Matt's STORY

What do you do, and where do you do it?

My current role is Market Change Manager where I lead the Future Frameworks Team as part of the Market Change team which is within the Gas System Operator (GSO). Future Frameworks focus on developing the future commercial and regulatory frameworks for Hydrogen Blending and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). I currently have four people in my team, we are primarily located at the National Gas head office in Warwick where we try and come together as a team once a week and the rest of the time we work flexibly eg either from the office or from home. However, I do also spend time in our London office approximately one day every two weeks to collaborate with stakeholders and colleagues who are based at that office.

Why is your role important? Why is it important to the company/ the people of the UK/ the UK economy?

My role is strategically important to National Gas and GB PLC / the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) for a number of reasons. My team and I are leading discussions and developments associated to the regulatory and commercial changes that are required to enable the transition to a net zero economy.

We provide subject matter expert input and also develop proposals to the wider industry, government, regulator, stakeholders and customers on key topics to take steps towards having industry agreed and signed off solutions.

Which parts of the job do you enjoy most / find most rewarding?

I particularly enjoy the people side of my role. I work with a great group of colleagues who are extremely capable and passionate about their role and contributing towards solutions for National Gas and the wider industry.

Within my role I also have the opportunity to represent National Gas at various external functions (working groups, conferences, webinars etc) and the stakeholder management, negotiations and influencing is something I find get a great deal of satisfaction from. However, it can sometimes be challenging but overall I consider it to be a positive experience.

Additionally, I am actively contributing towards the future of the energy industry by developing the commercial frameworks that will underpin the transition towards a net zero economy – This is something I take great pride in. 

What path did you use to get to the position you hold today?

I graduated from Leeds Metropolitan University in 2014 with a 2.1 in Sociology and Criminology which doesn’t traditionally lead into a career in the energy industry. However, whilst looking for jobs after I graduated, I spotted the role at Xoserve (which at the time was part of the National Grid Group) that really peaked my interest and have never looked back!

Throughout my career I have embraced opportunities to broaden my understanding of key aspects of the industry by taking sideways moves and secondments.  The role I had prior to my current role was on a secondment to be Commercial Code Change Manager where I was leading projects to explore enhancements to our pre-emergency tools to further our security of supply.

What did you do before?

I have spent the last 10 years working within the National Grid Group and National Gas following its creation in 2023. During this time, I’ve had a variety of roles. I started my career at Xoserve in supply point management where I was accountable for running the Shipperless and Unregistered processes. Following this I took a role in the Transmission Invoicing team where I was responsible for the creation, validation and distribution of the Transmission invoices such as Energy Balancing and NTS Capacity invoices.

In 2017 I took a role working within the GSO for National Grid which where I led on the management of Unaccounted for Gas (UAG) one of the reputational incentives introduced by Ofgem. During this time, I also gained some experience within the NTS Capacity team with the creation of capacity auctions and regulatory reporting.

In 2022 I secured a role in the Market Change team where I was leading on the development of commercial and regulatory changes to enhance our security of supply as a result of the energy crisis. Following this, I was successful in my application for my current role in 2023 where I lead the Future Frameworks team.

What attracted you to join the energy and utilities sector?

The first role I had within the energy sector really peaked my interest and clearly expressed the key role the role would play in supporting the wider energy market to function efficiently.

I also had some friends and family who were already employed at different companies within the energy sector who were thoroughly enjoying their time and had been given great opportunities to personally and professionally develop – these are things that really appealed to me at the start of my career and still do today.

Why is your current position better/ more satisfying?

I’ve enjoyed all of my roles for different reasons and they have allowed me to gain experience in different teams which in turn has allowed me to develop my understanding of the fundamental processes and regimes within the gas industry.

However, I would say I enjoy the level of autonomy and decision making ability I have within my current role.

What do you think of the career prospects? Have you had much training and development?

The career prospects at National Gas are extremely positive. We are actively encouraged to have development plans and throughout my time here each of my managers has been keen to regularly discuss my development aspirations.

Sideways and development moves are advertised across the business to support people with gaining more experience, working on areas of development and building their network.

Recently I have been able to take on additional responsibilities and join a company wide project as part of development discussions with my manager and senior leadership team.

What does an average day consist of?

The average day consists of engagements with key internal and external stakeholders to further develop strategic approaches for progressing projects and problem-solving.

On top of this I spend a large proportion of my time attending workshops and supporting the development of material to be presented internally and externally. I strongly believe that having meetings and workshops in person drives great collaboration when you compare them to hybrid or online only, therefore, I always try to meet my team in person each week for 121’s or where possible attend workshops in person as well.

Would you recommend your job to a friend and why?

Absolutely! National Gas is a great place to work. The work is genuinely interesting and important to wider society with their contribution towards net zero. The culture is positive and welcoming where everyone has a voice regardless of their background or experience.

There are opportunities to get involved in strategically and important projects, develop your own skills and help you get into a position to step into other roles in the future.