At a Glance
- Tasks: Support business development in identifying opportunities and building investment cases.
- Company: Join SSE Thermal, a leader in low-carbon energy solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible benefits, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Dynamic graduate programme with opportunities for growth and diverse experiences.
- Why this job: Be part of the energy transition and make a real impact on sustainability.
- Qualifications: 2:2 honours degree in Engineering, Science, Business, or Economics required.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 40000 € per year.
Overview
SSE has big ambitions to be a leading energy company in a low carbon world. Following our commitment to invest £18 billion in low carbon projects to 2027, we have significant growth plans and are well on our way to achieving our ambition to build a world that\'s more sustainable and inclusive for you, your family, the community you live in and for generations to come.
Join us on our journey to net zero and help us power change.
Base Locations: Glasgow, Perth, Leeds, Reading
Salary: £34,000 per annum + a range of other benefits to support your family, finances, and wellbeing.
Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time | Flexible First options available
Start Date: September 2026
About our Business
SSE Thermal is on a mission to deliver the flexible energy needed today while powering the transition to net zero. Our 600+ employees play a crucial role in keeping the lights on across the UK and Ireland and we are rising to the low-carbon challenge with our teams at the cutting-edge of vital technologies. We are developing ground-breaking carbon capture and storage projects and progressing plans for what could be the world\'s first hydrogen-fired power station, as well as a major hydrogen storage facility and exploring other exciting options as we decarbonise. We have already achieved a lot - but we\'re just getting started. As part of SSE, which is investing £24bn this decade, we\'re at the forefront of the energy transition - so come join us as we continue to grow and power change.
We at SSE Thermal are working on several high-profile, low-carbon flexible energy and hydrogen production and storage projects to support our vision of becoming the leading provider of flexible thermal energy in a net zero world.
As a Business Development graduate joining SSE Thermal, in your core rotation, you will support the business development team in identifying new opportunities and building the techno-economic case for investment. Graduates will be exposed to strategic and early project development work and have the opportunity to work with Engineering, Legal, Commercial, Procurement, Policy, and Corporate Affairs teams. The graduate scheme offers the opportunity to rotate in other areas within the business, and the broad experience provides a base for future growth into a Business Development Analyst role or other pathways depending on the rotations completed.
What do I need to join?
At SSE we\'re proud to celebrate difference. We all have different skills, experience and backgrounds and we strive to have a friendly and inclusive culture where you can be yourself. Safety is at the heart of everything we do at SSE and we live by the mantra \'if it\'s not safe, we don\'t do it\'. You should show alignment with our core values and have a genuine passion and interest in the energy sector.
You\'ll be on track to have a 2:2 honours degree in one of the following degree disciplines: Engineering, Science, Business or Economics.
We\'d love you to have some practical work experience that reflects your passion for the energy sector, as well as demonstrable experience of working in a team. You\'ll also be comfortable working to and setting stretching individual targets and using your own initiative to overcome challenges and should have a genuine interest in SSE Thermal and the prospect of a long term future with us.
Please refer to the programme overview contained here for more information.
As the organisation grows and becomes more international, our graduates need to be highly flexible in order to embrace the changes and keep up with the fast-paced evolution of the business. Our graduates are agile in their thinking and seek to address knowledge gaps. You should be comfortable working to and setting stretching individual targets and using your own initiative to overcome challenges.
You can find out more about what to expect during the recruitment process here.
Benefits
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.
Equal opportunity
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 graduates@sse.com for discussion about how we can support you. We are 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.
Next Steps
All applications should be submitted online. Closing date for applications is Sunday, 5th October, 2025.
Before commencing employment with SSE, you\'ll be required to fully complete our pre-employment screening process consisting of a basic criminal records and credit check.
SSE welcomes applications from all nationalities. Please note that any successful candidate must be able to evidence a valid right to work prior to commencement of employment. Please note, due to recent immigration rule changes in July, 2025 to the Skilled Worker route, this role falls below the minimum \"New Entrant\" salary threshold and therefore does not meet the requirements to allow for sponsorship.
Thermal - Business Development Graduate Programme in Leeds employer: SSE PLC
SSE is an exceptional employer, committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work culture that prioritises safety and employee wellbeing. With a competitive salary of £34,000 and a comprehensive benefits package, including flexible working options and generous family entitlements, SSE offers graduates the chance to engage in meaningful projects at the forefront of the energy transition. The Business Development Graduate Programme provides invaluable exposure across various departments, ensuring ample opportunities for personal and professional growth in a rapidly evolving sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Thermal - Business Development Graduate Programme in Leeds
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the energy sector! Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Show Your Passion
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for the energy sector shine through. Share your ideas about low-carbon solutions and how you see yourself contributing to SSE Thermal's mission. Genuine passion can set you apart from the crowd!
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before any interview! Understand SSE’s projects and values, and think about how your skills align with their goals. Practise common interview questions and prepare some thoughtful questions of your own to show you’re really interested in the role.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Make sure to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the graduate programme and what we’re looking for in candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Thermal - Business Development Graduate Programme in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the energy sector shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in the world of low carbon energy!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with what we’re looking for in a Business Development graduate. This helps us see how you fit into our vision.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of what you want to say. Avoid fluff – we want to know about you!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our company there.
How to prepare for a job interview at SSE PLC
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand SSE's mission and the role of thermal energy in the transition to net zero. Research their current projects, especially around carbon capture and hydrogen production, so you can speak confidently about how your skills align with their goals.
✨Show Your Passion
Demonstrate your genuine interest in the energy sector during the interview. Share any relevant experiences or projects you've been involved in that reflect your enthusiasm for sustainable energy solutions. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares about the industry.
✨Be Team-Oriented
Since teamwork is crucial in this role, be prepared to discuss your experiences working in teams. Highlight specific examples where you contributed to a group project or overcame challenges collaboratively. This shows you can thrive in SSE's inclusive culture.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask your interviewers about SSE's future projects or their approach to innovation in the energy sector. This not only shows your interest but also gives you insight into the company’s direction and values, helping you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
