Data Scientist - NESO

National Energy System Operator (NESO) is on a journey towards a sustainable and secure energy future. Together we build on this momentum, advancing the Electricity System Operator’s (ESO) plan for zero carbon operability of the electricity system by 2025.

Are you a passionate Data Scientist eager to make a tangible impact on the future of Great Britain's energy landscape? Join us in transforming the electricity system into a cleaner, greener network for generations to come.

This is an exciting opportunity to apply your expertise in a real-time, dynamic environment where innovation and insight drive operational excellence.

As a Data Scientist, you will be at the forefront of developing and optimising critical data tools used by our Short-Term Strategy team. Your work will directly empower the electricity control room to identify, resolve, and gain crucial insights into system operational issues, helping to reduce risk and minimise costs. You'll be instrumental in designing and developing scalable, user-friendly data tools that provide essential operational analysis.

You will be a key player in our established Azure Analytics Environment, leveraging Python, SQL, and Power BI to enhance processes and build intuitive user interfaces. This role demands a passion for process improvement, a deep understanding of the energy sector, and the organisational and communication skills to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels.

You will work on a rota covering a weekend every 6 weeks in our Wokingham office, requiring regular attendance.

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• Innovate & Develop: Identify and seize opportunities for improvement within our existing tool suite, working collaboratively with the team to understand requirements and implement cutting‑edge solutions.
  
• Predictive Modelling: Develop robust models to accurately forecast electricity margins and ensure energy security.
  
• Advanced Analytics: Design and implement sophisticated analytics to extract meaningful patterns and trends from diverse datasets, turning complex data into actionable intelligence.
  
• Strategic Communication: Develop and clearly communicate operational strategies internally to drive informed decision‑making.
  
• Enable & Train: Actively train and support team members on new tool developments and programming techniques, fostering a culture of continuous learning and data literacy.
  
• Cross‑functional Collaboration: Partner with cross‑functional teams to ensure data tools consistently meet critical operational needs.
  

We're looking for an expert who thrives on solving complex problems and delivering impactful solutions in a fast‑paced, real‑time environment. You are someone who:

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• Holds a degree in a relevant field such as Statistics, Computer Science, Physics, Data Science or Engineering.
  
• Brings experience in process and/or tool development focused on data‑based processes.
  
• Possesses essential expertise in programming languages like Python, SQL, and VBA.
  
• Has proven experience using Power BI to create intuitive user interfaces for data analysis.
  
• Excels at translating complex quantitative data into clear, compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
  
• Is familiar with Azure cloud computing environments.
  
• Demonstrates excellent stakeholder engagement skills, capable of liaising effectively with internal teams and external partners.
  
• Can work both independently, taking initiative, and collaboratively as a valued team member.
  

While we welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds, experience in energy, gas, renewables, utilities, or technical/engineering sectors such as manufacturing, aviation, scheduling, or rail operations, or other industries with complex operational or scheduling requirements, would be highly advantageous.

Research shows that some people may hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. At NESO, we believe potential comes in many forms and we’re committed to a fair, inclusive recruitment process where everyone can show their talents. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds to build a workforce that feels valued and respected and represents the communities we serve.

If this role sparks your interest but you’re not sure you tick every box, we still want to hear from you.

A competitive salary between £54000 - £65000pa – dependent on experience and capability+ Weekend Allowance appx 6,250pa.

As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus based on company performance, 26 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%. You will also have access to a comprehensive benefits package tailored to support your well‑being and professional success. From a competitive salary to flexible work arrangements, we promote your work‑life balance. Enjoy fit for purpose wellbeing and lifestyle offerings, ongoing skill development aligned to our Purpose and Values, and be part of a supportive community that values your individuality and where you can belong.

The creation of National Energy System Operator (NESO) is driven by an urgent need to unify and optimise our approach to energy. A more integrated and coordinated strategy is needed to meet the unprecedented challenges of climate change, ensuring secure energy supply, and keeping costs manageable for consumers. Join us and empower your potential, energise our team, and be part of something bigger.

Your energy, our future, together.

In Autumn of 2024, the ESO transitioned to National Energy System Operator, or NESO for short. Previously denoted as the Future System Operator (FSO), the new National Energy System Operator is the independent body responsible for planning Great Britain’s electricity and gas networks and operating the electricity system.

The ESO, including all of its existing roles, are now at the heart of the new National Energy System Operator. As NESO, we will build on our existing roles, capabilities, and ways of working significantly to create an organisation the energy system and its users’ need. Our new capabilities will enable us to look across vectors, including electricity, natural gas and hydrogen, and crucially consider the trade‑offs between them.

The organisation is set up as a public corporation with its own Board of independent directors, with complete operational independence from government, the regulator and any and all commercial interest. As was the ESO, NESO will be licenced and regulated by Ofgem through price control agreements and obligated to identify optimal solutions to system operations and planning in the most sustainable, affordable and secure way for all. The time to deliver is now. As part of our 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.

This role closes on 1st December at 23:59, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary.

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.

We're committed to building a workforce that represents the communities we serve, and a working environment in which each individual feels valued, respected, fairly treated, and able to reach their full potential.