Role Title: Senior Lead Connections & Strategy Analyst
Reports to: Head of Networks
Location: Belfast (Hybrid – 2 days remote/3 days office)
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 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 Networks team in SONI is central in responding successfully to this transformational change and the increased complexities of planning a power system that supports a clean energy system in Northern Ireland through planning and delivering high voltage customer connections and transmission system infrastructure projects in Northern Ireland.
We are seeking a highly motivated individual who is keen to play a leading role in shaping how the transmission grid in Northern Ireland will evolve to support the transformation of the power system, maintain security of supply and enable the transition to a low carbon energy future in Northern Ireland.
As Senior Lead, you will report to the Head of Networks and provide leadership and expertise to develop and implement strategic connections policies in collaboration with key industry stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
- Leading the development and implementation of connections related policies that support transformation of the power system and the move to more of a plan-led approach to connections such as contestability for transmission connections, firm access and transmission clusters. Leading the development of supporting programmes, documentation and engaging effectively with external partners.
- Providing leadership and subject matter expertise on complex commercial, contractual, technical and connections policy related matters.
- Lead the proactive improvement and development of business processes, licence conditions, Transmission Interface Arrangements (TIA) with NIE Networks, connections contracts and charging methodologies.
- Preparing and managing Connection Offers, Transmission Use of System offers and Connection Agreements, incorporating key elements of technically focused reports into connection contracts.
- Represent SONI in customer discussions and negotiations to provide high quality and consistent customer engagement for a diverse range of generation, demand and system service connection providers.
- Building and maintaining strong and effective relationships with key stakeholders such as NIE Networks, the Utility Regulator and relevant government departments.
- Collaborating and influencing effectively internally across SONI and at senior leadership level.
- Writing robust reports and governance papers and communicating these clearly to internal and external stakeholders.
- Providing guidance and coaching to team members and contributing to a team culture that is solution focused.
- Supporting the team manager with the management of a broad range of business as usual and ad-hoc projects.
Critical Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Essential:
- University degree in a business, technical or legal discipline, or other relevant equivalent degree, with a minimum of 5 years relevant expertise and experience.
- Demonstrated comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the complex contractual and commercial aspects of the power industry, connection customers and key industry stakeholders.
- Proven commercial awareness with strong customer and stakeholder management skills.
- Proven experience working with commercial contracts and a strong understanding of the technical, commercial and legal aspects of contracts.
- Understanding of generation, demand and enabling technologies connecting to the power system.
- Demonstrated knowledge and application of relevant regulations, licence, technical standards, codes and policies relating to transmission system and connections planning.
- Advanced problem solving and analysis skills.
- Excellent communication skills to articulate complex topics and results to a non-technical audience.
- Experience in writing high quality, succinct reports and presenting these to internal and external stakeholders.
- Demonstrated consultation skills, with change management concepts and strategies including communication, culture change and performance measurement system design.
- Flexibility and agility to manage a wide range of issues at the same time.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and a proven ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Proven track history of maintaining deadlines in a dynamic environment.
Desirable:
- Proven understanding of and strong technical knowledge of the power system and / or connection processes.
- Experience working in a regulated environment.
- Knowledge of the Transmission Interface Arrangements
- Proficiency in project management.
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 20 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. 