At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead socio-economic strategies and manage community benefit funds for lasting impact.
- Company: Join SSE, a leader in energy transition and infrastructure development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, health perks, and family support.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in communities while driving sustainability and innovation.
- Qualifications: Degree-level education with experience in energy or community development.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Base Location: For this role, we require successful applicants to be based from one of our Scottish locations - Perth, Glasgow, Aberdeen or Inverness.
Salary: £Competitive + car /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.
The role:
SSEN Transmission is investing around £29bn in critical grid infrastructure to support the UK's energy security and net zero transition. As Head of Socio-economic Benefit, you'll play a pivotal role in ensuring these investments deliver lasting value for communities, stakeholders, and society. From managing upwards of £100m in community benefit funds to delivering housing legacy across the North of Scotland, this is a career-defining opportunity to lead at the intersection of infrastructure, sustainability, and social impact.
You will:
- Lead the development and delivery of SSEN Transmission's socio-economic benefit strategy, ensuring alignment with regulatory frameworks and stakeholder expectations.
- Oversee the management of Community Benefit Funds and Housing Legacy investments for 1000 permanent homes, ensuring transparent governance and full cost recovery.
- Build and maintain strategic relationships with government, local authorities, housing associations, housing developers and community organisations.
- Champion heritage and community wealth-building initiatives, ensuring measurable impact and alignment with SSE Group values.
- Provide expert leadership to a multi-disciplinary team, driving performance, innovation, and collaboration across the business.
You have:
- Degree level qualification or equivalent, with a passion for delivering meaningful legacy benefits and driving positive change.
- Proven experience in the energy sector, community development, or socio-economic investment, with strong knowledge of sustainability and regulated business environments.
- Exceptional stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with a track record of shaping policy and securing strategic outcomes.
- Strong commercial acumen, including budget management, contract negotiation, and regulatory funding recovery.
- Inspirational leadership with the ability to manage complex programmes and develop high-performing teams.
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. SSEN Transmission own and operate the electricity transmission network across the north of Scotland. We transport energy from where it is generated to where it is needed, ensuring a safe and reliable electricity supply for the communities we serve. But that's not all - we're upgrading the grid to deliver cleaner, homegrown energy for the future and building a network for net zero to create secure power for generations to come.
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. Please contact shirley-anne.o'connor@sse.com / 01738 351976 to discuss how we can support you. 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 Socio-economic Benefit employer: SSE PLC
SSE is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Scotland, where you can make a tangible impact on communities and the environment. With a competitive salary, flexible working options, and a comprehensive benefits package that prioritises your wellbeing and family needs, SSE fosters a culture of inclusivity and growth, empowering employees to lead innovative projects that drive socio-economic benefits. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to building a sustainable future while enjoying opportunities for personal and professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Socio-economic Benefit
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the energy sector, especially those connected to socio-economic benefits. Attend industry events or webinars and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for sustainability and community impact during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've driven positive change in previous roles. This will help you stand out as someone who truly aligns with SSEN Transmission's values.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your interview by researching SSEN Transmission’s recent projects and initiatives. Being knowledgeable about their investments and community benefit strategies will demonstrate your genuine interest and commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the future of energy in Scotland.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Socio-economic Benefit
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in socio-economic benefits and community development. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at SSEN Transmission!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Head of Socio-economic Benefit, we’re looking for someone who can inspire and lead a team. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past to demonstrate your leadership prowess.
Highlight Stakeholder Engagement:Your ability to engage with various stakeholders is crucial. Include specific instances where you’ve built relationships with government bodies, local authorities, or community organisations to show us your influencing skills.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at SSEN Transmission!
How to prepare for a job interview at SSE PLC
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the socio-economic benefit strategy and how it aligns with SSEN Transmission's goals. Brush up on your knowledge of community development, sustainability, and the energy sector. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past, especially in complex environments. Highlight your ability to drive performance and innovation, as well as how you've built strategic relationships with stakeholders. This is crucial for a leadership role like Head of Socio-economic Benefit.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would approach building relationships with government bodies, local authorities, and community organisations. Be ready to discuss your strategies for stakeholder engagement and how you’ve influenced policy in previous roles. This will demonstrate your fit for the position.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the company's future projects, their approach to community benefits, or how they measure success in socio-economic initiatives. It shows you're proactive and genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
