Connections Contracts Team Manager

Base Location: Southern England – Reading, Poole, Portsmouth, Slough, Thatcham, London, Melksham or Oxford

Salary: £55,200 – £83,000 + car / cash allowance + performance-related bonus + a range of other benefits to support your family, finances and wellbeing.

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

We have a fantastic opportunity for a Connections Contract Team Manager to join our talented team and help to play a pivotal role in enabling net zero by connecting customers to our network. The Connections Contract Team Manager is responsible for optimising performance of the Connections Account Management team, and ownership of key stakeholder relationships to ensure their views inform and shape continual improvements in our Connections service offering. You will be leading a team of two Lead Connections Contract Managers and seventeen Connections Contract Managers. This role will report to the Head of Major Connections.

The Account Management team are responsible for the efficient and accurate issuing of Standard License Condition 12 (SLC12) Connection Offers and subsequently their contractual management.

We are looking for someone with the ability to inspire, lead, motivate and co-coordinate the entire team ensuring they have the necessary expertise and support in place.

Key responsibilities in this role will include:

• Inspire, lead and mentor the team to drive income, and support our distribution purpose and vision, by developing and implementing training, governance, reporting practices, and behaviours aligned with industry best practice.
• Translating complex technical and financial concepts into terms which can be communicated effectively to the business and stakeholders.
• Currently responsible for a combined portfolio of 1500 projects, totalling 20GW and a financial value of circa £800m, this drives wide reaching and varied interactions for the Contract Manager.
• Represent the connections business with stakeholders and industry specialist groups, including Ofgem, DNOs, business customers, trade associations and governing bodies, to provide detailed reporting and insight to the SSEN leadership team which support transformation requirements driven by business or industry.
• Management of the Account Management for SHEPD and SEPD licenses, ensuring an appropriate strategy and standards are set for the Account Management function to deliver positive impacts for the business.
• Actively promote the day-to-day safety environment and culture by way of proactive management, adhering to current health and safety legislation.
• Monitor and control standards by ensuring that appropriate checks and audits are carried out.

What do I need?

To be considered for this role, we would love you to have:

• Great management skills, including experience in coaching, mentoring, and performance management.
• An understanding of the Distribution business with a detailed knowledge of Connection policy with a proven commercial acumen to manage and negotiate contracts and disputes.
• Project/Portfolio management skills (workloads, finance forecasting, key dates and project planning).
• A Commercial manager with an understanding of regulatory funding and charging mechanisms.
• Excellent customer & stakeholder management skills, preferably experience in liaising with industry specialist groups, including Ofgem, DNOs, business customers, trade associations and governing bodies.

About our Business

SSEN Distribution powers 3.9 million homes and businesses in communities across central southern England and the north of Scotland. Our team of more than 4,200 highly skilled people keep customers connected to a safe and reliable supply of electricity whilst developing the flexible networks that are vital for the future. We power communities to thrive today and create a net-zero tomorrow.

Why not join us and help power change, we’re looking for great people who love working with others to achieve great results. You’ll be empowered to make the right decisions for our customers and have the space to take accountability for the work you do. You’ll be working as part of a bigger team, enabling net-zero, so teamwork will be essential. As a part of our business, you become part of something bigger – an established company with a reputation for looking after our people, offering secure and rewarding roles where safety is our number one priority.

What’s in it for you?

We offer an excellent package with 34 days annual leave entitlement. Enhanced maternity/paternity leave, discounted healthcare, salary sacrifice car leasing and much more, view our full benefits package on our careers site.

As an equal opportunity employer we encourage diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage applicants from all protected characteristics and commit to providing any reasonable adjustments you need during the application, assessment and upon joining SSE.

Search for ‘Inclusion & Diversity at SSE’ to find out more.

What happens now?

All applications should be made online, and I’ll be back in touch after the vacancy closing date to let you know the outcome. If you would like to discuss any working flexibly requirements or adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment and selection process, please contact Jim on 01738 341514.

Before commencing employment with SSE, you’ll be required to fully complete our pre-employment screening process consisting of a basic criminal records and credit check.