Supply Chain Security Assurance Manager - NESO

About the Role

The UK has set out its ambition to be net zero by 2050 and the energy industry is responding – together we are building a cleaner, greener Britain.

As we grow the security team here at ESO, we are now looking for Supply Chain Security Assurance Manager. In this role, you will join a rapidly expanding & high-functioning Security team and will be expected to build and lead a comprehensive supply chain security assurance function. You will collaborate closely with our internal teams and our supply chain to conduct risk assessment, identify, and mitigate potential supply chain security risks and provide regular monitoring, assurance, and reporting. You will stay informed about current security threats and industry standards to continuously improve vendor risk management strategies. 

You will develop and maintain strong relationships, engaging teams across the organisation and in our supply chain to promote and embed a proactive culture to the management of supply chain risk.  

This role can be based from Wokingham or Warwick, and we continue to offer hybrid working from office and home.

About Us

At National Grid ESO, our mission is to meet the challenges of the future and deliver cleaner, affordable electricity. We constantly strive to do this better by using technology and innovation to transform the way we work.

Becoming the National Energy System Operator
In 2024, the ESO will transition to becoming the National Energy System Operator, or NESO for short. Previously denoted as the Future System Operator (or FSO), the new National Energy System Operator will be 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, will be 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 will be 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 the ESO are today, 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.

Key Accountabilities

• Oversight and management of regulatory and policy-driven requirements and processes in place to govern supply chain security risks.
• Development and execution of the end-to-end supply chain security assurance framework to identify and manage supply chain security risk, mitigating potential disruption to the business.
• Facilitate supplier security risk assessments to understand the risk and control environment that underpins the product/service provided.
• Development of supplier security requirements and remediation plans based on informed consideration of the type of supplier, product/services provided, and risks posed to critical assets.
• Incorporate supply chain responsibilities into incident management and response, BCP and crisis management processes where relevant.
• Identify and develop opportunities to digitalise the supplier risk management and reporting processes.
• Management of internal and external resources to successfully deliver Supply Chain security outcomes. 
• Support the Legal and Procurement teams to incorporate tailored security requirements into supplier contracts.
• Develop metrics and reporting for supply chain security risk to senior management and provide input into relevant business communications / awareness activities.
• Maintain and develop knowledge of the sector, legislative changes, and threats to the supply chain.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, supporting business risk owners to mitigate supply chain security risk at all stages of the supply chain lifecycle. 
• Identify continuous improvement opportunities to increase the level of maturity of the supply chain risk and assurance function.

About You

• A proven information security professional with a risk, compliance, and assurance background, with experience of implementing/assuring : ISO27001/27005/31000, NIST, COBIT, ITIL etc.
• Extensive understanding and experience of supply chain risk and assurance practices. 
• Proven experience of owning and maturing the supply chain security assurance capability within an organisation, preferably in critical national infrastructure organisation
• Ability to translate complex cyber security guidance and information into practical processes and documentation and able to articulate, present and discuss the impact of technical and non-technical risks in the context of the organisation. 
• Demonstrable stakeholder management expertise, fostering positive behaviours and leading to successful engagement in risk and assurance activities.
• Thorough understanding of supply chain risks posed to Critical National Infrastructure through Information technology, Operational technology, and physical environments.
• Ability to work independently and proactively to drive change.
• Degree-level qualification or equivalent combination of education and experience with strong background in Risk/Compliance/Assurance
• Professional security qualifications/certifications in appropriate areas are desirable. 
• An inclusive approach that creates belonging, builds trust, and promotes innovation. 

What You'll Get

A competitive salary between £65,000 – £75,000 – dependent on experience and capability.

As well as your base salary, there is a bonus scheme, 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%.

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.

More Information

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.

On 1 October 2024, we're becoming the National Energy System Operator (NESO). 

NESO’s new careers site goes live on Monday 7 October. In the meantime, you’ll still see National Grid branding. The job application process remains the same. If you have any questions, please contact: box.TalentAcquisition@nationalgrideso.com

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