Programme Manager

About the Role

National Energy System Operator's (NESO) strength lies in our people, shaping a future where clean, affordable energy is accessible for all. Every day offers an opportunity to make a real difference, accelerating sustainable GB energy progress and keeping society thriving. We’re looking for Programme Managers who thrive when the path isn’t clear — who can build structure from ambiguity, hold teams accountable without having direct authority, and influence senior stakeholders with competing priorities and strong opinions.

Programme Managers at NESO are senior leaders who contribute to both the Major Programme Delivery leadership team and the leadership of the activity to which they are deployed. They provide strategic leadership, represent programme management and help ensure the activity’s overall success. This is a critical leadership role, where strong people leadership is essential to successful delivery. You’ll build high-performing teams, create clarity and accountability, develop talent and lead effectively through both formal and informal relationships.

You’ll also play a key role in developing future successors through coaching, mentoring and training aligned to the MPD capability matrix. You’ll combine this with the strategic, commercial and delivery expertise needed to lead complex programmes and deliver meaningful outcomes for NESO. This role can be based in Wokingham or Warwick, offering hybrid working with an expectation to spend one day per week at your allocated office location, with support needed at specific times and places depending on programme requirements.

Further key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Develop and own the Programme Plan, driving progress and proactively resolving blockers.
• Build and lead high-performing teams, creating a culture of trust, accountability and continuous development.
• Coach, mentor and develop people, identifying and nurturing future talent and successors.
• Lead through influence, creating alignment across teams and stakeholders without relying on formal authority.
• Lead governance and provide decision-quality reporting to senior leaders.
• Own programme budgets, tracking costs, benefits and resources with rigour.
• Manage risks, issues and dependencies, escalating clearly and recommending solutions.
• Deliver business change to time, quality and budget in a fast-moving environment.
• Lead engagement with third-party partners and manage escalations where required.

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.

You’ve led large, complex programmes where scope shifts, stakeholders disagree and delivery still has to happen. You bring structure to ambiguity, build strong relationships and take personal ownership for outcomes.

• A strong track record of delivering transformational programmes in complex, fast-paced environments.
• A proven track record as an exceptional people leader, building high-performing teams and developing talent.
• The ability to inspire, coach and motivate people through uncertainty, change and competing priorities.
• The confidence to challenge and influence at senior levels, including when the room disagrees with you.
• Experience stepping into programmes mid‑flight and quickly establishing credibility, structure and momentum.
• Experience across both waterfall and agile delivery environments.
• Strong expertise in planning, risk, dependencies and programme controls.
• Strong financial acumen across budgeting, forecasting and benefits tracking.
• The self‑awareness to know when to challenge, when to listen and when to empower others.
• Energy sector experience is not required — but a background in regulated industries, infrastructure, or large‑scale operational change will be an advantage.

A competitive salary of £75,000 - £95,000 dependent on experience and capability

As well as your base salary, you will receive a benefits allowance, a bonus of up to 20% of your salary for stretch performance, private medical insurance, 28 days annual leave as standard and…