Energy Consultant

Here's what you'll do if ...

As an energy advisor in the Asset Strategy department within Network Development & Design (NO), you will work on the management and development of the energy asset. The electricity consumption of all of Amsterdam—that’s how much (traction) energy our trains consume annually. With an energy bill of that magnitude, decisions regarding energy procurement and consumption are of great importance and have a significant impact on both NS and the Netherlands. In this varied role, you’ll therefore interact with many internal and external stakeholders: from ProRail to freight carriers and from financial controllers to specialists in NS’s Sustainable Business division. Your priorities are clear, and the energy sector is dynamic: you’ll have the responsibility to influence the direction of NS and the industry, along with the freedom to shape that direction in your own way—and you’ll effortlessly involve your colleagues in the process. 

Thanks to your stakeholder management and analytical skills, you are invaluable in: 

• Ensure a thorough understanding and proper implementation of the energy contract. You know the contract inside and out and have a clear grasp of the obligations and opportunities involved in working with the supplier and the other members of our VIVENS purchasing collective. 
• Strengthening collaboration within the sector’s energy purchasing collective (VIVENS). As part of the ongoing strategic process, you will work alongside the Asset Strategist to shape a future-proof, professional, and market-oriented organizational structure. 
• Work to continuously improve energy consumption forecasts in line with the planned schedule, thereby gaining control over NS’s energy consumption. Together with colleagues and other relevant stakeholders, you will critically analyze data insights that can further improve the asset or help us measure our performance even more effectively. In this way, you will help NS meet its operational and commercial commitments to its supplier(s). 
• Providing tactical and strategic advice on issues related to the energy asset, working closely with supply chain partners to resolve bottlenecks or gain deeper insights—such as how we can better align our energy forecasts with the dynamics of the schedule in a world of increasing operational activity. 
• Representing a portion of the energy assets within and outside of NS, while striking the right balance between the interests of NS and those of our partners. In this role, you’ll be challenged every day to take NS’s energy consumption to the next level within a cutting-edge, socially relevant, and dynamic field! 

Of course, you don’t do this alone: you work closely with the Asset Strategist, Advisors, and Energy Analysts. The Asset Strategist sets the direction and takes a broader view of the entire asset. The Advisors specialize in specific areas where they are experts. And the Analysts are the true data experts of the team. You’ll collaborate with all team members on specific issues spanning the medium term, with a focus on the contract. 

This is where you'll be working

Network Development and Design (NO) is part of Commercial & Development. NO is responsible for creating a feasible timetable design that is tailored to passenger demand and concession requirements, and that takes into account the availability and development of various assets (rolling stock, personnel, infrastructure, energy). 

Within NO, Asset Strategy (AS) is responsible for asset availability, from the long term to the short term. This involves quantity (for example, ensuring sufficient trains are available or that energy is procured optimally), as well as quality (for example, the long-term qualifications of train operators) and costs. An important aspect of this is the integrated approach: we are part of a chain, and every change in the chain has an effect elsewhere in the chain. 

Your desk is waiting for you on the 3rd floor of our office next to Utrecht Central Station. At Asset Strategy, you’ll join a department where a wide range of topics come together. The common thread is that we’re driven to constantly explore how we can improve things for our passengers, as well as for NS. Asset Strategy consists of small teams organized by asset. Within AS, there’s an open work culture (with room for brainstorming and reflection), and we prioritize continuous team development (team days, focus on personal growth within the team). 

At NS, we value diversity and inclusion; it makes working together more enjoyable and often leads to better results. Your background or personal beliefs don’t matter—we’re primarily interested in your vision for the role of Energy Advisor. 

These are the job requirements

• At least a bachelor's degree, with the ability to work and think at a master's level.  
• You have at least 5 years of work experience, preferably in a stakeholder-focused consulting role or a commercial (contract) role. 
• You have knowledge of, or are curious about, developments and trends in the energy sector and related social issues such as grid congestion. 
• You embrace change and have the experience and skills needed to steer your organization in a new direction.  
• You have experience with contract management within large, complex organizations.  
• You know how to strike the right tone with the right colleague and how to identify and manage conflicting interests. This enables you to effectively build support and drive progress both within and outside NS. 
• You work with precision and place a high value on providing solid numerical support for your work. You are able to translate complex questions into new insights, clear frameworks, and/or concrete decisions that are understandable to all stakeholders who need to act on them. 
• You quickly grasp new concepts and know how to navigate new partnerships or a changing market, both in terms of the subject matter and the necessary relationships.  
• You are able to work in a project- and process-oriented manner and enjoy taking the lead by identifying and raising opportunities for improvement at an early stage. You don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it.  
• You are willing—especially in the early stages—to spend most of the week working in the office to build relationships with a large group of colleagues. 

At NS, we believe it’s important to speak up and always feel comfortable expressing our opinions. We’re looking for colleagues with initiative who are open to change. For this role, these are all crucial factors for success in achieving your goals in collaboration with your team and the business. 

These are the terms of employment

Working at NS means you can make a real difference in the dynamic world of sustainable mobility. You’ll help keep the Netherlands accessible to everyone. At NS, you’ll enjoy a great deal of freedom. There are plenty of opportunities for professional growth. We promise you that no two days will be the same. And as one of the best employers in the Netherlands, we have even more to offer. For this position, that includes:  

• A salary between €4,190.50 and €7,015.68 gross per month (based on a 36-hour workweek). 
• A 36-hour workweek.  
• 144 hours of statutory leave (based on full-time employment) + additional leave depending on age (at least one week). 
• The option to exchange 3 Christian holidays for 3 non-Christian holidays. 
• A 3% year-end bonus, an 8% vacation allowance, and anexcellent pension plan.  
• Your train travel in second class is free; you can travel in first class for a small fee.  
• Your family travels for free during off-peak hours. 
• Get a discount on European train travel after you’ve worked at NS for one year.  
• A benefits plan that includes options such as a bicycle allowance, additional pension contributions, or extra vacation days. 
• Want to learn more? Check out ourterms of employment and collective bargaining agreement. 
•  The option to work from home and flexible working hours (by arrangement).

Apply for this job

Apply now (but be sure to do so by July 10) using the application button. You’ll receive an automatic confirmation within a few minutes, and we’ll respond to your application within two weeks.  

Please address your application to Nikki Kaptein, corporate recruiter.  

Do you have any questions about the application process?  

Please email Karin in our front office at:recruitment@ns.nl.  

Would you prefer to contact us by phone? Please call our front office at 088 671 36 66.  

Do you have any questions about the content? If so, please contact Estée Hak at 06 578 48 243. 

Good to know:

• A background check, including a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG), is part of the application process. This also includes signing an integrity statement and a confidentiality agreement.  

• We believe it’s important that everyone who works with us feels at home. This is reflected in everything we do, including our hiring policy. Read morehere. 

• We are posting this job opening to recruit our new colleague directly. This is therefore not a call for business development. This position cannot be filled on an interim basis. Please visit ourstaffing page for such opportunities. 

• The first interviews will take place during the week of July 14.