Senior Lead Connections & Strategy Analyst

Role Title: Senior LeadConnections & StrategyAnalyst Reports to: Head of Networks Location: Belfast (Hybrid 2 days remote/3 days office) Who We Are SONI is Northern Irelands Transmission System Operator.

Scroll down to find an indepth overview of this job, and what is expected of candidates Make an application by clicking on the Apply button.

We are the people behind Northern Irelands electricity grid.

We make sure that every home, business, school, hospital, factory and farm power
- when and where they need it.

Andthatsjust the beginning of our story.

We have a critical role to play in delivering a cleaner, cheaper more secure energy future for everyone living in Northern Ireland.

Our focus is on safety,securityand reliability.

Our work environment is challenging, fast-moving, collaborative and team orientated.

Our culture is driven by continual development,knowledgeand teamwork.

Our people are committed to reducing Northern Irelands reliance on fossil fuels and transforming the energy system to make decarbonisation a reality while providing a safe and reliable electricity supply in a way that secures the future for those who follow us.

The work you will deliver with us here at SONI matters.

Join a great and supportive team and be part of the transformation.

The Role The Networks team in SONI is central in responding successfully to this transformational change and the increased complexities of planning a power system that supports a clean energy system in Northern Ireland through planning and delivering high voltage customer connections and transmission system infrastructure projects in Northern Ireland.

We are seeking a highly motivated individual who is keen to play a leading role inshapinghow the transmission grid in Northern Ireland will evolve tosupport thetransformation ofthe powersystem, maintain security of supplyand enable thetransition to a low carbon energy future in Northern Ireland.

As Senior Lead,you will report to the Head of Networks and provide leadership and expertise to developand implementstrategicconnections policiesin collaboration with key industry stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities Leading the developmentand implementationof connections related policiesthat supporttransformation of the power systemand the move to more of a plan-led approach to connectionssuch ascontestability for transmission connections,firmaccessand transmissionclusters.Leadingthedevelopmentof supporting programmes, documentationandengaging effectively withexternal partners.

Providingleadershipandsubject matterexpertiseon complex commercial, contractual, technical and connections policy related matters.

Lead theproactiveimprovementanddevelopment ofbusiness processes,licence conditions,Transmission Interface Arrangements (TIA) with NIE Networks,connections contractsandcharging methodologies.

Preparing and managing Connection Offers,Transmission Use of System offersand Connection Agreements, incorporating key elements of technically focused reports into connection contracts.

Represent SONI in customer discussions and negotiations to provide high quality and consistent customer engagement for a diverse range of generation,demandand system service connection providers.

Buildingandmaintainingstrong and effective relationships with key stakeholders such as NIE Networks, the Utility Regulator and relevant government departments.

Collaborating and influencingeffectively internally across SONIand atsenior leadership level.

Writingrobust reportsand governance papersand communicatingthese clearly to internal and externalstakeholders.

Providing guidanceand coachingto team members and contributing to a team culture that is solution focused.

Supporting the team manager with the management of a broad range of business as usual and ad-hoc projects.

Critical Knowledge,Skillsand Experience Essential: University degree ina business, technical orlegaldiscipline,or other relevant equivalent degree, with a minimum of 5yearsrelevantexpertiseand experience.

Demonstratedcomprehensiveknowledgeand understanding of the complexcontractualand commercial aspects of the power industry, connectioncustomersand key industry stakeholders.

Proven commercial awareness with strong customer and stakeholder management skills.

Proven experience working with commercial contractsand a strong understanding of the technical,commercialand legal aspects of contracts.

Understanding of generation, demand and enabling technologiesconnecting to the power system.

Demonstrated knowledge and application of relevant regulations, licence, technical standards, codes and policies relating to transmission system and connections planning.

Advanced problem solving and analysis skills.

Excellent communication skills to articulate complextopicsandresults to a non-technical audience.

Experience in writinghigh quality, succinctreportsand presentingtheseto internal and external stakeholders.

Demonstrated consultation skills, with change management concepts and strategies including communication, culturechangeand performance measurement system design.

Flexibility and agility to manage a wide range of issues at the same time.

Excellent interpersonal skills and a proven ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Proven track history ofmaintainingdeadlines in a dynamic environment.

Desirable: Proven understanding of and strong technical knowledge of the power systemand /or connection processes.

Experience working in a regulated environment.

Knowledge of the Transmission Interface Arrangements Proficiencyin project management.

Why join us? Play a vital role in shaping sustainable energy projects thatbenefitcommunities and the environment.

Enjoy a competitive salary, performance-related bonus, private medical cover, and pension matching.

Benefit from flexible working arrangements, including hybrid options (3 days office / 2 days home).

Enhanced holidays, maternity and paternity leave and wellbeing days.

Access salarysacrificeschemes (such as cycle to work, EV scheme), free car parking, onsite EV charging and complimentary lunch.

Access professional development opportunities and clear career progression pathways.

We offer an inclusive culture that values diversity, supports flexible working and empowers you to grow.

We know flexible working means different things to different people.

Contact us ifyoudlike to talk about how this role could work for you.

If you areseekinga challenging and impactful role within the energy sector,wedlove to hear from you.

Join us in shaping the future of SONI and delivering a cleaner and more secure energy future for everyone living in Northern Ireland.

Closing date for applications is20 August 2026 SONI reserves the right to extend this deadline where necessary to maximise the applicant pool.

Submit your application by uploading your CV with a cover letter (in one document).

SONI is proud to be an equal opportunities employer.

We are committed to an inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives arevalued,and everyone can thrive.

As a STEM organisation, we are continuing to strengthen gender diversity across ourengineering and technology roles and welcome applications from women who want to build and apply theirexpertiseto Northern Irelands energy system. xwzovoh

We have a duty to prevent illegalworkingand applicants mustdemonstratethey have a legal right to work in the UK.

SONI is not providing sponsorship for this vacancy.

Skills: Leadership Connections Policy Transmission Systems
TPBN1_NI