Innovation Contract Lead - ESO

The ESO is at the heart of the transformation to a fully decarbonised electricity system by 2035, while continuing each day to reliably and safely move electricity across Great Britain second-by-second. Innovation is critical to helping us meet the challenges of transitioning to a zero-carbon future.

We work with innovation partners to solve problems arising from the energy system transition and to maximise benefits for the GB System and the end consumer. We co-create and deliver innovation projects with academic and industry partners across sectors. These will help us to operate the electricity transmission system more effectively in the future. More info: https://www.nationalgrideso.com/future-energy/innovation

Working as the Innovation Contract Lead, you will coordinate the ESO efforts to agree the most suitable innovation agreements with all partners, liaising with procurement and legal. This is a fast-paced area with new projects emerging every week. You will lead the contract negotiations with innovation partners, with strong support from our legal team. Due to the nature of our work, intellectual property, security, and liability protections are key.

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

• Commercial Lead of multiple innovation contracts simultaneously.


• Support ESO's Procurement and Legal team in innovation contract negotiations, representing the ESO commercial position.


• Negotiate commercially sound, risk-based positions with partners on key terms such as intellectual property, security schedules and liabilities.


• Develop strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders so that we can better understand and meet their requirements.


• Provide regular feedback to Innovation Portfolio Manager for reporting purposes on the pipeline of innovation contracts and any associated risks, to provide a holistic picture of contracting activity.


• Ensure compliance with Innovation Governance, including Network Innovation Allowance (NIA) Governance and Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) Governance


• Develop insights to input into innovation agreement templates, through analysis of past and present agreements.
  
  What we do isn't just important - it's essential. That's why we look to recruit experts in their field. In this case, we're looking for someone who has:


• Previous experience of managing the negotiation of complex contract agreements, by considering the interests of all parties whilst understanding critical terms set by the leading organisation.


• Experience in making commercial decisions in contract negotiations.


• Understanding of key contractual terms such as Intellectual Property Rights and liabilities and how to negotiate these.


• Excellent interpersonal, stakeholder and contract management skills; able to communicate effectively at all levels.


• Excellent time management skills in a fast-moving environment.


• Comfortable working across teams (Innovation, Legal, Procurement).


• Experience in the energy sector or innovation would be desirable.
  
  Our mission is to facilitate the decarbonisation of Great Britain's energy network and ensure the delivery of reliable, affordable, and green electricity for consumers. We work with stakeholders across the whole energy industry to plan for future network needs, using insight to make sure we can balance the system today and find opportunities to transform the way it operates tomorrow., In Summer of 2024, the ESO will transition to becoming the National Energy System Operator, or NESO for short. Previously denoted as the Future System Operator (or FSO), the new National Energy System Operator will be the independent body responsible for planning Great Britain's electricity and gas networks and operating the electricity system.


The ESO, including all of its existing roles, will be at the heart of the new National Energy System Operator. As NESO, we will build on our existing roles, capabilities, and ways of working significantly to create an organisation the energy system and its users' need. Our new capabilities will enable us to look across vectors, including electricity, natural gas and hydrogen, and crucially consider the trade-offs between them.

The organisation will be set up as a public corporation with its own Board of independent directors, with complete operational independence from government, the regulator and any and all commercial interest. As the ESO are today, NESO will be licenced and regulated by Ofgem through price control agreements and obligated to identify optimal solutions to system operations and planning in the most sustainable, affordable and secure way for all.

The time to deliver is now. As part of our team, you won't just be touching the lives of almost everyone in Great Britain - you'll be shaping the way we use and consume energy for generations to come.

A competitive salary between £50,000 - £60,000 - 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%.

You will also have access to a comprehensive benefits package tailored to support your well-being and professional success. From a competitive salary to flexible work arrangements, we promote your work-life balance. Enjoy fit for purpose wellbeing and lifestyle offerings, ongoing skill development aligned to our Purpose and Values, and be part of a supportive community that values your individuality and where you can belong.