At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-performing team to optimise contract management and enhance customer relationships.
- Company: Join SSE, a leader in energy infrastructure and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and wellness perks like gym discounts and online GP access.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive workplace that values diversity and offers excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of energy while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in contract management, strong negotiation skills, and a customer-first mindset.
The predicted salary is between 51600 - 77400 £ per year.
Base Location: Reading or Portsmouth. You’ll be expected to spend 50% of your working week in the office.
Salary: £51,600 - £77,400 + performance-related bonus and a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.
Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time | Flexible First options available.
The role: We’re looking for a Lead Connections Contracts Manager to play a vital role in driving performance, improving service delivery, and leading a high-performing team within our Connections Contract Management function. You’ll take ownership of customer relationships and contractual obligations, ensuring consistency and excellence in our connections services. You'll collaborate with teams across SSEN, develop best practice frameworks, and manage projects from contract acceptance through to energisation all while mitigating risks and maximising value. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced professional with great leadership qualities, deep industry knowledge, and a customer-first mindset to make a lasting impact on the future of our network.
This vacancy may close earlier than the advertised closing date if a high number of applications is received.
You will:
- Optimise performance of the Connections Contract Management team and ownership of customer relationships to ensure our service is delivered.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across SSEN to ensure consistency of delivery across multiple teams.
- Drive income by developing and implementing training, governance, reporting practices, and behaviours aligned with industry best practice.
- Efficient and accurate issuing of Standard License Condition 12 (SLC12) Connection Offers and subsequently their contractual management, from acceptance to energisation, to mitigate contractual, network security, and financial risks to SSEN.
- Develop, coach, motivate and empower all colleagues and direct reports in line with the leadership blueprint to deliver and perform to their full potential within a positive but challenging environment.
You have:
- Good commercial awareness with an understanding of regulatory funding and charging mechanisms.
- Customer driven environment, possessing excellent negotiation and personal skills.
- Good knowledge of utility, infrastructure, engineering, or regulated operational environments, with the ability to apply that experience to electricity distribution networks and associated assets.
- Leader of people; coaching and mentoring skills, performance management skills.
- Ability to deliver within challenging timescales, the ability to effectively prioritise, plan and organise, balance immediate and longer-term business priorities.
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 Distribution, part of the wider SSE group, powers 3.9 million UK homes and businesses. Our team of more than 4,200 skilled engineers, customer service advisors and energy experts keep customers connected to a safe, reliable supply of electricity while investing in and developing the flexible networks needed for our low carbon future.
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: SSE will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure that your application and experience with us is positive. Please contact kim.annink@sse.com 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.
Lead Contract Manager employer: SSE PLC
SSE plc is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee wellbeing and work-life balance, offering flexible working patterns in a dynamic hybrid environment. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees have access to generous benefits and opportunities for growth within the energy sector, making it a rewarding place to advance your career while contributing to impactful energy infrastructure projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Contract Manager
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Lead Contract Manager at SSE PLC!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like SSE PLC or be willing to refer you for that Lead Contract Manager position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from SSE PLC who’s on the lookout for their next Lead Contract Manager star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Lead Contract Manager role at SSE PLC!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Contract Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at SSE PLC. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at SSE PLC
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at SSE PLC. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!