Lilian

Lilian's STORY

Telemetry & Controls Engineer, National Gas

Telemetry & Controls Engineer
National Gas

Lilian is responsible for maintaining the reliability and integrity of National Gas Assets. As an operator of a UK critical infrastructure, this ensures the gas is kept flowing safely across the National Transmission System.

What do you do and where do you do it?

I currently work as an Asset Management Strategy Implementation Lead at National Gas, Warwick.

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

I am leading the implementation of the Asset Management strategy in anticipation of the start of the RIIO-GT3 price control period. This involves identifying, appraising, optimising and prioritising processes within our Asset Management System that ensures we maintain the reliability and integrity of our Assets. As an operator of a UK critical infrastructure, this ensures we keep the gas flowing safely across the National Transmission System.

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

My professional experience and academic background, ensures that I provide the most holistic approach when assessing options put forward by stakeholders. I am a Subject Matter Expert (SME) on the Operational and Maintenance requirements of various asset classes. My background as an Asset Management SME, allows me to adopt whole life cycle assessments for integrating strategic long-term decisions.

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

I started out as a Graduate Asset Management Consultant. I am now a Chartered Engineer and a Member of the Institute of Asset Management. My qualifications are listed below.

PhD Management of Major Engineering Projects – University of Manchester.
MSc Reliability Engineering and Asset Management – University of Manchester.
Beng Petroleum Engineering – Federal University of Technology Owerri.

What did you do before?

I previously worked as a Senior Asset Management Consultant involved in developing Asset Management Strategies, Asset Planning Decision-Making models, Asset Deterioration model visualised in Power Business Intelligence (Power BI) and Investment Planning tool of scaled Asset Management Plans.

What attracted you to join the energy and utilities sector?

The UK energy sector is undergoing so many transformational activities in preparation for Net Zero Carbon and adopting clean energy sources. There are so many initiatives which would see us adapting the use of our assets to conform to these changes. It is an exciting sector to work in now.

Why is your current position better/ more satisfying?

My current role is within the energy sector for a critical infrastructure within the UK. My role is more engaging as I must collaborate with so many stakeholders both internally and externally. I also have to leverage more of my skillsets to perform my job responsibilities.

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

My current company is a major player in the energy and utilities sector. There are so many opportunities for progression within the business. The company also supports training and development initiatives once the justification is provided.

What does an average day consist of?

I am mostly at the office, and I would start my day with engaging with the SMEs across Engineering and Operations for our different Asset Classes within our Asset portfolio. I would also meet with the Senior Asset Managers & Asset Managers managing different assets. I also interact positively with the data team as a core function of my role is on improving our Asset Information Strategy.

Would you recommend your job to a friend and why?

Yes, I have an amazing role and work within a very diverse organisation with opportunities for progression.

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– Lilian Iheukwumere-Esotu

Asset Management Strategy Implementation Lead

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