HV Operations Manager

The HV Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the Control Room operations on the SPD distribution network. This role ensures the reliable and efficient delivery of electricity from generation facilities to end-users, maintaining system integrity and safety. The manager will lead a team of highly skilled Distribution Control Engineers, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and operational procedures.

Responsibilities include:

• Ensuring the efficient running of the control room, including the delivery of frontier performance on electrical safety, system security, customer service and fault restoration activities.
• Development of policies and strategies associated with system restoration activities, engaging with other parts of the business, HSE, DESNZ, OFGEM, NESO and all other DNOs.
• Representing SPD interests in Government led Industry Groups.
• Control Room Emergency Planning and Business Continuity.
• Ensuring SPD is ready during periods of increased network risk due to severe weather.
• Implementing emergency demand reduction instructions.
• Maintaining an agreed viable National Power Outage plan to restore the SPD network and associated customers following a total GB shutdown.

What you’ll be doing:

• Manage the Distribution Control Room during day-to-day activities on the SPD Distribution network – including faults, maintenance, connections and investment activities.
• Responsible for 7 first line reports and 14 second line reports in highly skilled Engineering roles.
• Manage the Control Room interfaces between the Real Time Systems, outage planning and other departments within SPEN (SPD License area) and external parts of the business.
• Carry out regular Strategic Reviews for the Control Room Operation to ensure business readiness for Regulatory changes and skills are in place to operate and manage emerging technologies such as HVDC & DSO.
• Actively participate in business and organisational change to maintain and/or improve performance, productivity and service standards.
• Ensure Performance Management process is delivered within Control Room Team.
• Lead initiatives that drive further benefit and financial reward culturally, technically and by improved processes.
• Coach and develop the Control Room team to ensure business objectives are met.
• Contribute as an effective member of the Customer Service Management team.
• Respond to various challenges in this role, requiring knowledge in each area to ensure effectiveness.
• Lead the delivery of new processes and technologies.
• Maximise productivity within the team, reducing operational costs.
• Make balanced decisions, consulting with others when applicable.

What you’ll bring:

• Expert knowledge of SP Energy Networks policies, procedures and working practices.
• Awareness of network development policies and procedures.
• Well developed customer service skills.
• Knowledge of network and business data and SCADA network management systems.
• Innovative in applying the latest technologies.
• Developed negotiation, communication, influencing and people management skills.
• Ability to devise solutions to complex problems/challenges.
• Experience in a line management role.
• Broad operational experience preferred, spanning Distribution / Transmission.
• Ability to deliver objectives without compromising on safety, quality or customer service.
• Good organisation and time management skills.
• An effective and confident verbal and written communicator.
• Working knowledge of company code of conduct, disciplinary procedures and other HR guidance documentation.
• Expert knowledge of company Health & Safety requirements and compliance.
• Expert Knowledge of the incentive arrangement surrounding DNO activities.

Minimum Criteria:

• Engineering qualification in an electrical discipline (BSc/BEng/HNC).
• Experience as Control Engineer on an electricity Distribution / Transmission network OR significant experience as SAP on electricity Distribution / Transmission network.

What’s in it for you:

As well as a competitive salary which is reviewed annually, you can also enjoy a number of other benefits, including:

• 36 days annual leave.
• Holiday Purchase.
• Share Schemes.
• Payroll Giving and Charity Matched Funding.
• Technology Vouchers.
• Electric Vehicle Schemes.
• Cycle to Work scheme and Public Transport Season Ticket Loans.
• Healthcare benefit options including: Dental Insurance, Private Medical Insurance, Health Cash Plan and annual Health Assessments.
• Life Assurance (4x salary).
• Access to Savesmart financial wellbeing support.
• Shopping, leisure, restaurant and gym discounts, and unique employee deals on travel insurance and more.

Why SP Energy Networks:

SP Energy Networks is part of the Iberdrola Group, one of the world’s largest integrated utility companies and a world leader in wind energy. We keep electricity flowing to homes and businesses through Central and Southern Scotland, North Wales and in the North West of England. We operate over 4000km of cables and lines that make up the transmission network – connecting infrastructure like wind farms into the electricity system. It’s a role that puts us right at the heart of Scotland’s ambition to be Net Zero by 2044. We’re investing over £5.5 billion into our transmission network, directly supporting the rapid growth needed in renewable energy. With diverse opportunities across our businesses and a commitment to invest in our own internal talent, ScottishPower can offer people real career opportunities that meet personal and professional goals, in a global organisation.

Inclusion, diversity, and a social purpose are at the heart of everything we do. Together with our values, they bring us together into a stronger, more sustainable business with direct links to the communities we serve. We are committed to providing reasonable support or adjustments in our recruiting processes for candidates with disabilities, long term conditions, mental health conditions, or who are neurodivergent or require pregnancy-related support. If you need support, please reach out to careers@scottishpower.com.

Please note that any applicant who is not a citizen of the country of the vacancy will be subject to compliance with the applicable immigration requirements to legally work in that country. If/when required, the Company will support the employee with the necessary Immigration requirements.