Head of Control Centre Operations

Head of Control Centre Operations

Location: Belfast (Hybrid)
Reports to: Director of Operations

Description

We are hiring for our client, SONI (System Operator for Northern Ireland), a leading organisation in the energy sector, for the position of Head of Control Centre Operations. This is a senior leadership role that will play a pivotal part in ensuring the safe, secure, reliable, and economic operation of Northern Ireland’s transmission system. Based in Belfast, this role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the transformation of the energy sector, supporting Northern Ireland’s ambitious renewable energy and decarbonisation goals.

If you are an experienced engineering professional with a strong background in power system operations and a passion for leading high-performing teams, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

Top 3 Things to Know About this Role

1. Strategic Leadership Role: Lead the Control Centre Operations team to deliver a safe, secure, and reliable electricity supply for Northern Ireland.
2. Hybrid Working: Enjoy a flexible working arrangement with 3 days in the office and 2 days from home.
3. Competitive Package: Attractive salary, performance-related bonus, private medical cover, pension matching, and more.

The Role

As the Head of Control Centre Operations, you will:

• Lead Northern Ireland’s Control Centre Operations to ensure the system is operated safely, securely, reliably, and economically.
• Oversee day-to-day system operations, acting as the first point of escalation for operational issues.
• Develop and implement operational procedures and quality assurance processes to ensure compliance with Operating Security Standards.
• Manage operational changes, including new technologies, tools, and processes, while supporting staff through these transitions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including generators, network operators, government, regulators, and other transmission system operators.
• Represent the organisation at regulatory, governmental, industry, and media engagements.
• Participate in the on-call rota for Northern Ireland Operations.

The Person

The ideal candidate will have:

• An engineering degree (or HNC with equivalent experience) and typically 8+ years of technical experience in power system operations.
• Detailed knowledge of the Northern Ireland transmission system and a strong understanding of its safe, secure, reliable, and economic operation.
• Proven experience managing and leading teams, with the ability to work effectively under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
• Working knowledge of Energy Management Systems, control centre security tools, and scheduling/dispatch tools.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and negotiation skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across internal and external stakeholders.
• A demonstrated ability to innovate, adapt to change, and manage evolving demands.

The Reward

• Competitive Salary
• Performance-Related Bonus
• Private Medical Cover
• Pension Matching
• Flexible Working Arrangements (3 days office / 2 days home)
• Enhanced Holidays, Maternity & Paternity Leave, and Wellbeing Days
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes (e.g., cycle to work, EV scheme)
• Free Car Parking, Onsite EV Charging, and Complimentary Lunch
• Professional Development Opportunities and clear career progression pathways
• Inclusive Culture that values diversity and supports flexible working

Next Steps

If you are ready to take on this exciting and impactful role, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact Dominic Heron on 07458 160121, email dominic@huntersavage.com, or visit our website to apply.

Why Hunter Savage?

At Hunter Savage, we specialise in connecting talented professionals with leading organisations across the UK and Ireland. With deep sector expertise and a consultative approach, we are committed to helping you find the right opportunity to advance your career.