Security Assurance Manager - NESO

About the Role

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.

As we grow the security team here at NESO, we are now looking for 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 Security & Technology Assurance function. 

You will collaborate closely with our internal teams and our external partners to build assurance strategy, conduct assurance testing, identify, and manage security risks raised through assurance activity, review and evaluate controls across the CNI and IT environments, and provide regular monitoring and reporting. You will stay informed about current security threats and industry standards to continuously improve Security & Technology Assurance processes at NESO. You will develop and maintain strong relationships, engaging teams across the organisation to promote and embed a proactive culture to the management of Security & Technology Assurance.  

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

Key Accountabilities

• Development and execution of the end-to-end Security & Technology Assurance framework to identify and manage security risk, mitigating potential disruption to the business.
• Oversight and management of regulatory and policy-driven requirements and processes in place to govern control presence and effectiveness risks.
• Work with wider ESO Security to manage and monitor remediation plans throughout the NESO Security Controls Framework.
• Liaise with other key business units to understand the potential business impacts in relation to Security & Technology Assurance.
• Identify and develop opportunities to automate Security & Technology Assurance and reporting processes.
• Manage internal and external resources to successfully deliver Security & Technology Assurance outcomes. 
• Develop metrics and reporting for Security & Technology Assurance risks 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 controls framework or processes.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
• Identify continuous improvement opportunities to increase the level of maturity of the Security & Technology Assurance management function.

About You

• A proven information security professional with a risk, compliance, and assurance background, with experience of implementing/assuring: ISO27001 / NIST, COBIT etc.
• Extensive understanding and experience of both Security & Technology Assurance practices. 
• Proven experience of owning and maturing the Security & Technology Assurance capability within an organisation, preferably in a 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 risks posed to Critical National Infrastructure through cyber and physical environments.
• 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. 

About What You'll Get

A competitive salary of £65,000 to £75,000 – 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%. 

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.

About Us

Traditionally, Britain’s energy system has been split into two areas – gas and electricity – but to ensure that Britain’s energy system is secure and affordable there needs to be co-ordination across the whole energy system, with one single entity responsible for translating policy into immediate strategy. National Energy System Operator (NESO) will bring unparalleled change.

Forge a path to a sustainable future for everyone.
Your energy, our future, together.

About the National Energy System Operator (NESO)
In Autumn of 2024, the ESO transitioned to National Energy System Operator, or NESO for short. Previously denoted as the Future System Operator (or 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.

More Information

This role closes on 05/02/2025 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.

#LI-BO1

#LI-HYBRID