Director of Operations

Join to apply for the Director of Operations role at SSEN Transmission

Base Location: For this role, we require successful applicants to be based from one of our Scottish locations – Perth, Glasgow, Inverness or Aberdeen

Salary: £124,200 - £186,200 + car /car allowance + performance-related bonus + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.

Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time | Flexible First options available

The role

This new role oversees the operation of Scottish and Southern Electricity Transmission’s (SSEN Transmission) network, encompassing a critical portfolio of responsibilities to ensure safe, reliable, and adaptable transmission operations, all aimed at delivering world-class network reliability.

As the Director of Operations, you will provide strategic, tactical, and operational leadership across specialist teams.

Your accountability spans a comprehensive inspection, testing, maintenance and repair programme, alongside the management of strategic spares, for network assets up to 400kV AC and 525kV DC. This includes overhead lines, protection and control systems, cables, SCADA and OT equipment, substation equipment, large-scale Flexible AC Transmission System (FACTS) assets, and HVDC transmission converter stations and links.

Key to this role is ensuring strict compliance with business, statutory and regulatory standards. You will develop and enforce operational standards, providing expert technical leadership for a multi-billion-pound Transmission project portfolio.

You will make pivotal decisions on the development, construction, commissioning, and integration of new assets, balancing immediate project needs with long-term business objectives including network operability and will be central in developing the future strategy across all asset types including main system plant, protection schemes, real time systems design and telecoms.

Additionally, You Will

• Oversee and deliver selected capital projects directly managing a portfolio valued at approximately £400 million.
• Drive contractor and team performance to exceed regulatory incentive targets.
• Lead the growth and capability development of operational teams as the network grows significantly over the coming years.
• Promote and manage operational safety across the Transmission network to protect staff, contractors and the public, including participation in the Operational Safety Group which monitors and amends safety critical operational processes.

Other Key Responsibilities Will Include

• Build and lead an agile project support and acceptance function to aid construction, commissioning, and energisation of all SSEN Transmission projects.
• Provide leadership during system events and crisis situations affecting the Transmission network in the north of Scotland.
• Represent SSEN Transmission at all levels, both internal and external where operational advice is required. This will range from everyday KPIs to government briefings.

To Succeed In This Role, You Should

• Be a Chartered Electrical Engineer with extensive experience gained in a utility or engineering environment.
• Have comprehensive knowledge of UK regulated electricity transmission networks, particularly licence obligations for electricity transmission.
• Understand and implement asset management principles.
• Have strong people management skills and significant experience of leading and motivating large teams, projects and programmes in a significantly sized operational business unit.
• Have experience of managing large multi-million-pound budgets in both capital and operational activities (TOTEX).
• Possess exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels, internally and externally.

Candidates for this role will be required to obtain vetting to SC level through UK Government. The criteria normally includes 5 years UK residency. Further information can be found here: United Kingdom Security Vetting: Applicant - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

About SSE

SSE has a bold ambition – to be a leading energy company in a net zero world. We're investing around £10 million a day in homegrown energy to help power a cleaner, more secure future.

SSEN Transmission own and operate the electricity transmission network across the north of Scotland. We transport energy from where it is generated to where it is needed, ensuring a safe and reliable electricity supply for the communities we serve. We're upgrading the grid to deliver cleaner, homegrown energy for the future and building a network for net zero to create secure power for generations to come.

Flexible Benefits To Fit Your Life

Enjoy discounts on private healthcare and gym memberships. Wellbeing benefits like a free online GP and 24/7 counselling service. Interest-free loans on tech and transport season tickets, or a new bike with our Cycle to Work scheme. As well as generous family entitlements such as maternity and adoption pay, and paternity leave.

Work with an equal opportunity employer

SSE will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure that your application and experience with us is positive. Please contact gemma.bell@sse.com / 01738 341043 to discuss how we can support you.

We're dedicated to fostering an open and inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds can thrive. We create equal opportunities for everyone to succeed and especially welcome applications from those who may not be well represented in our workforce or industry.

Ready to apply?

Start your online application using the Apply Now box on this page. We only accept applications made online. We'll be in touch after the closing date to let you know if we'll be taking your application further. If you're offered a role with SSE, you'll need to complete a criminality check and a credit check before you start work.

Seniority level: Director

Employment type: Full-time

Job function

Strategy/Planning, Science, and Engineering

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Salary: GBP 124200 - 186200 per year

Experience: 5 years required