Security & Strategy Manager

Role

Title:

Security & Strategy Manager

Reports to:

Head of Control Centre Operations

Location:

Hybrid, Belfast

Who We Are
SONI is Northern Ireland's Transmission System Operator. We are the people behind Northern Ireland's electricity grid. We make sure that every home, business, school, hospital, factory and farm has power - when and where they need it.

And that's 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 Ireland's 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 Role
The Security & Strategy Manager plays a central role in shaping and coordinating the strategic, procedural and assurance framework that underpins the operation of the Northern Ireland transmission system.

Reporting to the Head of Control Centre Operations, the role focuses on providing leadership across Transmission and Generation outage planning, operational policy, and organisational readiness - ensuring SONI's operational approach continues to evolve in line with increasing system complexity, regulatory expectations and the energy transition.

The role works closely with internal operational teams and a wide range of external stakeholders to ensure that strategic intent is translated into robust processes, policies and plans, while maintaining clear separation from real‑time control room decision‑making.

Key Responsibilities
Lead the development and maintenance of system operations strategy, ensuring alignment with SONI's licence obligations, regulatory requirements and long‑term system needs.

Oversee the review and monitoring of plant margins, system demand forecast, renewable forecasts and generation to ensure security standards are maintained at all times

Oversee short to long‑term operational planning frameworks, including outage planning strategy, forecast assurance approaches and operational risk management.

Own and coordinate operational policies, standards and procedures, ensuring they remain fit for purpose as the power system evolves.

Provide strategic oversight of operational assurance activities, including compliance monitoring, internal reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.

Act as a senior focal point for cross‑organisational coordination on control centre operations strategy with Eir Grid, NIE Networks, generators, system service providers and regulators.

Support the Head of Control Centre Operations in translating strategic objectives into clear priorities and delivery plans for operational teams.

Represent SONI in key external forums and engagements relating to control centre operations policy, planning and future capability.

Lead or contribute to reviews, simulations and exercises designed to test and strengthen operational preparedness and resilience.

Provide coaching and guidance to colleagues on strategic, procedural and regulatory aspects of system operations.

The role holder will participate in an availability rota for NI System Operations and will be required to provide on-call support outside standard working hours in line with a rota schedule

Critical Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Essential
Degree in engineering (or HNC with relevant experience); typically, with 8+ years extensive technical experience of power system operations

Detailed knowledge of the Northern Ireland Transmission system

Excellent understanding of all aspects of safe, secure, reliable and economic operation of a transmission system

Strong organisational and operational planning skills with the ability to plan and manage operational risk

Demonstrates ability to provide leadership, make informed…