Project Manager - Networks

Role Title: Project Manager - Networks

Reports to: Grid Delivery Manager

Location: Belfast (Hybrid - 3 Days in Office / 2 Days Remote)

Who We Are

SONI is Northern Ireland's Transmission System Operator. We are the people behind Northern Ireland's electricity grid. We make sure that every home, business, school, hospital, factory and farm has power - when and where they need it.

And that's just the beginning of our story. We have a critical role to play in delivering a cleaner, cheaper more secure energy future for everyone living in Northern Ireland.

Our focus is on safety, security and reliability. Our work environment is challenging, fast-moving, collaborative and team orientated. Our culture is driven by continual development, knowledge and teamwork.

Our people are committed to reducing Northern Ireland's reliance on fossil fuels and transforming the energy system to make decarbonisation a reality - while providing a safe and reliable electricity supply in a way that secures the future for those who follow us.

The work you will deliver with us here at SONI matters. Join a great and supportive team and be part of the transformation.

The Role

The Project Manager - Networks will play a key role in delivering transmission system infrastructure projects that enable the transformation of Northern Ireland's electricity grid and support the transition to a low-carbon energy future.

In this role, you will manage projects across their full lifecycle - from early development and planning through to construction, energisation and completion. This includes delivering upgrades to existing transmission infrastructure, as well as developing new assets to facilitate the connection of renewable generation and growing electricity demand.

Working within a multidisciplinary team, you will collaborate with engineers, planners, land and environmental specialists, and external partners to ensure successful project delivery. The role also involves engagement with stakeholders and site visits across transmission infrastructure locations.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage transmission infrastructure projects through the planning and delivery lifecycle, including securing planning consent for new and redeveloped high-voltage assets
• Support delivery of projects from pre-capital approval through to energisation and completion
• Define project scope, objectives and delivery approach in collaboration with internal stakeholders
• Coordinate inputs from internal teams and external partners, including engineering, environmental, communications, procurement and commercial functions
• Work closely with land and stakeholder engagement teams to support delivery of required consents
• Develop high-quality reports, business cases and presentations to support governance and project approvals
• Monitor and manage project performance, including budget, schedule, quality and risk
• Identify risks and issues, escalating where appropriate and supporting development of mitigation strategies
• Manage internal and external stakeholder relationships, including leading meetings, providing updates and maintaining effective communication
• Contribute to continuous improvement of project management practices within SONI

Critical Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential

• Degree-level qualification in engineering, planning, environmental studies or a related discipline, or equivalent experience
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and coordinate across teams
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to present technical information clearly to a range of audiences
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving ability with sound judgement
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment
• Experience using Microsoft Office tools
• Full, valid driving licence and access to transport for site visits

Desirable:

• Experience managing infrastructure or capital delivery projects
• Project management qualification (e.g. PMP, PRINCE2) or working towards certification
• Experience in environmental planning or consenting processes
• Experience working in a regulated or utility environment
• Understanding of project budgeting, cost control and risk management
• Knowledge of Construction (Design and Management) (CDM) regulations
• Awareness of the electricity or broader energy sector

Why join us?

• Play a vital role in shaping sustainable energy projects that benefit communities and the environment.
• Enjoy a competitive salary, performance-related bonus, private medical cover, and pension matching.
• Benefit from flexible working arrangements, including hybrid options (3 days office / 2 days home).
• Enhanced holidays, maternity and paternity leave and wellbeing days.
• Access salary sacrifice schemes (such as cycle to work, EV scheme), free car parking, onsite EV charging and complimentary lunch.
• Access professional development opportunities and clear career progression pathways.
• We offer an inclusive culture that values diversity, supports flexible working and empowers you to grow. We know flexible working means different things to different people. Contact us if you'd like to talk about how this role could work for you.

If you are seeking a challenging and impactful role within the energy sector, we'd love to hear from you. Join us in shaping the future of SONI and delivering a cleaner and more secure energy future for everyone living in Northern Ireland.

Closing date for applications is 9 July 2026.

SONI reserves the right to extend this deadline where necessary to maximise the applicant pool.

Submit your application by uploading your CV with a cover letter (in one document).

SONI is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to an inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are valued, and everyone can thrive. As a STEM organisation, we are continuing to strengthen gender diversity across our engineering and technology roles and welcome applications from women who want to build and apply their expertise to Northern Ireland's energy system.

We have a duty to prevent illegal working and applicants must demonstrate they have a legal right to work in the UK. SONI is not providing sponsorship for this vacancy.