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 EirGrid, 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 decisions and deliver outcomes within demanding operational environments and timescales.
- Working knowledge of the Energy Management System, control centre security tools, and scheduling/dispatch tools
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, confident in communicating technical concepts to lay audiences and technical experts alike.
- Demonstrates ability to lead through change, adapt to evolving operational requirements and identify opportunities for improvement in complex environments.
- Ability to build effective working relationships, influence decision-making, and facilitate constructive resolution of differing viewpoints when required.
Desirable:
- Experience working across organisational boundaries within the electricity sector or other regulated infrastructure industries.
- Familiarity with regulatory engagement and external stakeholder management.
- Experience supporting change programmes or organisational transformation initiatives.
Why join us?
- Play a vital role in shaping sustainable energy projects that benefit communities and the environment.
- Enjoy a competitive salary, performance-related bonus, private medical cover, and pension matching.
- Benefit from flexible working arrangements, including hybrid options (3 days office / 2 days home).
- Enhanced holidays, maternity and paternity leave and wellbeing days.
- Access salary sacrifice schemes (such as cycle to work, EV scheme), free car parking, onsite EV charging and complimentary lunch.
- Access professional development opportunities and clear career progression pathways.
- We offer an inclusive culture that values diversity, supports flexible working and empowers you to grow. We know flexible working means different things to different people. Contact us if you’d like to talk about how this role could work for you.
If you are seeking a challenging and impactful role within the energy sector, we’d love to hear from you. Join us in shaping the future of SONI and delivering a cleaner and more secure energy future for everyone living in Northern Ireland.
Closing date for applications is 7 August 2026.
SONI reserves the right to extend this deadline where necessary to maximise the applicant pool.
Submit your application by uploading your CV with a cover letter (in one document).
SONI is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to an inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are valued, and everyone can thrive. As a STEM organisation, we are continuing to strengthen gender diversity across our engineering and technology roles and welcome applications from women who want to build and apply their expertise to Northern Ireland’s energy system.
We have a duty to prevent illegal working and applicants must demonstrate they have a legal right to work in the UK. SONI is not providing sponsorship for this vacancy. 