JOB SUMMARY

Ofgem is at the forefront of the fight to future-proof Britain’s energy system, combating climate change and keeping costs under control. We’re looking for a Head of Energy System Planning to join us and lead a high-impact programme of work that will shape how we transition to a cleaner, smarter and more efficient energy system.
Ofgem is Great Britain’s independent energy regulator. We’re at the forefront of change across the energy sector, driving toward Net Zero whilst protecting energy consumers, especially vulnerable people.
We’re offering a permanent opportunity where you’ll work with some of the most influential players in the energy sector. This is a strategic leadership role at the heart of one of the most exciting transformations in UK energy policy, focused on delivering a fairer system through forward-thinking planning and collaboration. You’ll help ensure future energy infrastructure meets the needs of consumers while enabling the UK to meet its Clean Power 2030 and Net Zero targets.
As the energy landscape rapidly evolves, you’ll lead a small but agile team that’s right at the centre of the UK’s system-wide transformation. Working closely with government and the National Energy System Operator (NESO), your work will influence how new infrastructure is planned, where investment goes, and how the UK can deliver energy security and affordability long into the future.
We’re looking for someone with strong sector knowledge, excellent analytical judgement, and the credibility to shape high-level strategic decisions. You’ll bring experience of leading multi-disciplinary teams, advising senior stakeholders, and working across organisational boundaries with confidence and clarity.
In return, we offer flexible working, a hybrid approach from our London, Cardiff or Glasgow offices, and the opportunity to lead a team that’s helping to reimagine the UK’s energy future. You’ll work in an inclusive, high-performing environment that values diverse thinking and bold leadership.
We have a critical purpose to design and deliver long-term energy system plans that realise the UK’s Clean Power 2030 and Net Zero ambitions. Join us to lead this mission and help shape the future for generations to come.
Read on and find out more.

JOB DESCRIPTION

This is an exciting moment in the UK’s transition to net zero where energy system planning is at the fore. The UK Government has committed to deliver Clean Power by 2030, and Ofgem has an important delivery role to play. Building on the 2030 plan, DESNZ has also commissioned the newly formed National Energy System Operator (NESO) to prepare a Strategic Spatial Energy Plan (SSEP) for Great Britain. The SSEP will play a crucial role in shaping our future energy system by guiding investment choices in generation and transmission infrastructure to facilitate the transition to net zero. Alongside preparing the SSEP, we are working jointly with NESO and DESNZ to consider how to bring about alignment and implement the SSEP. Electricity demand is also increasing, especially from AI data centres, and we need to plan future growth in ways that ensure that the energy system remains optimised for efficiency to keep control of costs.
A dedicated Energy System Planning team in Ofgem leads engagement with NESO and the UK Government in the development of the SSEP, coordination of Ofgem’s support for delivering Clean Power 2030, and understanding future electricity demand growth, with a focus on ensuring that the future system takes account of consumer interests. The team is small but with a remit to engage widely across Ofgem and with external stakeholders to ensure our interests are represented, understood, and served.

As Head of the Energy System Planning team you will offer team leadership, strategic senior-level advice, build cooperation with teams across Ofgem, and lead engagement with external stakeholders especially NESO and DESNZ to deliver a diverse, impactful, and exciting programme of work in the GB energy sector. You will be someone who:

• Brings energy sector insights, analytical thinking, and an ability to craft policy and strategy through clear advice to senior leadership
• Is flexible and can thrive in a fast-paced environment when the need requires.
• Will champion our culture of inclusion, and encourages, supports, and celebrates the diverse voices and experiences of our colleagues, ensuring we best represent the consumers and the communities we serve.

NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements

Architecture and Data
Digital
Planning
Policy
Strategy