At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the growth of smart, low carbon solutions for business customers.
- Company: Join SSE, a top player in energy solutions and smart buildings.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, performance bonus, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team focused on growth and transformation.
- Why this job: Drive innovation in smart buildings and make a real impact on sustainability.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in P&L roles within smart buildings or energy solutions.
The predicted salary is between 101100 - 151400 € per year.
Base Location: Reading, Altringham, Glasgow, Egham. You will be expected to spend a minimum 50% of your working week in an SSE location.
Salary: £101,100 - £151,400 + 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.
Lead the growth of smart, affordable and low carbon solutions for business customers. As Director of Smart Buildings, you will have full accountability for one of SSE Energy Solutions’ most strategically important customer businesses. This is your business to lead, with clear end‑to‑end responsibility for strategy, performance and long‑term growth. You will set the direction for the Smart Buildings business, owning outcomes across commercial performance, operational delivery, customer value and innovation, including new technologies and digital energy solutions. Working with colleagues across Energy Customer Solutions and the wider SSE Group, you will translate customer needs into scalable, trusted and commercially strong solutions, while retaining clear ownership for decisions, priorities and delivery within your business.
About The Role
- Set and deliver a clear long‑term strategy for the Smart Buildings business, balancing growth, innovation and operational performance to meet customer and organisational priorities.
- Take overall accountability for the commercial and financial performance of the business, ensuring strong governance, performance, risk management and sustainable decision making.
- Lead the development of smart and digital energy solutions, using insight from customers, markets and technology trends to shape offers that genuinely solve customer needs.
- Build strong relationships with customers, partners and internal teams to support effective route to market, high quality delivery and long term collaboration.
- Provide visible and inclusive leadership across a large, multi‑disciplinary organisation, embedding high standards of safety, accountability and continuous improvement.
- Lead the people, cultural and organisational change required to support growth, innovation and new ways of working across the Smart Buildings business.
About You
This is a senior leadership role for someone who thrives on running and leading a business, developing high‑performing leadership teams, navigating complexity and personally owning outcomes. You will bring strategic clarity, strong commercial judgement and inspirational leadership, alongside a strong mix of experience, capability and leadership approach, including:
- Significant experience in senior P&L leadership roles, with demonstrable success running a business or major business unit within smart buildings, energy solutions, building controls or a closely related sector, leading large, complex organisations at scale.
- Strong commercial and financial leadership capability, with a clear track record of full accountability for business performance, balancing short‑term delivery with sustainable, long‑term value creation.
- Proven ability to lead business growth and transformation, aligning strategy, people and delivery to drive measurable change.
- A deep understanding of the buildings and energy landscape, including customer needs, regulation, safety and the role of AI, digital and data in improving outcomes.
- A confident, values‑led leader, who sets direction and leads from the front, building trust and engagement across a c.300‑strong, UK‑wide workforce and providing clear leadership through cultural and organisational change.
About SSE Smart Buildings
We are one of the largest BEMS suppliers in the UK – a top 3 Honeywell Trend Technology Partner, and the first Siemens Master Partner. We love being a market leader and topping out some outstanding projects to the very highest of standards – on time and within budget. Working alongside our colleagues in SSE we provide some of the most critical building control and energy generation services required by a zero‑carbon world, enabling our customers to achieve their sustainability targets.
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.
- 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.
Director of Smart Buildings in Reading employer: SSE Energy Solutions – Smart Buildings
SSE is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and sustainability are at the forefront of our mission. As the Director of Smart Buildings, you will lead a talented team in delivering cutting-edge energy solutions while enjoying a competitive salary, flexible working options, and a comprehensive benefits package that prioritises your wellbeing and family needs. With a strong commitment to employee growth and a culture of inclusivity, SSE empowers you to drive meaningful change in the energy sector from our vibrant locations across the UK.
Contact Detail:
SSE Energy Solutions – Smart Buildings Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Smart Buildings in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the smart buildings and energy solutions sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you’re chatting with potential employers or networking contacts, make sure to highlight your experience in leading P&L roles and driving business growth. Share specific examples of how you've transformed organisations and delivered results – this will set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand SSE's approach to smart buildings and energy solutions, and think about how your leadership style aligns with their values. This will help you demonstrate that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the company.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining SSE and contributing to their mission of delivering sustainable energy solutions.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Smart Buildings in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in smart buildings and energy solutions. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Showcase Leadership Experience:As a senior leadership role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to lead teams and drive business growth. Share specific examples of how you've navigated complexity and delivered results in previous roles.
Highlight Innovation and Strategy:We’re looking for someone who can set a clear long-term strategy. Be sure to include any innovative projects or strategies you’ve implemented that have led to measurable change in your past positions.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing talent out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at SSE Energy Solutions – Smart Buildings
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the smart buildings sector. Understand the latest trends in energy solutions, building controls, and how AI and digital tech are shaping the industry. This knowledge will help you speak confidently about how you can lead the business and drive innovation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Director, your leadership approach is crucial. Be ready to discuss your experience in leading large teams and driving cultural change. Share specific examples of how you've inspired teams and navigated complex challenges, highlighting your values-led leadership style.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. Prepare scenarios where you've successfully balanced short-term goals with long-term growth. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨Build Relationships
Emphasise your ability to build strong relationships with customers and partners. Think of examples where you've collaborated effectively across teams or with external stakeholders. This will demonstrate your capability to support effective routes to market and high-quality delivery.
