Lead System Forecasting Engineer

Location: Newcastle or Leeds Area

Directorate: Energy Systems

Job Ref No: R7382

RELOCATION WILL BE PAID FOR.

Help Shape the Future of Energy

Northern Powergrid is seeking an experienced Lead System Forecasting Engineer to join our Energy Systems team.

In this role, you’ll lead the development of customer decarbonisation and load forecasts, guiding how we plan, invest in, and prepare the electricity network for the transition to net zero. With more rapid decarbonisation and a shift toward a more strategic approach to network development, you will provide strategic direction and drive the transformation of forecast data into an increasingly critical tool for shaping future network operations and planning.

You’ll work closely with regional teams to incorporate local intelligence and share forecasting insights with external stakeholders, ensuring our approach remains firmly rooted in the needs of our region. A key objective will be to develop tailored information to support engineering colleagues to ensure the network is ready for the growing role of electricity in decarbonisation across the Northeast, Yorkshire, and North Lincolnshire.

If you’re passionate about using data and advanced modelling to drive smarter, greener grid investment, this is your chance to make a real impact.

At Northern Powergrid, we keep power flowing to 3.9 million homes and businesses — working together, solving challenges, and delivering for our communities.

What’s the package?

Along with a competitive salary of between £73,451 and £85,620, we also offer great benefits such as:

• Enrolment into our double-matched pension scheme
• 25 days holiday (rising with service) plus bank holidays
• Excellent opportunities for career growth
• Agile working arrangements

What will you do?

• Lead annual forecasting, working with team members and consultants to prepare Distribution Future Energy Scenarios (DFES) and load analysis, identifying future network constraints.
• Provide essential inputs for business plans, price control updates, and regulatory submissions, using data-driven techniques and the National Energy System Operator’s Regional Strategic Energy Plans.
• Ensure accurate reporting of forecasts with strong attention to detail and effective application of data.
• Act as a subject matter expert, offering technical direction to engineers delivering regulatory reports and supporting DSO commitments.
• Thrive in a complex, fast-paced environment, adapting quickly to new information and evolving requirements.

Key Competencies

• Lead and improve regional forecasts, using data and stakeholder input to anticipate future network needs.
• Analyse network capacity at all voltage levels and oversee System Forecasting engineers.
• Shape the long-term forecasting strategy, developing new models, tools, and automated analysis methods.
• Publish and share customer needs, load forecasts, and network insights to improve stakeholder access and experience.
• Represent Northern Powergrid in industry forums and lead stakeholder engagement events.
• Act as a role model and mentor, supporting team development while bringing strong planning, organisation, and technical curiosity.

What qualifications and experience should you have?

• Level 5/6 STEM qualification (or Level 4 with 3+ years’ relevant experience).
• Industry experience with energy transition, decarbonisation policies, and distribution networks.
• Knowledge of statutory, regulatory, and industry standards.
• Strong analytical, forecasting, and modelling skills, including risk and sensitivity analysis.
• Proficient in data handling, software models, and IT tools.
• Excellent collaboration, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.

What next?

Key dates:

Post date: 15 September 2025

Closing date for applications: 10 October 2025

Applicants are considered on the basis of their suitability for the post irrespective of sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender re-assignment, race, age or disability, in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.

About the company

Northern Powergrid is responsible for the network that delivers electricity to 3.9 million homes and businesses across the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire.

With some 2,500 employees, we work together to invest in improving the region’s power network, deliver new connections and support the communities we serve