Portfolio Manager – NESO

About The Role

National Energy System Operator’s (NESO) strength lies in our people. Together, we’re 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 Portfolio Manager role sits within the Enterprise Portfolio Office (EPO), which is responsible for the effective management of NESO’s enterprise-wide investment portfolio to ensure alignment to strategic objectives and maximize the value derived from our portfolio investments for delivering the organization's net zero goals.

Reporting to the Head of Portfolio Office, this role provides leadership and ownership of end-to-end Portfolio Governance across NESO. The role holder will design, embed, and continuously improve governance frameworks, standards, and methodologies to ensure robust governance, effective portfolio assurance, and clear decision-making structures across all programs and projects.

Expertise in portfolio office management is essential for success in this role.

The role can be based in Wokingham or with hybrid working from both the office and home. Attendance in the office is required 1 - 2 times a week.

Key Accountabilities

• Defining, implementing and continuously improving the end-to-end Enterprise Portfolio Governance framework to ensure consistent, transparent and effective decision-making across all programs, projects, and key BAU activity.
• Establishing and maintaining robust portfolio management standards, policies, and methodologies to drive consistency, best practice, and high-quality delivery across the enterprise.
• Establishing and delivering a comprehensive portfolio assurance approach, providing independent oversight, challenge and insight on portfolio health, risks, issues, and deliverability to support informed decision-making.
• Leading governance requirements for Portfolio & Project Management (PPM) tooling (Verto), ensuring alignment to standards, lifecycle processes, and consistent, high-quality data across the enterprise portfolio.
• Developing and delivering clear, consistent, and governance-led portfolio communications, including executive reporting, board materials, and decision packs to enable transparency and alignment.
• Providing expert direction and guidance on processes, standards, and best practices, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

About You

We’re forging the path, and we know we can’t do it alone. That’s why we need visionary minds like yours to join us on this transformative journey. In this case, we’re looking for someone who:

• Professional certification in portfolio / program / project management (e.g. MSP, MoP, PRINCE2, APM) or equivalent experience.
• Is passionate about Enterprise Portfolio Offices and understands the critical role governance plays in enabling strategic delivery.
• Has a deep understanding of portfolio governance frameworks, lifecycle models, and assurance processes.
• Brings extensive experience in designing, implementing, and embedding portfolio governance, standards, and methodologies at scale.
• Demonstrates excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with experience influencing and challenging at senior and executive levels.
• Is a strong leader, able to provide clear direction, coaching, and oversight to Analysts and wider delivery teams to ensure consistent adoption of governance standards.
• Is flexible, dynamic, and able to pivot quickly in response to changing organizational priorities, operating environments, and strategic direction.

What You'll Get

A competitive salary of £60,000 - £70,000 dependent on experience and capability. As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus of up to 15% of your salary for stretch performance, 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%.

Benefits

• NESO's flexible benefits program provides you with more flexibility around your health, lifestyle, and protection benefits, here's just a few available:
• Flexible Bank Holidays & Holiday Trading
• Additional Birthday Day Off
• Cycle to Work Scheme, Retail & Gym Discounts
• Private Medical Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance & Personal Accident Insurance

About Us

At the National Energy System Operator (NESO), we play a vital role in tackling climate change and securing Great Britain's energy future. We already operate the world's fastest decarbonizing electricity system and are working towards our ambition to run it carbon-free for a short period this year - provided the market supplies electricity exclusively from renewable sources. Alongside this, we provide expert advice to government on how to deliver a clean power system by 2030.

In autumn 2024, the Electricity System Operator (ESO) transitioned to become NESO - an independent, expert public corporation with a whole-system view across electricity, gas, and hydrogen. NESO operates independently and transparently, always acting in the best interests of all energy users.

Licensed and regulated by Ofgem, we make impartial decisions that balance sustainability, affordability, and security. Our organization is fully independent from government, the regulator, and all commercial interests, with a clear focus on system-wide benefit, long-term thinking, and public value.

The time to deliver is now. Join the energy transformation and help shape the future.

Your energy. Our future. Together.

National Energy System Operator (NESO) recognizes the potential of bright and talented individuals, and we encourage you to join us as Great Britain’s energy system undergoes an ambitious, exciting, and vital transformation. Together with industry, we are creating a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

More Information

This role closes at 23:59, on the day before date shown above, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary.

Research shows that some people may hesitate to apply unless they meet every single requirement. At NESO, we believe potential comes in many forms and we're committed to a fair, inclusive recruitment process where everyone has the opportunity to show their talents. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organization and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds.