At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape a new Portfolio Optimisation function in the energy sector.
- Company: Join SSE, a leader in sustainable energy solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, flexible benefits, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the UK's energy future while fostering collaboration and innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in energy markets, strong analytical skills, and empowering leadership style.
The predicted salary is between 120000 - 120000 £ per year.
Base Location: You'll be expected to spend 50% of your working week in one of the following SSE offices, Edinburgh, Glasgow or Perth. Note that there will be a requirement to travel within central Scotland to each of the above noted offices.
Salary: circa £120,000 + car / car allowance + performance-related bonus + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.
Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time | options available
The Role: This is an exciting opportunity to shape and lead a newly established Portfolio Optimisation function at the heart of SSE Energy Markets. As Head of Portfolio Optimisation, you'll bring together people, insights and perspectives from across the business to help maximise value from one of the UK's most diverse energy portfolios whilst supporting SSE's ambition to build a net zero future. Working closely with colleagues across Trading, Risk, Analytics, Economics and the wider SSE Group, you'll foster collaboration, guide strategic decision-making and create clarity in a complex environment. You'll lead with curiosity, compassion and commercial insight, creating an environment where people feel supported, included and empowered to contribute their best work. Throughout everything you do, you'll champion a culture where safety, wellbeing, responsible risk management and ethical decision-making are at the forefront, ensuring sustainable outcomes for our customers, communities and stakeholders.
You Will:
- Create and nurture a best‑in‑class Portfolio Optimisation function, fostering a culture of trust, inclusion, continuous learning and psychological safety where people can thrive and perform at their best.
- Guide portfolio positioning, optimisation and hedging strategies across power, gas and carbon markets, balancing commercial opportunities with robust governance, responsible risk management and a steadfast commitment to safety.
- Build strong, collaborative partnerships across Energy Markets and SSE's Business Units, bringing people together around shared goals and enabling confident, well‑informed decision‑making.
- Transform complex market and portfolio insights into clear, accessible recommendations that support senior leaders in making thoughtful and sustainable decisions for the business.
- Mentor, coach and develop a high‑performing team, encouraging diverse perspectives, innovation and personal growth whilst creating opportunities for others to succeed.
You Have:
- Significant experience within energy markets, commodity trading, portfolio management, optimisation or market risk, coupled with the ability to view challenges through both a commercial and strategic lens.
- Exceptional analytical skills and a naturally curious mindset, using data, modelling and insight to support safe, responsible and value‑driven decision‑making.
- A talent for building trusted relationships and bringing people together, creating alignment and inspiring collaboration across a wide range of stakeholders.
- An empowering leadership style, with a passion for developing others, creating inclusive environments and helping individuals realise their full potential.
- Strong communication and influencing skills, with the confidence and empathy to engage senior stakeholders, navigate complexity and advocate for the best outcomes for people, performance and the wider business.
About SSE: SSE's purpose is to provide energy needed today while building a better world of energy for tomorrow. We do this by developing, building, operating and investing in electricity infrastructure and businesses needed in the energy transition. Our Transforming for Growth investment plan sees us investing £33bn in critical electricity infrastructure across the five years to 2030. Secure the energy needed to power customers' lives, while creating value for SSE. Our Energy Markets trading teams buy the fuel needed to deliver cleaner energy and sell power generated in our wind farm, hydro and thermal assets back to the markets.
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: 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.
Head Of Portfolio Optimisation employer: SSE Enterprise
SSE is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and growth. With flexible working options and a comprehensive benefits package, including performance-related bonuses and family entitlements, SSE empowers its employees to thrive while contributing to meaningful projects in the energy sector. Located in vibrant cities like Perth and Glasgow, employees enjoy a supportive environment that fosters collaboration and innovation, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking impactful careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Portfolio Optimisation
✨Get Involved with Industry Events
The energy and utilities sector is always buzzing with events, trade shows, and networking opportunities. We should hit up conferences and exhibitions like Energy UK or Utility Week Live—these are prime spots to mingle with industry professionals and even snag some insider info on job openings!
✨Join Energy-focused Online Communities
Let's tap into online platforms and forums like LinkedIn groups or Reddit communities specifically for energy and utilities. Not only can we showcase our knowledge, but we can also stay updated on company announcements or job leads from people already in the know.
✨Consider Industry Certifications
Pushing ahead with certifications like the NEBOSH National Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health (if you’re into safety) can give us a leg up in this competitive field. It not only builds our credibility but also shows employers that we’re serious about our career in energy and utilities.
✨Apply ThroughSSE Enterprise's Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through SSE Enterprise's website for the full-time Head Of Portfolio Optimisation role. Many companies prioritise candidates who show initiative by going straight to the source. Make sure we tailor our application to highlight our passion for the energy sector!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of Portfolio Optimisation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Energy Knowledge:When crafting your CV and cover letter, make sure you highlight any knowledge or experience related to the energy-utilities sector. Whether it’s coursework, internships, or projects that showcase your understanding of energy management, sustainability, or regulatory frameworks, we want to see that passion and expertise shine through.
Quantify Your Achievements:In our field, numbers speak volumes! Don’t just tell us about your previous roles; quantify your achievements where possible. For instance, mention how you improved energy efficiency by a percentage or contributed to cost savings. This makes your application more compelling and shows us just how impactful you can be.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at SSE Enterprise. Tailor it to reflect how your values align with our mission in the energy sector. Share why you're excited about this specific role and how you envision contributing to our goals.
Demonstrate Your Team Spirit:Collaboration is key in the energy-utilities industry. In your application, emphasise any team projects or experiences where you worked effectively with others, especially on sustainability initiatives or technical projects. We're looking for someone who can mesh well with our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at SSE Enterprise
✨Show Your Passion for Renewable Energy
In the energy-utilities sector, it’s vital to demonstrate your enthusiasm for sustainable practices and innovations. Share experiences where you've worked on or studied renewable energy projects, whether that’s through coursework, past internships, or personal initiatives. Let us see how your passion aligns with the ethos of SSE Enterprise.
✨Brush Up on Industry Regulations
Being familiar with industry standards and regulations is crucial in energy-utilities interviews. Make sure to know the basics of relevant policies and frameworks, like the Energy Act or environmental legislation. This will not only show you’ve done your homework but will also prepare you for potential technical questions about compliance during your interview.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Project Management Skills
Most roles in the energy sector involve collaboration with diverse teams. Be ready to discuss examples where you’ve successfully worked in teams or led projects, especially those involving energy initiatives. This is particularly important for a full-time position, as employers want to see you bring a collaborative spirit to SSE Enterprise.
✨Prepare for Technical Assessments
Expect some technical questions or even practical assessments during your interview, especially about energy efficiency methodologies or basic engineering principles relevant to the role. It’s a good idea to brush up on key concepts and be prepared to explain them clearly, as this will demonstrate your technical proficiency and readiness to jump into your new role.
