Senior Specialist, Economics - NESO

Senior Specialist, Economics - NESO

National Energy System Operator (NESO) is driving the transformation of Great Britain’s energy system to make it cleaner, more secure and more affordable for consumers. Together with industry, we are planning and operating an energy system that can meet net zero goals while keeping the lights on at all times.

We are looking for a Senior Economics Specialist to join the SSEP Economic Modelling team within NESO’s Strategic Energy Planning division. The team builds and analyses whole-system scenarios to identify cost‑effective, spatially informed energy pathways for Great Britain.

In this role, you will lead simulations and analysis across electricity, gas and hydrogen, bringing together market and network modelling to inform recommendations on how Great Britain can decarbonise its energy system in a coordinated, cost‑effective and deliverable way.

This role can be based from Wokingham, Warwick or Glasgow and we continue to offer hybrid working from office and home.

• Lead the delivery of analysis across electricity, gas and hydrogen to support recommendations for how Great Britain can decarbonise its energy system under an integrated system plan.
• Lead the development and execution of simulations using pan-European market models.
• Define modelling hypotheses and scenarios and assess their impacts across electricity, gas and hydrogen networks.
• Develop and maintain whole-energy system models, introducing new methods to improve evidence-based decision-making under uncertainty.
• Focus on quality assurance across modelling work and outputs, ensuring processes and results are robust, repeatable and well-tested.
• Document modelling processes, assumptions and decisions so that analysis is transparent, auditable and can be repeated when required.
• Provide oversight, challenge and advice to colleagues on modelling progress, risks and issues, and coach team members.
• Communicate modelling results and recommendations in a clear, actionable way to senior leadership and external stakeholders.

• Passionate about the energy sector, with an understanding of energy system structures, challenges and interactions between electricity, gas and hydrogen.
• Experience of economics, data science, system analysis or network planning, with the ability to think holistically.
• Solid experience of using modelling and analytical software and translating data into insights.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to plan, prioritise and deliver analytical work across multiple work streams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex modelling outputs to non-technical audiences and senior stakeholders.
• A logical, practical approach to problem-solving and the ability to break down complex problems into clear, structured analysis.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills, with experience working collaboratively across internal teams and with external partners.

Essential: Degree in engineering, economics or a related field (or equivalent experience). Significant experience in the energy sector with hands‑on experience using energy modelling software (PLEXOS, Bid3, pypsa …).

Desirable: Experience using data tools and languages (e.g. SQL, VBA, Python) or developing analytical tools.

A competitive salary between £61,500 - £66,500pa – 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%.
• 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.

National Energy System Operator’s (NESO) mission is to facilitate the decarbonisation of Great Britain’s energy network…