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- Tasks: Support business development in identifying opportunities and building investment cases.
- Company: Join SSE plc, a leader in the energy transition with a mission for net zero.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible benefits, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with excellent career growth and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the energy sector while gaining diverse experience.
- Qualifications: 2:2 honours degree in Engineering, Science, Business or Economics preferred.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 34000 £ per year.
Thermal – Business Development Graduate Programme
Join SSE plc for the Thermal – Business Development Graduate Programme. Base locations: Glasgow, Perth, Leeds, Reading, London. 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 SSE Thermal
SSE Thermal is on a mission to deliver the flexible energy needed today while powering the transition to net zero. Our 600+ employees help keep the lights on across the UK and Ireland as we pursue low-carbon solutions, including carbon capture and storage projects, hydrogen production and storage, and other decarbonisation initiatives. SSE is investing £24bn this decade and aims to lead the energy transition.
What you’ll do
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 will have the opportunity to work with Engineering, Legal, Commercial, Procurement, Policy, and Corporate Affairs teams. The graduate scheme offers rotations in other areas within the business to provide broad experience and potential pathways into roles such as a Business Development Analyst or other roles depending on rotations completed.
What you’ll need
We celebrate difference and aim for an inclusive culture. You should align with our core values and have a genuine passion for the energy sector. You should be on track for a 2:2 honours degree in one of the following disciplines: Engineering, Science, Business or Economics. Practical work experience showing your passion for the energy sector and teamwork is desirable. You should be comfortable working to and setting challenging targets and using your own initiative to overcome challenges, with a genuine interest in SSE Thermal and a long-term future with us. Please refer to the programme overview for more information.
Benefits
- Flexible benefits to fit your life, including discounts on private healthcare and gym memberships
- Wellbeing benefits such as an online GP and 24/7 counselling service
- Interest-free loans on tech and transport, Cycle to Work scheme
- Generous family entitlements such as maternity, adoption pay, and paternity leave
Equal opportunity
SSE will make reasonable adjustments to ensure a positive application and experience. Contact graduates@sse.com or 01738340150 to discuss support. We are committed to fostering an open and inclusive workplace and welcome applications from diverse backgrounds.
Next Steps
All applications should be submitted online. Closing date for applications is Sunday, 5 October 2025. Before commencing employment, you’ll complete our pre-employment screening (basic criminal records and credit check). SSE welcomes applications from all nationalities and requires evidence of valid right to work prior to commencement. Note: due to immigration rule changes in July 2025, this role does not meet the minimum sponsorship requirements for the Skilled Worker route.
Role details
- Seniority level: Internship
- Employment type: Full-time
- Job function: Business Development and Sales
- Industries: Utilities, Oil and Gas, Renewable Energy
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Thermal - Business Development Graduate Programme employer: SSE PLC
Contact Detail:
SSE PLC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Thermal - Business Development Graduate Programme
✨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 on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for your interviews by researching SSE Thermal and understanding their mission. Practice common interview questions and think about how your skills align with their goals. Remember, we want to see your passion for the energy sector shine through!
✨Showcase Your Experience
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight any practical experience you have in the energy field. Whether it’s internships, projects, or even relevant coursework, we want to see how you’ve applied your knowledge in real-world situations.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining SSE Thermal and being part of our mission to lead the energy transition.
We think you need these skills to ace Thermal - Business Development Graduate Programme
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Make sure to express your genuine interest in the energy sector. We want to see that you’re not just applying for any job, but that you’re excited about what SSE Thermal is doing and how you can contribute to our mission.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with the Business Development Graduate Programme. We love seeing how your background fits with our goals.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and motivations. Avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the programme there, so don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at SSE PLC
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you research SSE Thermal and its mission to deliver flexible energy solutions. Understand their projects, especially around carbon capture and hydrogen production. This will show your genuine interest in the energy sector and help you connect your background to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since teamwork is key in this role, prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully collaborated with others. Highlight how you contributed to achieving a common goal, as this aligns with SSE's values of inclusivity and collaboration.
✨Be Ready for Challenges
Expect questions about how you handle challenges and set targets. Think of specific instances where you overcame obstacles or met ambitious goals. This will demonstrate your initiative and problem-solving skills, which are crucial for the business development team.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions about the graduate programme and potential career paths within SSE. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values and aspirations.