland’s electricity system operates safely, securely and efficiently while supporting the transition to a cleaner energy future. Leading a team of technical specialists, you will oversee operational performance, system assurance and continuous improvement activities, working closely with industry partners, customers and internal teams to strengthen operational resilience, drive continuous improvement and support the evolving needs of a low-carbon electricity system.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the assessment, monitoring and assurance of power system, generator and customer performance to support the secure and reliable operation of the electricity system.
- Oversee investigations into significant system events, disturbances and operational incidents, identifying lessons learned and improvement actions.
- Provide technical leadership and expert guidance on operational performance, system behaviour and power system security matters.
- Undertake and coordinate technical analysis and modelling activities to support operational decision-making, future system capability and security of supply.
- Provide technical input to the development and evolution of protection, control and monitoring arrangements to support secure system operation.
- Provide technical guidance and support to generators, network owners and customers on operational performance and compliance requirements.
- Maintain and enhance operational performance reporting, assurance frameworks and governance arrangements.
- Develop and maintain effective relationships with industry participants, customers and internal stakeholders.
- Manage and develop team members while fostering a culture of technical excellence, continuous improvement and operational learning.
- Contribute to wider Operations Continuity and Transformation activities as required.
Critical Knowledge, Skills and ExperienceEssential:
- Degree qualification in Engineering or equivalent
- Minimum of 8 years’ experience within the electricity industry or a related critical infrastructure environment.
- Demonstrable experience in power system operations, operational engineering, generator performance, system performance analysis or a related technical discipline.
- Demonstrable experience leading and developing individuals and teams to deliver operational and strategic objectives.
- Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence across multiple levels of an organisation.
- Experience leading complex technical, operational or business improvement initiatives.
- Strong understanding of power system operations, operational security and electricity network behaviour, with the ability to apply this knowledge to operational decision-making and performance improvement.
- Experience building and managing effective stakeholder relationships.
- Ability to communicate complex technical issues clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Desirable:
- Experience supporting the integration of new technologies, renewable generation or power system transformation initiatives.
- Experience of protection and control systems applied to the transmission network.
- Experience of operational assurance, event investigation or post-event review processes.
Why join us?
- Play a vital role in shaping sustainable energy projects that benefit communities and the environment.
- Enjoy a competitive salary, performance-related bonus, private medical cover, and pension matching.
- Benefit from flexible working arrangements, including hybrid options (3 days office / 2 days home).
- Enhanced holidays, maternity and paternity leave and wellbeing days.
- Access salary sacrifice schemes (such as cycle to work, EV scheme), free car parking, onsite EV charging and complimentary lunch.
- Access professional development opportunities and clear career progression pathways.
- We offer an inclusive culture that values diversity, supports flexible working and empowers you to grow. We know flexible working means different things to different people. Contact us if youd like to talk about how this role could work for you.
If you are seeking a challenging and impactful role within the energy sector, wed love to hear from you. Join us in shaping the future of SONI and delivering a cleaner and more secure energy future for everyone living in Northern Ireland.
Closing date for applications is 6 November 2026.
SONI reserves the right to extend this deadline where necessary to maximise the applicant pool.
Submit your application by uploading your CV with a cover letter (in one document).
SONI is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to an inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are valued, and everyone can thrive. As a STEM organisation, we are continuing to strengthen gender diversity across our engineering and technology roles and welcome applications from women who want to build and apply their expertise to Northern Irelands energy system.
We have a duty to prevent illegal working and applicants must demonstrate they have a legal right to work in the UK. SONI is not providing sponsorship for this vacancy.
Skills:Power System Operations Operational Performance Management Technical Leadership
WHJS1_NI
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