At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies for impactful energy projects and inspire your team.
- Company: Join SSE, a leader in clean energy 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 difference in the energy transition while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and project management with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 80700 - 121100 £ per year.
Base Location: You'll be expected to spend 50% of your working week in one of the following locations: Perth, Glasgow, Aberdeen or Inverness.
Salary: £80,700- £121,100 + 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 are looking for a Head of Procurement and Commercial to work on our Onshore Development and Delivery Projects. The Head of Procurement and Commercial will partner with the business to create and execute procurement strategies for a portfolio of projects that align with company values. This role involves leading, guiding, and motivating the Procurement and Commercial Team across the portfolio of projects to ensure successful project delivery and compliance with procedures.
The Head of Procurement and Commercial will build strong relationships with key stakeholders across Transmission, Procurement Operations, and other internal functions including Finance, Legal, Insurance, Project Services and Regulation. The Head of Procurement and Commercial will also work to improve procedures, standards, and policies whilst following regulatory guidelines, focusing on creating value through leadership, customer service, and innovation.
You will:
- Empower and Inspire Leadership: Cultivate a supportive, inclusive, and growth-oriented culture within the Procurement and Commercial Team, ensuring alignment with the company's mission and fostering an environment where all team members feel valued.
- Collaborate for Excellence: Work alongside internal teams to deliver outstanding procurement, contracting, and supply chain solutions, ensuring seamless integration with development, construction, and operational strategies.
- Drive Strategic Impact: Shape and execute procurement and commercial strategies that foster business growth, optimise supplier relationships, and improve operational efficiency.
- Champion Commercial Integrity: Lead negotiations for high-value contracts, oversee cost estimations, and ensure adherence to company policies, proactively resolving complex commercial matters with integrity.
- Lead with Insight and Influence: Provide strategic guidance through impactful reporting, quality assurance, and Board-level insights, supporting the Director of Procurement in key initiatives.
You have:
- A strong background in leading complex capital projects through every stage of the lifecycle, ensuring seamless execution and alignment with organisational goals.
- A deep understanding of financial impacts, operational requirements, and capital projects to make informed and responsible decisions.
- Expertise in procurement strategy, contract structures, and supplier relationship management, cultivating sustainable and meaningful partnerships.
- A proven ability to be agile, adaptive and resilient in responding to impact of global change and market disruptions.
- Experience in handling claims preparation and resolution while safeguarding business objectives with a commitment to ethical practices.
- A proven ability to build and nurture long-term supplier relationships, using advanced development techniques to enhance collaboration and performance.
About SSE:
SSE's purpose is to be restless every day until we make electricity clean, affordable and available for all. We do this by developing, building, operating and investing in electricity infrastructure and businesses needed in the energy transition. This includes electricity transmission and distribution networks, onshore and offshore wind farms, hydro-electric power and flexible thermal generation. We also provide products and services for businesses and other customers.
Our investment plan will see SSE invest £33bn in critical electricity infrastructure to 2030. Our Procurement & Commercial teams help us get the best service and value from partners, while ensuring suppliers meet compliance, contractual and business obligations.
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. 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 Procurement & Commercial in London employer: SSE plc
At SSE, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture where safety and teamwork are paramount. Our employees benefit from a comprehensive range of perks, including full PPE, tools, and a company vehicle, alongside opportunities for professional growth through training and development. With a commitment to inclusivity and employee wellbeing, we ensure that our team members feel valued and empowered in their roles across the Southern region.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement & Commercial in London
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like SSE plc.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Procurement & Commercial in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to SSE plc:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to SSE plc. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like SSE plc.
How to prepare for a job interview at SSE plc
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at SSE plc!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at SSE plc. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into SSE plc's culture.
