DSO Operational Forecasting Lead

National Grid; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy company in Bristol is seeking an Operational Forecasting Lead to design and maintain forecasting solutions. The role involves creating strategic models, collaborating with stakeholders, and innovating forecasting methodologies. Candidates should have a degree in a relevant field and experience with programming languages like Python. The position offers hybrid working opportunities upon completion of training. Join a company dedicated to a clean energy future and diverse workplace.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent experience in Mathematics or related field.
• Experience with programming or scripting is advantageous.
• Strong understanding of forecasting techniques and models.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement tactical and strategic forecasting models.
• Oversee forecasting models to prepare outputs for decision making.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to innovate forecasting systems.

Skills

Data analysis

Forecasting techniques

Programming (Python, R)

Stakeholder communication

Strategic thinking

Education

Degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science, Engineering or related field

Tools

Data visualization tools

Job description

The GB energy system is rapidly transforming as we target Clean Power by 2030 and NetZero by 2050. The distribution network is vital in this transformation as we look to accommodate thousands of electric vehicles and heat pumps in people’s homes and connect large volumes of solar and wind. This will require us building out our network at a rate we have not seen this century. In addition, we need to operate the network in a dynamic, ‘smarter’ way, actively managing these distributed assets flexibly to support safer, secure and economic operation of the system.

National Grid DSO (Distribution System Operator) is essential in this transformation, planning the distribution network of the future to enable the energy transformation together with developing and operating flexibility markets to ensure a safe, secure network which is value for money for consumers.

An opportunity within the DSO is available for an Operational Forecasting Lead who will design, implement and maintain a suite of forecasting solutions. This role is integral to the active operation of the network and close working will be required with the Energy Management Centre. The role will be based at either our Bristol or Castle Donington site.

The DSO Operations Team is a core function of the DSO and central to ensuring that as the operation of our network becomes more dynamic, we continue to operate a safe and reliable network to keep the lights on for our customers.

As part of our hybrid working approach and in line with our policy, this role allows you to apply for a mix of office and home working. Hybrid working can only be considered once your initial training is complete and subject to business need.

Main Responsibilities

• Design and implement tactical and strategic forecasting models that provide accurate, timely inputs to our operational decision making.
• Oversee forecasting models to prepare forecasting outputs that can be integrated into the Energy Management Centre’s workflows.
• Development of a suite of accuracy metrics and KPIs to monitor, evaluate and continuously improve forecasting performance.
• Maintenance of forecasting solutions to ensure they remain fit for purpose, up-to-date and accurate enough for the dynamic operation of the network.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to deliver innovative forecasting systems, processes and methodologies that meet evolving business needs.
• Work with IT&D to develop visualisation tooling and published data to enable transparency for our operational decision making.
• Act as a thought leader in the space of DSO forecasting, and establish best practices to ensure the success of our forecasting operations.

Ideal Candidate

We’re looking for someone who’s genuinely passionate about using data to make a real impact.

You may have a degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science, Engineering or a related field—or you may bring equivalent experience gained through hands‑on work. What matters most is your ability to turn data into insight.

If you have experience with programming or scripting (such as Python, R, or similar), would be advantageous as would any background in energy industry.

You’ll bring a strong understanding of forecasting techniques and models, and the confidence to design frameworks that assess the performance of forecasts. Analytical and strategic thinking and excellent organisational skills will help you thrive in this role, as will your ability to communicate clearly and effectively with stakeholders at all levels.

You will also be able to understand the wider impact of your work—on customers, on the public, and on the environment and be confident in managing the health, safety, and quality aspects of your own work and that of others.

About Us

We’re National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED), the owner and operator behind the electricity distribution systems for the Midlands, the Southwest of England and South Wales. Serving communities of more than 8 million people, our expert teams deliver heat, light and power for homes and businesses.

National Grid employs over 29,000 people worldwide. We are building an inclusive workplace, a place to actively celebrate the cultures, personalities and preferences of our colleagues – who in turn help to build the success of our business and reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Our vision is to be at the heart of a clean, fair and affordable energy future and we are doing this in a fast-moving industry with an increasing focus on tackling climate change, exploring new energy sources that are renewable, low carbon, and improve efficiency to meet demand.