Programme Manager - Vegetation Management

The successful candidate will lead Northern Powergrid’s vegetation management programme, collaborating with service provider partners and internal stakeholders to deliver safe, efficient and data-led outcomes across the network. The role will also lead the capture of overhead network condition data and embed LiDAR and other asset intelligence into programme planning and delivery—driving performance, continuous improvement and value from significant operational investment.

Working collaboratively across directorates, the successful candidate will provide strong leadership, stakeholder engagement and performance management to drive programme outcomes. The role will also manage a small team supporting programme performance, reporting, planning and continuous improvement.

Along with a competitive salary between £71,119 - £83,668 (Tech ETL pp 19-24)

• Enrolment into our pension scheme

• 25 days holiday

• Transport provision

• Excellent opportunities for career growth

• Team Leader bonus of up to 10% per annum

We’re excited to hear from candidates with a passion for our company and the industry and a desire to succeed.

Closing date for applications: 23 September 2026

Key Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Leading the delivery and continual improvement of Northern Powergrid's vegetation management programme through effective management of our delivery partner.

• Securing routine, condition-based information on overhead assets and driving the operational integration of LiDAR and other data sources to support evidence-based decision-making and prioritisation.

• Developing and maintaining programme performance reporting, ensuring investment decisions are informed by robust data and insight.

• Leading a small team responsible for programme coordination, performance management and operational support.

• Building and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders across Programme Delivery, Regional Operations, Commercial, Finance, Customer Service and Safety to ensure effective programme delivery.

• Providing strategic oversight of programme risks, opportunities, performance and forecasting, ensuring timely escalation and resolution of issues.

• Ensuring contractual and commercial arrangements deliver value for money and support achievement of programme objectives.

Core deliverables of the role are:

• Safe and efficient delivery of Northern Powergrid's vegetation management programme.

• LiDAR and asset data successfully embedded into operational planning and decision making.

• Strong performance and value delivery through effective management of Delivery Partners and other stakeholders.

• Clear programme visibility, forecasting and reporting, enabling evidence-based investment and delivery decisions.

Key Competencies:

• Strong analytical and data-led decision-making skills.

• Ability to translate complex operational and asset data into actionable delivery plans.

• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills across operational, commercial and executive audiences.

• Strong supplier and contract management experience.

• Demonstrable experience leading multi-disciplinary teams and delivering through external partners.

• Ability to balance strategic planning with operational delivery and continuous improvement.

• Strong and effective leadership skills to motivate and inspire others.

• Demonstrate resilience and respond well to challenges.

Essential Qualifications & Experience:

• HNC or equivalent in a relevant discipline

• Full UK driving license

Desirable Qualifications & Experience:

• Experience of leading large-scale vegetation management, asset management or network maintenance programmes.

• Experience of working with geospatial, LiDAR or asset intelligence data to drive operational decision making.

• Experience managing outsourced or turnkey service delivery contracts.

• Knowledge of electricity distribution networks, network resilience, wildfire mitigation and vegetation management practices.

• Management of programmes/projects and colleagues.

In order to comply with our electricity distribution licence, we have to ensure our colleagues are fit and proper to visit and enter our customers’ premises. Consequently, as this role may involve visiting and entering our customers’ premises, please be aware that the successful candidate will be subject to a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Please confirm in your application if you are content for this check to be completed.