Role Title: Control Centre Manager
Reports to: Head of Control Centre Operations
Location: Castlereagh House, Belfast (Hybrid 3 days office/ 2 days WFH)
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
As
Control Centre Manager, you will lead real-time system operations within SONI’s Control Centre, ensuring the safe, secure and reliable operation of the Northern Ireland electricity system.
You will act as a key escalation point for operational issues, providing technical leadership and supporting timely decision-making in a fast-paced, safety-critical environment.
Working closely with internal teams and external stakeholders, you will play a central role in coordinating operations, maintaining control centre systems and processes, and ensuring effective communication across the power system. You will also support and develop a high-performing team, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment.
This is a critical leadership role for someone who combines strong technical expertise with excellent communication and people leadership skills, and who is motivated by contributing to a secure and sustainable energy future.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead day-to-day Control Centre Operations, acting as the first point of escalation for operational issues
- Oversee real-time monitoring of system demand, generation, plant margins and renewable forecasts to ensure system security
- Ensure operational policies and procedures are maintained and adhered to in line with Operating Security Standards
- Ensure compliance with NIE Networks Safety Rules and participate in incident investigations as required
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with key stakeholders, including EirGrid, market participants, system service providers, regulators and government bodies
- Represent SONI in internal and external forums, including regulatory and industry engagements
- Support the development and delivery of Control Centre simulation exercises
- Provide leadership, coaching and support to Control Centre team members, contributing to team performance and development
- Deputise for the Head of Control Centre Operations as required
- Participate in an on-call rota to support system operations outside of standard working hours
- Oversee and coordinate changes to Control Centre systems in collaboration with IT
Critical Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Essential:
- Degree in Engineering (or HNC with significant relevant experience), typically with 8+ years’ experience in power system operations or a related field
- Strong understanding of the safe, secure and economic operation of a transmission system
- Detailed knowledge of the Northern Ireland transmission system
- Experience working in operational or control centre environments, ideally in safety-critical settings
- Strong leadership capability, with the ability to support, guide and influence others
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make decisions under pressure
- Effective communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information to a range of audiences
- Experience working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders
- High level of organisation and ability to manage competing priorities
Desirable:
- Experience within the electricity sector or other regulated infrastructure environments
- Familiarity with Energy Management Systems, control centre security tools and dispatch/scheduling systems
- Experience leading in high-risk environments with a strong focus on safety and operational excellence
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 16 June 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. 