At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sustainability initiatives and ensure compliance with regulatory commitments.
- Company: Join SP Energy Networks, a leader in renewable energy and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and health benefits.
- Other info: Diverse opportunities for career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Scotland's journey to Net Zero by 2044.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and extensive experience in sustainability programmes.
The predicted salary is between 55200 - 69000 € per year.
Location: Glasgow, SPHQ
Salary from £55,200 to £69,000 + up to 15% annual bonus and Private healthcare cover
Help us create a better future, quicker. During this 14 month fixed term contract you will, as a Lead Sustainability Specialist be accountable for the system‑wide leadership, coordination, governance and assurance of SP Energy Networks’ sustainability performance across Transmission and Distribution licences.
Acting as the senior operational lead for sustainability delivery, the role provides regulatory confidence, drives cross‑business delivery through influence, and ensures SPEN meets – and is credible against – its regulated sustainability commitments now and in future price control periods. The role operates at enterprise level, translating sustainability strategy into delivery, advising Directors on risk and trade‑offs, and leading the central sustainability team to deliver outcomes that are robust, auditable and aligned with SPEN’s long‑term business objectives.
What you’ll be doing
- Regulatory Delivery, Governance & Assurance
- Own and provide confidence in the delivery of SPEN’s regulated sustainability commitments across ED2 / T2 and future price control periods.
- Act as the primary point of accountability for regulatory assurance, ensuring delivery is supported by robust evidence, audit trails and defensible performance narratives.
- Strategy Implementation & Future Price Control Leadership
- Lead translation of SPEN’s Sustainable Business Strategy into deliverable plans, programmes and governance arrangements.
- Own coordination of sustainability input into future price control development (e.g. ED3 and future T‑periods), including long‑term horizon planning (10+ years).
- Cross‑Business Delivery & Working Group Leadership
- Lead sustainability delivery through cross‑business Working Groups as the primary delivery mechanism, spanning multiple directorates and licences.
- Oversight of all Sustainability Working Groups.
- Secure delivery through influence, challenge and negotiation rather than hierarchical authority, resolving misalignment where required.
- Performance Management, Reporting & Confidence
- Own the coordination and quality of sustainability performance reporting, including monthly dashboards, quarterly reviews and Annual Environmental Reports.
- Ensure performance data, narratives and confidence statements are accurate, consistent and decision‑useful for senior governance.
- Budget Ownership, Commissioning & Innovation
- Own and manage allocated sustainability budgets, including forecasting, spend phasing and value for money.
- Commission and manage external support, collaborations and advisory input in line with governance and procurement requirements, including creation and ownership of bespoke Frameworks.
- People Leadership & Capability
- Line‑manage the central Sustainability Specialist team, providing leadership, coaching and performance management.
- Build and maintain critical sustainability capability within SPEN, including succession planning and skills development.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Representation
- Act as a senior internal advocate for sustainability, influencing Director‑level and senior manager decision‑making.
- Represent SPEN in cross‑ScottishPower and Iberdrola sustainability forums.
What you’ll bring
- Degree‑level qualification in a relevant discipline or equivalent significant professional experience.
- Extensive experience leading complex, cross‑business sustainability or assurance‑critical programmes.
- Deep understanding of sustainability requirements in a regulated infrastructure or utilities context.
- Proven ability to influence, negotiate and challenge at Director and senior manager level.
- Strong experience in regulatory, assurance or governance environments.
- Excellent analytical, reporting and communication skills, including translating complex issues for non‑technical audiences.
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. With our pension scheme, we’ll double match your contribution up to a company contribution of 10%. At ScottishPower, we believe it’s the little things we do in life that make a big difference. From helping you look after your family’s wellbeing, save for your future and take personal steps for climate action – our benefits are designed to help you do just that - so that you have everything you need to take care of your world – today and tomorrow.
- 36 days annual leave
- Holiday Purchase – perfect your work/life balance with extra annual leave
- Share Schemes
- Payroll Giving and Charity Matched Funding
- Technology Vouchers – save more and spread the cost of your technology purchases
- Electric Vehicle Schemes – to help you transition to green/clean driving
- 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
- Plus 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. And we’re taking it very seriously. We’re investing >£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. It takes all kinds of people to build a large-scale business like ours, so whatever your background, you’ll fit right in.
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.
Mobility
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.
Lead Sustainability Specialist in Glasgow employer: Iberdrola
At SP Energy Networks, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises sustainability and employee growth. Located in Glasgow, our team enjoys competitive salaries, extensive benefits including generous annual leave and healthcare options, and a commitment to personal development within a global organisation dedicated to achieving Net Zero by 2044. Join us to make a meaningful impact while advancing your career in a supportive and inclusive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Sustainability Specialist in Glasgow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the sustainability field, especially those at SP Energy Networks. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of sustainability regulations and SPEN's commitments. Show us you’re not just passionate but also informed about what we do and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in our minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in sustainability.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Sustainability Specialist in Glasgow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in sustainability and regulatory environments. We want to see how your skills align with the Lead Sustainability Specialist role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading teams and influencing stakeholders, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership experience. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led cross-business initiatives or managed teams in your application.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the point while still conveying your passion for sustainability.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures that your application is processed correctly and gives you the best chance of being considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Iberdrola
✨Know Your Sustainability Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest sustainability trends and regulations, especially those relevant to the utilities sector. Being able to discuss how these impact SP Energy Networks will show that you're not just knowledgeable but genuinely interested in the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific challenges related to sustainability delivery or regulatory assurance. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully influenced cross-business teams or navigated complex governance issues.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Sustainability Specialist, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and manage teams effectively. Be ready to share examples of how you've coached team members or led projects that required collaboration across different departments.
✨Engage with Their Vision
SP Energy Networks is committed to a sustainable future, so make sure you align your personal values with their mission. Discuss how your vision for sustainability can contribute to their long-term goals, and don’t hesitate to bring up innovative ideas that could enhance their current strategies.
