Graduate Commercial Analyst (Electricity System Operator) Warwick 2024

National Grid is at the heart of the energy future, and our people are at the heart of National Grid.

We’re 30,000 colleagues strong. In the UK, National Grid don’t generate or sell energy – we join the dots to get energy from A to B. From making a cup of tea in the morning, to keeping the lights on in hospitals, our electricity network puts power in the hands of people. Without it, the world as we know it would grind to a halt.

The world of energy is changing beyond recognition as we focus on building a cleaner, greener future. Working at National Grid, you won’t just be touching the lives of almost everyone in the UK – you’ll be shaping the way we use and consume energy for generations to come.

As Great Britain’s electricity system operator (ESO), we sit at the heart of the electricity system, using our outstanding engineering and commercial expertise to balance electricity supply and demand. Ultimately, we keep the electricity flowing directly to where it’s needed, second by second.

Our values and principles

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of who we are and what we do. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and they are central to our mission. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries and we are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that you require.

About the role

Are you interested in gaining the skills to negotiate and build effective relationships with some of the best people in the energy industry?

Joining our 18-month Graduate Development Programme gives you the opportunity to develop your skills as a Commercial Graduate within the Electricity System Operator (ESO); you will do vital work at the heart of Great Britain's energy industry, ensuring our high voltage electricity system and the commercial infrastructure that underpins it meets the fast-growing needs of consumers.

You will work and solve a wide range of complex problems with some of the best people across the energy industry and within the ESO to ultimately deliver our ambitions of operating a zero-carbon network as well as increased levels of competition in the markets we operate. You will create innovative ways to do business and manage strategic relationships, helping us become a trusted partner of the whole energy industry.

Key accountabilities

• Predict the nation's energy needs for the coming decades so we can understand how the electricity networks and policies might have to change.
• Lead analytical work that defines the long-term changes in the electricity transmission network, to deliver reliable and affordable power to consumers while meeting our carbon free operation ambition.
• Collaborate closely with industry stakeholders and colleagues from across our business to ensure the electricity system of the future meets the industry’s needs and expectations and delivers strategic industry-wide objectives such as the UK’s 2050 net zero targets.
• Negotiate connections and service contracts with our customers.
• Work with colleagues from the energy industry, and national bodies to develop and implement amendments to industry codes that set out how the energy markets operate.
• Develop our charging rules and collect our revenues.
• Design, implement and operate markets to procure services needed for electricity system operation
• Investigate the root causes of performance issues, identify and analyse opportunities to improve processes, then recommend and implement sustainable developments.

What you'll need

You’ll need to have/be on track to achieve a 2.2 in any degree discipline.

Ideally, you’ll also have a valid, full UK Drivers License.

The role is based in Warwick, hybrid working options available and dependent upon business requirements.

Application deadline

We recruit on a rolling basis and reserve the right to close our vacancies once we have enough applications. We encourage you to apply as early as possible to ensure you obtain the place you want in the application process.

Assessment centres will be held from December 2023 onwards.

What you'll get

At the ESO, we are committed to providing you with a comprehensive range of benefits to support you in your personal and professional life. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health and wellness programmes, opportunities for career growth, a supportive work environment, and much more.

We are proud to offer a starting salary of £33,154 (Bachelor’s) or £34,300 (Master’s). Our Graduate Programmes are unique; not only will gain an insight into how we work at the ESO, but you’ll also get to understand what a career with us can offer, along with some great rewards:

• £2,000 bonus, once joined and started on programme.
• 26 days holiday
• £2,400 payment on successful completion of the programme
• Up to £200 per month accommodation allowance as you move around the business, and additional annual leave for when you move between placements plus assistance with moving personal belongings.

We’re dedicated to fostering a culture that values well-being and career growth, making the ESO an ideal place to work and build a fulfilling career.

More information

The Government and Ofgem have asked the ESO to take on new roles and responsibilities.

Becoming the Energy Future System Operator is a critical step to help deliver a reliable and clean energy transition for all. The ESO, including all of its existing roles, will be at the heart of the new Future System Operator, taking on additional roles with a whole energy system mindset to drive progress towards net zero while maintaining energy security and minimising costs for consumers.

The new organisation will be set up as a public corporation with operational independence from government – bringing parties together to support optimised decision making and action. As now, it will be licensed and regulated by Ofgem through price control agreements. It is anticipated that the new organisation will be up and running by or in 2024.

The time to act on climate change is now. As part of the 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.

At National Grid, 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.

Our goal is to drive, develop and operate our business in a way that results in a more inclusive culture. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, the innovation from diverse teams & perspectives and business need. We are committed to building a workforce so we can represent the communities we serve and have a working environment in which each individual feels valued, respected, fairly treated, and able to reach their full potential.