Regulation, Compliance & Licensing Lead

About this role

Regulation, Compliance & Licensing Lead

📍 UK (Flexible / Hybrid Working) | Travel as Required

About the Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join a growing organisation entering the UK electricity distribution sector. This role offers the chance to play a key part in shaping the regulatory, compliance, and licensing foundations of a new Independent Distribution Network Operator (iDNO) business.

As the Regulation, Compliance & Licensing Lead, you will take ownership of the electricity distribution licensing process and establish the governance, compliance, and regulatory frameworks required to support a successful market entry. This is a highly visible position with significant influence across the business, working closely with senior leadership, regulators, and industry stakeholders to ensure regulatory readiness and long-term compliance.

This is a unique opportunity for a regulatory professional who thrives in building structures from the ground up. The successful candidate will lead all licensing, compliance, and regulatory activities from the pre-licence stage through operational readiness and beyond.

You will serve as the organisation's subject matter expert on UK electricity distribution regulation, helping to navigate complex regulatory requirements while embedding robust compliance practices across all business functions. As the company scales, you will have the opportunity to shape and develop the wider regulatory and compliance function.

Key Responsibilities

Regulatory & Licensing Leadership

• Lead and manage the electricity distribution licence application process.
• Act as the primary contact for regulatory engagement with Ofgem and external advisors.
• Drive the regulatory roadmap from pre-licence application through operational launch.
• Prepare and coordinate regulatory submissions, supporting evidence, and reporting requirements.

Compliance Framework Development

• Design, implement, and maintain a comprehensive regulatory compliance framework.
• Establish governance structures, compliance monitoring processes, and assurance mechanisms.
• Develop and maintain regulatory obligations registers and accountability frameworks.
• Create and oversee compliance calendars, policies, procedures, and internal controls.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with regulators, industry bodies, code administrators, and key external stakeholders.
• Represent the organisation in regulatory discussions and industry forums.
• Provide expert regulatory guidance to senior leadership and business stakeholders.

Risk & Governance

• Identify regulatory and compliance risks and implement effective mitigation strategies.
• Ensure the organisation remains compliant with all relevant industry codes, licence obligations, and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor changes in industry regulations and assess their impact on business operations.
• Support executive and board-level decision-making through regulatory insight and analysis.

Business Integration

• Partner with commercial, technical, operational, and leadership teams to embed compliance into day-to-day business activities.
• Translate complex regulatory requirements into practical operational processes.
• Support the transition from market entrant to fully operational network operator.
• Contribute to the long-term development of the regulatory and compliance function as the business grows.

Required Experience & Qualifications

Essential

• Extensive experience within UK electricity distribution, utilities, energy regulation, or a closely related sector.
• Strong understanding of the UK regulatory landscape and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Experience managing regulatory submissions, licensing activities, or major regulatory programmes.
• Knowledge of industry codes, governance requirements, risk management, and assurance frameworks.
• Proven experience engaging directly with regulatory authorities and industry stakeholders.
• Strong ability to interpret complex regulatory requirements and translate them into business processes.
• Experience influencing senior leadership and executive stakeholders.

Desirable

• Direct experience supporting electricity distribution licence applications.
• Experience within an Independent Distribution Network Operator (iDNO), Distribution Network Operator (DNO), energy infrastructure, or utility organisation.
• Experience establishing compliance frameworks within a start-up, growth, or transformation environment.
• Knowledge of regulatory governance, controls, and operational readiness programmes.

Key Skills

• Regulatory Compliance
• Energy Regulation
• Licensing & Authorisations
• Governance & Assurance
• Ofgem Engagement
• Risk Management
• Regulatory Strategy
• Stakeholder Management
• Industry Codes & Obligations
• Policy Development
• Operational Readiness
• Programme Leadership
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Change Management

Why Apply?

• Opportunity to build and shape a regulatory function from inception.
• Significant exposure to executive leadership and strategic decision-making.
• High-impact role supporting entry into a regulated growth market.
• Chance to influence regulatory, governance, and compliance strategy from day one.
• Flexible working environment with strong career progression potential as the organisation grows.