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- Tasks: Lead a team to ensure safe and efficient operation of the distribution system.
- Company: Join SSE, a leader in energy transition and infrastructure development.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible benefits, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on energy delivery while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Engineering degree and strong people-management experience required.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 66100 - 99100 £ per year.
Base Location: Perth
Salary: £66,100- £99,100 + car/car allowance + performance-related bonus + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.
Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time
The role:
As the System Operations Manager reporting to the Head of Control GB, you will have full responsibility for the operation of the Distribution system supporting our capital delivery programme, customer connection projects and day to day activities. This is a business-critical role requiring a highly experienced individual who can ensure that maximum productivity is maintained from staff with a wide range of skills and knowledge. This person must be able to represent SHEPD at all levels internally and externally, having the knowledge and persona to be able to deliver even in the most stressful of situations.
You will manage a team of highly qualified and technically expert engineers working 24/7, 365 days of the year. The team will offer advice throughout the project life cycle and ensure that relevant processes and codes are complied with. You will also be responsible for working closely with the central policy and development teams helping to develop the future strategy of flexibility, operations and safety.
In addition, you will be required to act as a business expert for operations, liaising with other external organisations such as DESNZ, Ofgem, NESO and other network operators.
You will:
- Manage the Business-As-Usual activities of the team to ensure the safe operation of the SHEPD distribution system.
- Ensure that SSEN’s customers remain at the core of every decision to provide excellent customer service, performance and value is delivered not only by yourself, but by your staff, meeting or exceeding customer and regulator expectations.
- Ensure effective management of the network to minimise impacts on customers and IIS.
- Ensure all the Control Team prioritise safe working, leading customer performance, whilst delivering the optimum in business targets, to include Customer Interruptions and Customer Minutes Lost.
- Provide advice to colleagues and seniors to enable effective decisions to be made across the operational team.
- Advise the wider business community including Network Investment and Planning on opportunities to improve the system and to give better performance for the customers and by default improve business outcomes.
You have:
- Engineering degree (or equivalent) with in‑depth and robust industry experience in a utility / engineering environment.
- Excellent people‑management skills combined with previous experience of managing large teams and their performance.
- In‑depth knowledge of statutory, regulatory and licenced requirements.
- Excellent analytical and technical skills to be able to review, understand and overcome technical performance issues and find engineering solutions.
- High level of experience on operation of our Distribution Management System – PowerOn.
- Relevant Operational Experience – ideally SAP / Control Engineer or equivalent.
- A sound understanding of both the Grid and Distribution Codes.
Candidates for this role will be required to obtain vetting to SC level through UK Government. The criteria normally includes 5 years UK residency.
About SSE:
SSE’s purpose is to provide energy needed today while building a better world of energy for tomorrow. We do this by developing, building, operating and investing in electricity infrastructure and businesses needed in the energy transition. Our Transforming for Growth investment plan sees us investing £33bn in critical electricity infrastructure across the five years to 2030. SSEN Distribution, part of the wider SSE group, powers 3.9 million UK homes and businesses. Our team of more than 4,200 skilled engineers, customer service advisors and energy experts keep customers connected to a safe, reliable supply of electricity while investing in and developing the flexible networks needed for our low‑carbon future.
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.
- 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.
Ready to apply? Start your online application using the Apply Now box on this page. We only accept applications made online. We’ll be in touch after the closing date to let you know if we’ll be taking your application further. If you’re offered a role with SSE, you’ll need to complete a criminality check and a credit check before you start work.
System Operations Manager employer: SSE
Contact Detail:
SSE Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land System Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that System Operations Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to operations management. Think about how you can showcase your experience with teams and technical skills. We want to see you shine, so rehearse your answers and be ready to impress!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience managing teams and driving performance. They’re looking for someone who can keep things running smoothly, so let them know you’re the one for the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to go directly to the source. So, hit that 'Apply Now' button and let’s get you started on this exciting journey!
We think you need these skills to ace System Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the System Operations Manager role. Highlight your engineering degree, relevant experience, and people-management skills. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've managed teams and improved performance in previous positions. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your technical expertise, especially with Distribution Management Systems like PowerOn. We’re looking for someone who can tackle technical performance issues, so let us know how you’ve done this in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, we only accept applications made online. So, hit that 'Apply Now' button on our website! It’s the easiest way for us to get your application and start the process. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at SSE
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge, especially around Distribution Management Systems like PowerOn. Be ready to discuss your engineering background and how it relates to the role. This will show that you’re not just a good fit but also genuinely interested in the technical aspects of the job.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a System Operations Manager, you'll be managing a team of engineers. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, particularly in high-pressure situations. Highlight your people-management skills and how you’ve motivated teams to achieve their best performance.
✨Understand the Business Context
Familiarise yourself with SSE’s goals and the energy sector's current challenges. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their mission of providing reliable energy while focusing on customer satisfaction and regulatory compliance. This shows you’re aligned with their values and objectives.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-world scenarios. Think about past experiences where you had to make tough decisions or manage crises. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly and effectively.
