Director Energy

Head of Future Power Markets

Job Type: Permanent Full-Time

Remote Work Option: Hybrid

Category: Energy Analyst

Location: Belfast, County Antrim, United Kingdom

Reports to: Director of Networks & Innovation

About our client: They are responsible for the safe, secure, economic and reliable operation of the Transmission System in Northern Ireland under licence from the Utility Regulator and via a joint venture is responsible for operating the all-island Single Electricity Market (SEM).

As part of a licence change, the Utility Regulator (UR) outlined its vision for two independent TSO’s on the island of Ireland, where they works in the best interests of NI consumers and in all-island arrangements. It is also required that the TSO business be managerially and operationally separate, therefore undergoing organisational change as it implements the new licence requirement.

As Transmission System Operator, has responsibility for Planning upgrades to the electricity grid infrastructure to facilitate more Renewable Energy which is key to supporting the Northern Ireland Energy Strategy and the Climate Change (NI) Act 2022 which sets a legal target of 80% renewable energy usage by 2030. To respond successfully to this Transformational Change and the increased complexities of operating today, strategic ambition supports said energy policy.

The Head of Future Power Markets has a pivotal role at the centre of the business in identifying this future need and driving forward potential solutions.

Role Profile

As part of the leadership team, the Head of Future Power Markets is a substantial leadership role and has overall responsibility for overseeing the programme of work to transform the market for Electricity Services.

Key areas of responsibility include:

Evolution of Energy and Capacity Markets

Delivering the Market Solutions

European Market Integration

Implementing European Network Codes

Market Price Modelling & Analysis

The role holder will work closely with colleagues and the Regulatory Authorities in (both Northern Ireland and Ireland) to evolve the Electricity Markets to promote a secure reliable sustainable Power System which maximises Interconnector Trading, Renewable Integration, and demand flexibility aligned with EU policy evolution. This evolution will include the Energy Market, System Services, and Capacity Markets.

The role holder will also work with Government officials to develop future Renewable Incentive Schemes which will promote the connection of Renewables in Northern Ireland to achieve the governments targets.

Close collaboration with peers to deliver the ‘Shaping Our Electricity Future Markets’ roadmap and the delivery of other market related initiatives and solutions for 2030 which can support 80% renewables on average as well as future evolution as the energy system transitions to a net zero electricity system. This solution will be compliant with the Northern Ireland Energy Strategy and the Climate Change (NI) Act 2022, European laws, policies, codes and regulations and the role holder will ensure the Trading and settlement codes evolve to deliver the 2030 ambition. This will involve developing the scenarios, options and optimum pathways to ensure that this ambition for the markets is realised and that demand for electricity is met, whilst at the same time ensuring that security of supply is maintained. Securing buy in from all stakeholders, including regulators in two jurisdictions will be key.

The role holder will be responsible for working with the Strategy & Regulation directorate and the rest of the business to develop integrated GB and European Strategy and implementation programme which supports and underpins the strategy. This strategy will clearly identify key focus areas and collaborations with GB and European colleagues to maximize the potential of success and the protection of the interests of NI consumers. This will include coordinating with inputs into future network codes while managing and influencing the implementation of NI/UK/ European policies and will include representing at European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E)

or equivalent.

The role holder will be responsible for leading and growing a team of market specialists to work collaboratively with the regulators and to develop the Future Power Markets including Future Arrangements System Service, Scheduling & Dispatch, and Strategic Market Programme and other market related programmes as they emerge during the energy transition.

The role holder will be responsible for the development of input into the Capacity Remuneration Mechanism for SEM. This role is responsible for providing supporting evidence in relation to any future State Aid application for a Capacity Remuneration Mechanism as may be made by both Government Departments.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Create, Lead and motivate a high performing team of technical experts and thought leaders with the capability to deliver on the strategic objectives of and ensure an engaged and motivated workforce on an enduring basis.

Set out and oversee the multi-year programme of work to transform the market for electricity services.

In conjunction with peers, create the strategy for and lead a major programme to deliver an integrated power market in 2030 to operate at near 100% Renewables in resilient and cost-effective manner.

Collaborate with the Strategy & Regulation directorate to manage the relationship with the regulatory authorities in relation to any Future Market Design and Development issues.

Facilitate the development of optimum market scenarios and options, engaging with key external stakeholders and gaining support for the preferred pathway.

With respect to the future market evolution, source, procure and deploy strategic partners and experts who can assist to deliver on its strategic ambitions, including appropriate “Peer Review” of solutions.

Lead and collaborate on the Development and Modelling of options and scenarios for the market of the future considering the changes in economic development, the trends in Demand for Electricity and the emerging renewable technologies.

Lead the development and execution of an integration strategy, aligned with priorities at a European level.

Help to Influence European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E) development of European Network Codes, in relation the evolution of the market and associated methodologies as required.

Undertake Market Analysis and Modelling in support of studies, consultations, and code modifications.

Develop a centre for excellence for Market Analysis within.

Maintain and promote effective relationships with peers across the organisation and peers in organisation.

Represent the company externally at a strategic level with partners, government bodies, policy makers and industry experts, speaking with authority on complex matters.

Represent the company on the market committee of European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E)

Develop the metrics and milestones to monitor progress enabling the continuous review and refinement of strategies and plans.

Exemplify and role model the values and leadership behaviours expected of a senior leader in the organisation and support their Governance programme to deliver an ‘independent’

The above list is non-exhaustive. All Heads of Function are expected to proactively identify areas that need to be managed by the business working to their capabilities and competencies in the interests of promoting as a world class TSO.

Critical Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Degree level qualification in Business, Commerce, Economics or Engineering.

Experienced leader in the Utility or Energy Sector with a deep understanding of the potential change disruptors and the interfaces and interactions between the power system and the market

Strong process and programme management skills.

Significant experience of leading technical experts in Market Modelling and Analysis.

Deep understanding of the role and value of technology in delivering transformative change.

Exceptional Relationship Management skills, capable of procuring and managing complex partnership structures to deliver highly technical solutions in support of their future ambitions.

Strategic, able to use Data and Insights to drive the conversations about changes required for the future.

Able to anticipate and manage risk; understanding that change will require a level of exploration and innovation balanced with the need to ensure the stability of the power system.

Ambitious, driven, planful, organised and results oriented.

Exceptional people leader, able to set out a vision and plan, and bring employees with them on the change journey.

Exceptional representational and presentational skills, able to represent on the external circuit.

Ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances, demonstrate resilience and be comfortable with uncertainty and ambiguity.

Effective in engaging the Board and sub-committees thereof in relevant matters.

The rewards package includes a competitive salary commensurate with experience, eligibility for an annual performance related payment, private medical provision, competitive pension with employer matching arrangements, a variety of salary sacrifice schemes (e.g. pension and cycle to work) together with hybrid working arrangements (3 days office: 2 days working at home), competitive holidays and complimentary car parking with electric charging point on site.

Interested? Please send a copy of your CV to Jamie.ali@enexa-partners.com