At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee safe and efficient operations of HVDC and FACTS assets, ensuring high network availability.
- Company: Join a leading energy company committed to innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, performance bonuses, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Enjoy flexible benefits and a supportive work environment focused on wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the energy sector while developing your management skills.
- Qualifications: Management experience in engineering teams and strong technical knowledge of HVDC/FACTS systems.
The predicted salary is between 68100 - 102100 £ per year.
Base Location: For this role, we require successful applicants to be based from one of our Scottish locations and you'll be expected to spend a minimum of 50% of your working week in the office or site - Inverness, Aberdeen, Dundee or Perth.
Salary: £68,100 - £102,100 + car allowance + operations disturbance 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 involves overseeing the safe, reliable and efficient operation of SSEN Transmission's HVDC and FACTS asset portfolio, including converter stations, submarine cables, and major reactive compensation systems. Reporting to the Head of Operations, you will coordinate day-to-day operational delivery, fault response, and performance management across a rapidly expanding asset base. You will also act as a key interface with capital delivery programmes, ensuring new infrastructure is designed and handed over with operability, safety and long-term reliability at its core.
- Guide the safe and effective operation of HVDC and FACTS assets, ensuring high levels of network availability, system security, and regulatory compliance.
- Manage operational response to alarms, faults and major incidents, coordinating internal teams, OEMs and contractors to restore service quickly and safely.
- Act as a key operational interface for major capital projects, influencing design, operability and commissioning through governance forums such as Operational Capital Delivery Units (OCDU's).
- Drive performance improvement and outperformance of regulatory incentives (e.g. network availability and Energy Not Supplied), while managing OPEX/CAPEX budgets and forecasting requirements.
- Support the delivery of maintenance, inspection and repair activities across HVDC and FACTS assets, enabling effective defect resolution and long-term asset reliability.
You have:
- Significant management experience managing multi-disciplinary engineering teams within a complex operational or utility environment.
- Strong technical knowledge of HVDC, FACTS or large-scale transmission systems, including outage management and network operations.
- Proven experience managing contractors, OEMs and large operational or project programmes, including safety and performance outcomes.
- Sound knowledge of regulatory frameworks, safety legislation (e.g. CDM), and performance incentives within a regulated industry.
- Degree-level qualification in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent experience), with strong analytical, commercial and decision-making capability.
Flexible benefits to fit your life include 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager (HVDC/FACTS)
✨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 PLC's Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through SSE PLC's website for the full-time Operations Manager (HVDC/FACTS) 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 Operations Manager (HVDC/FACTS)
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 PLC. 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 PLC
✨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 PLC.
✨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 PLC.
✨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.
