Multiple opportunities are available for Strategic Planners - 11kV, within the Secondary System Planning Team.  The base location will be within one of National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) offices and will be discussed with successful candidates at offer stage.

Reporting to the Secondary System Planning Manager within the Distribution System Operator, you will be working within a small and relatively new team of 11kV and LV Strategic Planners to identify the areas of secondary distribution system in need of investment across the entirety of NGED’s network coverage area.

The Secondary System Planning Team are responsible for the comprehensive analysis of NGED’s HV and LV distribution systems, the identification and prioritisation of areas of secondary investment, and determination of the optimal solution to network constraints for various forecast scenarios, taking into consideration work planned by parallel teams, such as Field Operations and Major Projects.

The team will work closely with the Secondary Network Design Team, who are responsible for the subsequent stage of project delivery, and localised Field Operations teams, to help maximise efficiency and accomplish common objectives.

If you are offered a position, you will be required to successfully complete a basic DBS check that shows any unspent convictions or conditional cautions.

Evidence of your qualifications will be required prior to appointment.

Depending on experience, you may initially be appointed at a lower salary until all relevant courses and training are complete.

We’re National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED), the owner and operator behind the electricity distribution systems for the Midlands, the Southwest of England and South Wales. Serving communities of more than 8 million people, our expert teams deliver heat, light and power for homes and businesses.

National Grid employs over 29,000 people worldwide. We are building an inclusive workplace, a place to actively celebrate the cultures, personalities and preferences of our colleagues – who in turn help to build the success of our business and reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Our vision is to be at the heart of a clean, fair and affordable energy future and we are doing this in a fast-moving industry with an increasing focus on tackling climate change, exploring new energy sources that are renewable, low carbon, and improve efficiency to meet demand.

• System planning to include wide-scale analysis of the secondary network (HV & LV) for incremental load growth across existing consumers, new strategic developments and adjacent EHV reconfiguration
• Planning of HV network reinforcement schemes, taking into consideration asset replacement and new connections schemes
• Electrical analysis of the system, including voltage, load flow and fault level analysis
• Meeting tight deadlines for identification of network constraints and associated investment strategy
• Technical support and coordination with the Secondary Network Design Team and Field Operations Planners across the business
• Consideration for the impact of projects on customers, the public and the environment
• Co-ordination with the wider DSO directorate on EHV schemes and HV back feeds for demand security
• Annual collation of anticipated future load connection data and customer behaviour data to support preparation of Network Development Plans, Long Term Development Statements & Load Forecasts
• Liaison with the Commercial & Operability Team to evaluate the use of flexibility services to defer, or in lieu of, traditional reinforcement

You’ll have an analytical mind, with a methodical approach to problem solving and have the ability to present information in a clear and reasoned way.

Experience of network modelling and analysis is essential and the use of software packages such as EMU, Smallworld Electric Office GIS, Connect/LV, Connect, WinDEBUT, PSS SINCAL (or equivalent analysis and design tools) is highly desirable.

The successful candidate will be required to hold a Level 3 qualification in Electrical or Electronic Engineering, Electrical Power Engineering or equivalent subject.  If not already attained, you will be required to undertake an HNC in Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

You will be self-motivated, logical and numerate as well as having excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.

Applicants may not necessarily possess all the skills required to carry out the role at present but should have the confidence and ability to reach the necessary standards with training. Where appropriate, the appointment will initially be on a designate basis pending completion of the required training. 

You will need to be mobile throughout the area, so a full UK driving licence is required for this role.

A flexible attitude is essential as you may be asked to undertake other duties to assist the team in meeting its objectives.

Joining the UK’s leading electricity distribution business means plenty of career opportunities and well-deserved recognition. We reward hard work and encourage ambition. So, as well as a competitive salary, you will also benefit from:

• 26 days paid leave plus 8 bank holidays, up to 28 days with continuous service
• Competitive contributory pension scheme (we double match your contributions up to a maximum of 12%)
• Annual Share Save plan
• Contributory private healthcare scheme for you and your family
• Support via our Employee Assistance Programme, including musculoskeletal and physiotherapy services
• Free on-site parking at all our main sites

Things you need to know

As an equal opportunities employer who is committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, we celebrate individual difference and are actively bringing in more employees from diverse backgrounds to build on our inclusive culture. We anonymise all applications in our recruitment system so we can eliminate unconscious bias and be a workplace that reflects the community we serve. Hiring managers only have access to necessary information at interview stage. If you require additional support to complete your online application, please email nged.recruitment@nationalgrid.co.uk

Recruitment correspondence is usually sent by email, please check your email account including spam/junk folders regularly after the closing date.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early should sufficient numbers of suitable applications be received, so it would be best to apply as soon as you can.