Head of Governance, Risk & Compliance NESO

About the Role

National Energy System Operators (NESO) strength lies in our people. Together were shaping the future where clean affordable energy is accessible for all. Every day is an opportunity to make a real difference accelerating the progress of sustainable GB energy keeping people connected and society thriving as we create a brighter tomorrow.

The Head of Governance Risk and Compliance champions and fosters an inclusive and commercial culture of risk and compliance throughout NESOs estate. You will be responsible for overseeing a cyber risk management framework and coordinating all IT & cyber risk and cyber compliance related activities across NESO.

In this role you will ensure strict adherence and alignment with all internal and external legal and regulatory requirements policies and procedures. Additionally you will work closely with NESOs Cyber Security team and business stakeholders to promote and embed a proactive culture to risk compliance and regulation across the business with a particular focus on compliance to e.g. NIST Cyber Security Framework Network & Information Systems Regulations (NIS) and other control frameworks such as ISO27001.

The role will ensure the secure design and secure implementation of technology solutions platforms and infrastructure to support NESO in ensuring we continue to maintain our regulatory responsibilities and operate within our risk appetite.

The Head of Governance Risk & Compliance will work closely with both the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) Chief Information Officer (CIO) and other Senior Managers within DD&T.

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

Key Accountabilities

• Accountable for defining security standards and development of organisational policies in alignment to Cyber and DD&T strategy
• Accountable for NESOs adoption of Cyber and Technology governance and standards utilising industry best practise security standards such as ISO27001 NIST Cyber Security Framework and Information Security Forum standard of good practice to drive innovation and a customer centric approach.
• Accountable for the management of the DD&T risk management framework and the operational management of our Security principal risk.
• Leading on Technology governance risk and compliance submissions (internal and external)
• Accountable for the development and delivery of a comprehensive assurance framework including vendor security assurance.
• Preparation of materials for external meetings and review of deliverables for quality and consistency
• Supporting development of forward-looking investment plans

About You

Were forging the path and we know we cant do it alone. Thats why we need visionary minds like yours to join us on this transformative this case were looking for someone who:

• Passionate about enabling the function with a comprehensive control and risk management capability

• Experience of developing implementing and enhancing our approach and controls.

• Solid experience of using ISO27001 Risk management frameworks working with enterprise risk management teams.

• Strong communicator with excellent writing skills.

Essentials

• Experience of working in government or other highly regulated environments preferably in the Energy sector.
• Experience of engaging with senior stakeholders
• Expert knowledge of compliance monitoring procedures and reporting

About What Youll Get

A competitive salary of circa 85000 - 95000pa dependent on experience and capability.

As well as your base salary you will receive a bonus of up to 20% of your salary for stretch performance a benefits allowance 28 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%.

As we work towards creating a cleaner greener and more affordable future for all we also work towards creating a place for our teammates to belong with professional and personal growth and positive well-being.

• Full support and career-development resources to expand your skills enhance your expertise and maximise your potential along your career journey.
• A diverse and inclusive community of belonging where teammates are empowered to bring ideas to the table.
• Generous Total Rewards Plan comprising of health finance and wealth work/life balance and career benefits.

About Us

National Energy System Operators (NESO) mission is to facilitate the decarbonisation of Great Britains energy network and ensure the delivery of reliable affordable and clean electricity for consumers. We work with stakeholders across the whole energy industry to plan for future network needs using a wider adoption of technology and changes in consumer behaviour as well as ensuring we have the right markets networks and frameworks in place to transform the way we operate tomorrow.

Join us and lets energise progress.

Our energy our future together.

About The National Energy System Operator (NESO)

In Autumn of 2024 the ESO transitioned to National Energy System Operator or NESO for short. Previously denoted as the Future System Operator (or FSO) the new National Energy System Operator is the independent body responsible for planning Great Britains electricity and gas networks and operating the electricity system.

The ESO including all of its existing roles are now 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 is 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 was the ESO 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.

More Information

This role closes on 15/03/2026 at 23:59 however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary.

We work towards the highest standards in everything we do including how we support value and develop our people. Our aim is to encourage and support employees to thrive and be the best they can be. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds and offer flexible and tailored support at home and in the office.

Were committed to building a workforce that represents the communities we serve and a working environment in which each individual feels valued respected fairly treated and able to reach their full potential.