Chairperson, SONI Ltd.

Chairperson, SONI Ltd.

SONI Ltd (System Operator for Northern Ireland) is the Electricity Transmission System Operator for Northern Ireland and is a subsidiary of EirGrid plc, the licenced Electricity Transmission System Operator for Ireland. SONI is at the heart of Northern Ireland’s electricity system and will play a key role in the delivery of Northern Ireland’s Energy Strategy “Path to Net Zero Energy”. The current SONI Strategy (2020-2025) is shaped by the need to address the climate change challenge through the transition of the electricity sector to low-carbon, renewable energy, and the unique role that SONI will play in leading this radical transition.

The scale and pace of the transition is hugely challenging and will require significant changes to the current approaches to network planning and delivery, electricity system operation, electricity markets and the use of innovative technologies and systems, if SONI’s Strategy, and Northern Ireland’s Energy Strategy is to be achieved.

As a result of the Utility Regulator’s decision on licence modifications to SONI’s Transmission System Operator licence the company is undertaking a fundamental restructuring of its Board of Directors including the appointment of four independent board members, one of whom will be appointed Chairperson of the Board. The licence modifications also require that the SONI Transmission System Operator business be managerially and operationally separate from EirGrid and any other company within the EirGrid Group. The licence requirement for separation will require significant change as to how SONI is structured and managed, and the new Board will play a critical role overseeing and shaping the implementation of these changes.

To be considered for the role of Chairperson candidates must demonstrate evidence of significant senior executive and/or non-executive Board level experience in the following:

• A leadership role in complex organisations of scale, with the capacity to tailor such experience to the challenges of SONI Ltd and the potential to assume responsibilities in a Board Chair and/or Committee Chair role.
• Large-scale transformation and/or capital investment programme delivery with the capacity to tailor such experience to SONI Ltd.
• Excellent commercial acumen, risk awareness and a record of contributing, at Board level, to an organisation that is engaged in transformational change in both an organisational and sectoral context.
• Has the ability to effectively Chair meetings and bring people to consensus, with a focus on effective decision making.
• Evidence of successful executive or non-executive leadership along with proven experience of shaping strategy and participating in the formulation of objectives and policies within a complex, customer focused organisation.
• Has a good understanding of corporate governance and the important role a Chair plays in ensuring oversight within the governance regime, including effective risk management.

While it is not essential, it would be desirable that candidates can demonstrate an understanding of the current policy, economic regulatory, and legislative environment in which the sector operates.

The remuneration fee for the Chairperson role is £40,000 per annum.

The terms of appointment of each successful candidate will be for no less than three years and no more than six years and will be on a staggered basis to ensure continuity in board composition.

For further information visit www.clarendonexecutive.com to download the candidate briefing pack that provides further information on the role, the specific responsibilities and how to apply. Alternatively, for a confidential discussion to explore your suitability in advance of applying, please contact our recruitment partners at Clarendon Executive, Ciaran Sheehan 07801 675 363 or Claire McKee 07809 658440.

Application is by CV and supporting statement and should be sent to applications@clarendonexecutive.com

The closing date for submission of applications is 10am Monday 3^rd April 2023.