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- Tasks: Lead the Smart Buildings business, driving strategy and innovation in energy solutions.
- Company: Join SSE Energy Solutions, a leader in smart building technologies.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and wellness perks.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture that values diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the energy sector while leading a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in P&L roles within smart buildings or energy solutions.
The predicted salary is between 101100 - 151400 ÂŁ per year.
Base Location: Reading, Altringham, Glasgow, Egham. You'll be expected to spend a minimum 50% of your working week in an SSE location.
Salary: ÂŁ101,100 - ÂŁ151,400 + 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.
About the role
As Director of Smart Buildings, you will have full accountability for one of SSE Energy Solutions’ most strategically important customer businesses. This is your business to lead, with clear end‑to‑end responsibility for strategy, performance and long‑term growth. You will set the direction for the Smart Buildings business, owning outcomes across commercial performance, operational delivery, customer value and innovation, including new technologies and digital energy solutions. Working with colleagues across Energy Customer Solutions and the wider SSE Group, you will translate customer needs into scalable, trusted and commercially strong solutions, while retaining clear ownership for decisions, priorities and delivery within your business.
Responsibilities
- Set and deliver a clear long‑term strategy for the Smart Buildings business, balancing growth, innovation and operational performance to meet customer and organisational priorities.
- Take overall accountability for the commercial and financial performance of the business, ensuring strong governance, performance, risk management and sustainable decision making.
- Lead the development of smart and digital energy solutions, using insight from customers, markets and technology trends to shape offers that genuinely solve customer needs.
- Build strong relationships with customers, partners and internal teams to support effective route to market, high quality delivery and long term collaboration.
- Provide visible and inclusive leadership across a large, multi‑disciplinary organisation, embedding high standards of safety, accountability and continuous improvement.
- Lead the people, cultural and organisational change required to support growth, innovation and new ways of working across the Smart Buildings business.
About You
This is a senior leadership role for someone who thrives on running and leading a business, developing high‑performing leadership teams, navigating complexity and personally owning outcomes. You will bring strategic clarity, strong commercial judgement and inspirational leadership, alongside a strong mix of experience, capability and leadership approach.
- Significant experience in senior P&L leadership roles, with demonstrable success running a business or major business unit within smart buildings, energy solutions, building controls or a closely related sector, leading large, complex organisations at scale.
- Strong commercial and financial leadership capability, with a clear track record of full accountability for business performance, balancing short‑term delivery with sustainable, long‑term value creation.
- Proven ability to lead business growth and transformation, aligning strategy, people and delivery to drive measurable change.
- A deep understanding of the buildings and energy landscape, including customer needs, regulation, safety and the role of AI, digital and data in improving outcomes.
- A confident, values‑led leader, who sets direction and leads from the front, building trust and engagement across a c.300‑strong UK‑wide workforce and providing clear leadership through cultural and organisational change.
Flexible Benefits
- 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.
Equal Opportunity Employer
SSE will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure your application and experience with us is positive. We are dedicated to fostering an open and inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds can thrive and create equal opportunities for everyone to succeed. We especially welcome applications from those who may not be well represented in our workforce or industry.
Director of Smart Buildings in Reading employer: SSE PLC
Contact Detail:
SSE PLC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Smart Buildings in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Director of Smart Buildings role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio or case studies that highlight your past successes in smart buildings and energy solutions. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your capability to lead the business.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your strategic vision and leadership style, as these are key for this senior role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in joining SSE and being part of our mission to innovate in the energy sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Smart Buildings in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Director of Smart Buildings role. Highlight your experience in smart buildings and energy solutions, and show us how your skills align with our needs.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see your leadership style! Share examples of how you've led teams and driven business growth in previous roles. This is a senior position, so demonstrate your ability to inspire and manage large teams.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to read through your achievements and qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget 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.
How to prepare for a job interview at SSE PLC
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and technologies in smart buildings and energy solutions. Brush up on your knowledge about AI, digital energy solutions, and how they can improve customer outcomes. This will show that you’re not just a leader but also someone who understands the industry inside out.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how you’ve successfully led large teams in the past. Think of specific examples where you’ve driven change or improved performance. This role is all about leading a multi-disciplinary organisation, so demonstrating your ability to inspire and engage others is key.
✨Align with Their Vision
Familiarise yourself with SSE’s goals and values, especially around sustainability and innovation. Be ready to articulate how your vision for the Smart Buildings business aligns with theirs. This shows that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you’re genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
✨Prepare Questions
Have insightful questions ready to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about their current projects, challenges they face in the market, or how they envision the future of smart buildings. Asking thoughtful questions demonstrates your interest and strategic thinking, which is crucial for this senior role.