Northern Ireland Electricity Networks (NIE Networks) owns and operates the electricity transmission and distribution networks across Northern Ireland, delivering power safely and reliably to over 966,000 homes, businesses, and farms. While NIE Networks is part of ESB Group, it operates independently with its own Board and management teams, under the regulation of the Utility Regulator for Northern Ireland.
Our responsibilities include maintaining and extending the electricity infrastructure, connecting customers to the network, and ensuring that our equipment is safe, reliable, and fit for purpose. We also provide electricity meters and metering data to suppliers and market operators. NIE Networks does not supply electricity directly, customers receive their bills from one of five licensed electricity suppliers currently operating in Northern Ireland.
Within the organisations Chief Information Office (CIO) Directorate there is an in-house SAP Team who work closely with the wider NIE business to build, support, and evolve solutions.
As part of our ongoing transformation, we are seeking to recruit a Higher Level Apprentice (HLA) / Application Specialist (Junior). This individual will play a key role in supporting the wider Team and provides an excellent opportunity for an individual seeking to develop a career in IT.
This role will be based at our newly refurbished Danesfort site, just off the Stranmillis Road in Belfast. We also offer flexible home working opportunities through our Agile Home Working policy.
THE ROLE
Reporting to the SAP Team Leader, the Application Specialist (Junior) will be responsible for developing and supporting key SAP applications across the NIE Networks IT estate. The role collaborates closely with CIO colleagues, business stakeholders, and external vendors to deliver high‑quality services to the NIE Networks business and external electricity market.
Key Responsibilities:
Ensure that all assigned work is delivered on time and to the required standard.
Develop good working relationships within CIO and internal business teams.
Contribute to initiatives within the CIO to support strategic objectives.
Develop, test and implement software fixes for reported defects.
Ensure requirements are translated into clear functional specifications.
Develop, test and implement application enhancements.
Where applicable, work with 3rd party suppliers to investigate and resolve reported defects.
Ensure adherence to internal processes such as change & release management.
Respond to business queries and frequently asked questions.
Advise and assist end users with the ongoing, day‑to‑day management of their systems.
Maintain Development / Test, Production and Disaster Recovery Environments.
Support senior members of the Team as and when required.
The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate that they have the following capabilities:
Ability to break complex problems into logical, structured steps.
Appy logical analysis to troubleshoot issues and identify underlying causes.
Comfortable working with unfamiliar systems and learning fast.
Clear written communication (e-mails, documentation, etc).
Confidence to speak in meetings, demos, or workshops.
Active listening and asking the ‘right’ questions.
Curiosity and willingness to learn.
Adaptability in fast‑changing environments.
Confident collaborating with people and teams.
Takes ownership and accountability for actions.
Desirable Criteria
Basic understanding of programming / scripting techniques.
Ability to understand and document customer requirements.
Experience or exposure to Databases (SQL and/or NoSQL).
CORE COMPETENCIES
The person appointed must demonstrate the following core competencies:
Attention to Detail - Processes detailed information accurately and consistently. Demonstrates thoroughness in completing tasks, checking work, and organising time and resources to maintain high standards.
Communication - Conveys information clearly and confidently in both written and verbal forms. Adapts style, tone, and methods to suit the audience and purpose. Communicates complex ideas in an accessible way and anticipates the information needs of others.
Customer Orientation - Actively seeks to understand customer needs and expectations and responds in a way that balances value for the customer with organisational priorities.
Flexibility / Adaptability - Responds positively to change and adapts quickly to new circumstances. Seeks opportunities to learn, manages a variety of tasks effectively, and adjusts working patterns when needed to meet organisational requirements.
Organised - Plans and prioritises effectively to deliver quality results on time and within resource constraints. Monitors progress, anticipates critical milestones, and adapts plans when needed to achieve objectives.
Teamwork - Contributes positively to team goals by sharing information, supporting colleagues, and encouraging collaboration. Demonstrates flexibility, prioritises team success, and helps develop and empower others.
OUR PEOPLE MATTER
At NIE Networks, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As a Platinum-accredited organisation across all three Investors in People standards - We Invest in People, We Invest in Wellbeing, and We Invest in Apprentices, we are proud to be recognised for our commitment to creating a culture where individuals thrive. These accreditations reflect our dedication to supporting employee wellbeing, nurturing talent, and empowering every colleague to reach their full potential through meaningful personal and professional development. We believe that high-performing teams and effective leadership are key to delivering exceptional service to our customers and driving innovation in a rapidly evolving energy industry.
DISABILITY
NIE Networks will provide reasonable support to disabled applicants throughout the recruitment process. Applicants who may require special arrangements should identify this clearly within their application form to enable us to make any appropriate adjustments.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
NIE Networks has achieved Silver, Diversity Mark Accreditation and is committed to equality of opportunity and acknowledges the unique contribution that all potential candidates can bring in terms of their education, ethnicity, race, gender, nationality, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and opinions. Applications are positively welcomed from all backgrounds and appointments are made on merit following a fair, open and transparent selection process.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
If you would like to view up to date information about NIE Networks, please visit our websitewww.nienetworks.co.uk
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