Contract Lead - NESO

About the role

NESO is at the heart of the transformation to a fully decarbonised energy system by 2030, and Innovation is critical to helping us meet the challenges of transitioning to a zero-carbon future. We work with innovation partners to solve problems arising from the energy system transition and to maximise benefits for the GB System and the end consumer. We co‑create and deliver innovation projects with academic and industry partners across sectors.

These will help us to operate the electricity transmission system more effectively in the future. More info Innovation | National Energy System Operator

Working as the Innovation Contract Lead, you will coordinate the NESO efforts to agree the most suitable innovation agreements with all partners, liaising with procurement and legal. This is a fast‑paced area with new projects emerging every week. You will lead the contract negotiations with innovation partners and support commercial decisions strongly based on our NESO legal team’s recommendations. Due to the nature of our work, intellectual property, security, and liability protections are key.

This role can be based from Wokingham, Warwick or Glasgow, and we continue to offer hybrid working from office and home. This is a full‑time position and we are open to flexible working arrangements.

• Commercial Lead of multiple innovation contracts simultaneously.
• Support NESO’s Procurement and Legal team in innovation contract negotiations, representing the NESO commercial position.
• Negotiate commercially sound, risk‑based positions with partners on key terms such as intellectual property, security schedules and liabilities.
• Develop strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders so that we can better understand and meet their requirements.
• Provide regular feedback to Innovation Portfolio Manager for reporting purposes on the pipeline of innovation contracts and any associated risks, to provide a holistic picture of contracting activity.
• Ensure compliance with Innovation Governance, including Network Innovation Allowance (NIA) Governance and Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) Governance.
• Develop insights to input into innovation agreement templates, through analysis of past and present agreements.

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:

• Passionate about contracts and commercial positioning. Understanding of key contractual terms such as Intellectual Property Rights and liabilities and how to negotiate these. Comfortable with making commercial decisions in contract negotiations.
• Previous experience of managing the negotiation of complex contract agreements and building partnerships with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Substantial experience of drafting, reviewing and negotiating a wide range of research and innovation contracts.
• Strong interpersonal, problem solving and decision‑making skills; able to communicate effectively at all levels.
• Excellent time management skills in a fast‑moving environment.
• Comfortable working across teams (Innovation, Legal, Procurement).
• Experience in the energy sector or R&D/innovation would be highly desirable.

A competitive salary between £54,000 – 64,000 – 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.

The creation of National Energy System Operator (NESO) is driven by an urgent…