Commercial Manager

About the job
In this role, you’ll work across the Energy Systems directorate to influence key stakeholders and drive improvements to Connections and Governance arrangements. You’ll support continuous improvement across the DSO by understanding the organisation’s strategic position, identifying risks and opportunities, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

You’ll build strong knowledge of transmission-level constraints and contractual arrangements, providing clear and accurate updates to colleagues and customers on connection project status. Acting as the key point of contact with NESO, you’ll manage transmission access agreements, ensuring compliance with transmission requirements and enabling efficient, least-cost connection solutions.

We’re keen to hear from candidates with backgrounds in electricity, gas, or other regulated or infrastructure settings where policy, governance and stakeholder engagement are core to the role.

Along with a competitive salary of £60,000 – £70,000 (depending on experience), we also offer:

Double-matched pension scheme
25 days holiday (rising with service) plus bank holidays
Strong opportunities for career development and progression

Key Responsibilities

Develop industry‑leading insight on emerging electricity market opportunities and obligations.
Monitor industry change and consultations to identify risks and opportunities and shape NPG’s policy position.
Engage stakeholders to strengthen NPG’s influencing position with Ofgem and other industry bodies.
Contribute to the DNO Commercial Operations Group (COG) on new opportunities and risks.
Maintain accurate processes and reporting to support business needs and ensure compliance.
Promote continuous improvement in working practices.
Support the wider Policy & Markets team as required.
Manage the contractual relationship between NPG and National Energy System Operator (NESO), ensuring obligations and interfaces are effectively governed.
Participate in technical and engineering discussions with National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) to align transmission and distribution requirements.
Liaise with key customers to keep them informed on relevant industry policy developments and the status of their applications.

Key Competencies

Stakeholder management – able to build strong relationships and influence a wide range of stakeholders
Commercial awareness – understands how decisions impact value, risk and outcomes
Policy and regulatory understanding – able to make sense of complex requirements and apply them in practice
Strategic thinking – spots emerging trends and understands the bigger picture
Communication skills – able to explain complex topics clearly and effectively
Governance and compliance focus – works in a structured way and understands the importance of doing things properly

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

Essential

Strong commercial awareness, with the ability to assess complex situations and support decision-making
Good stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with experience working across different teams or organisations
Experience working with policy, regulation, or industry stakeholders
Ability to analyse information and turn it into clear, practical insight
Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office
Understanding of electricity trading arrangements and industry governance frameworks

Desirable

A degree in a relevant subject such as Economics, Mathematics or Engineering
Experience working in the utilities or wider energy sector
Familiarity with UK regulatory frameworks and electricity market structures

Northern Powergrid is committed to equality of opportunity. Applicants will be considered based on their suitability for the role irrespective of sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, race, age or disability, in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.