DSO Engagement and Operation Engineer

SP Electricity North West manages and invests in the power network that supplies electricity to the 2.4m homes and businesses across the North West. Our 2,400 colleagues manage the 13,000km of overhead lines, 44,000km of underground cables and thousands of electricity substations to keep power flowing and supporting green growth. We’re one of six distribution network operators in the UK and are regulated by Ofgem.

We’re proud that in December 2024 we were named Utility of the Year by Utility Week magazine who said we punched above our weight and used innovation to solve some of the industry’s most difficult challenges. Come and be part of our team and make a difference.

Now part of the Iberdrola and ScottishPower group, we’re collectively building smarter, greener electricity networks that will get Britain growing by investing in a better future, quicker.

A Fantastic Opportunity: DSO Engagement and Operations Optimisation Engineer

SP ENW is committed to building a smarter, more flexible grid that enables faster, cost-effective connections and supports regional decarbonisation goals. As a member of the DSO Team, you'll be at the heart of our network transition; combining engineering expertise and data-driven innovations to deliver practical, real-world network solutions. You will help shape SP ENW’s investment strategy to support stakeholder development plans and regional decarbonisation initiatives.

The remit of the role is

wide ranging; including engaging with stakeholders to understand their requirements, using engineering insights to develop innovative solutions to help customers implement their plans, and collaborating across the business to maximise network performance and wider business benefits.

As Distribution System Operation grows there are increasingly opportunities and challenges to manage to ensure that existing connectee’s needs are met. The focus of this role is Operations support to customers and SP ENW teams.

Support the wider DSO team with engineering and data analysis required to operate and improve active distribution networks.

Provide operational engineering insights and data to external stakeholders and promote flexibility services and ANM connections. Liaise with internal stakeholders to enhance data availability on operational, flexibility and ANM connections related aspects.

Advise and support stakeholders delivering small- and large-scale energy projects, offering technical guidance and practical solutions to overcome barriers specific to these types of schemes.

Bridge the gap between deep technical insight and actionable delivery: working with colleagues across the DSO, Connections and Strategic Planning teams to identify network solutions and innovations that support the delivery of stakeholder energy plans.

Represent the company at local and regional events where this supports the overall DSO and ENWL stakeholder engagement objectives and in working with existing and prospective connectees to our network.

Manage key relationships across a broad range of external stakeholders, ensuring stakeholders understand and can contribute to the DSO satisfaction survey, supporting DSO incentive performance.

Support the team to deliver customer support as required.

Support energy planning of gas companies (Cadent, NGN etc), water utilities (UU), local authorities (councils and county councils)

Engage with the NESO (incl. Regional Energy System Plan teams) to promote whole system planning practices and facilitate on behalf of our whole system stakeholders

What We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences who meet the following criteria:

• Strong understanding of GB power distribution networks across all voltage levels.
• Thorough knowledge of the electricity distribution sector, including regulatory frameworks and industry standards.
• Have a thorough knowledge and experience of the electricity distribution business, specifically an understanding of regulatory and industry standards within electricity distribution.
• Degree in Electrical Engineering (essential); specialisation in power systems engineering (preferred).
• Understanding of operational data and the engineering processes of Active Network Management systems.
• Be proficient in the use of power systems analysis software including IPSA and DINIS.
• Proven relevant industrial experience.
• Proven ability to support customers through energy system transitions by identifying barriers, sharing best practices, and developing tailored solutions.
• Demonstrable understanding of Low Carbon Technologies and local energy solutions.
• Proven, substantial experience of delivering credible customer support working in a complex environment.

Knowledge and expertise of electricity distribution sector and the challenges facing the industry, the carbon reduction commitments of the UK Government and how that relates to the transition to distribution systems operator.

Have a good understanding of the DSO industry and the role SP Electricity Northwest undertakes.

Understanding of Connections charging process and policy as they relate to the customer journey and impact on the delivery of local energy solutions.

Take the lead on improvement initiatives and drive changes through to a successful conclusion.

A strategic thinker with the ability to analyse and distil information and identify opportunities and problem solver used to working across different teams to find solutions.

Be an excellent written and verbal communicator with strong presentation skills.

What We’re Offering

We value your expertise. In return, you’ll receive:

• An annual bonus scheme
• 25 days annual leave increasing with length of service
• Private Healthcare
• An employee rewards portal offering discounts on several well-known brands

A market-leading contributory pension scheme

Employee assistance programme

Opportunity for professional development through our L&D function.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We’re proud to foster a workplace where everyone can thrive. We celebrate diversity and are committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve. We believe that embracing our differences makes us stronger.

If you need any adjustments or support during the application process, please contact our Recruitment Team at careers@enwl.co.uk or call 0845 366 0092 (option 2).

Any offer made will remain conditional until pre-employment checks are complete to a level deemed satisfactory by SP Electricity North West. Due to the of this role, the following pre-employment checks will be required; references from previous employers, a Medical Appointment, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), and a Drug & Alcohol test.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early.

We don't accept speculative CVs from agencies. Any received we will assert ownership of the candidate and no fee will be payable