Head of External Engagement

Head of External Engagement

Inverness Full-Time 68400 - 117600 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Ssen Transmission

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead stakeholder engagement strategies for major projects and foster a high-performing team culture.
  • Company: SSEN Transmission is a leading energy company focused on building a net-zero future.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, discounts on healthcare, and generous family entitlements.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the energy sector while developing your leadership skills.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in stakeholder engagement and team leadership within regulated environments.
  • Other info: Open to all backgrounds; we support inclusivity and equal opportunities.

The predicted salary is between 68400 - 117600 £ per year.

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Base Location: For this role, we require successful applicants to be based from one of our Scottish locations – Perth, Glasgow, Aberdeen, or Inverness.

Salary: £78,400 – £117,600 + car /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

The role

As Head of External Engagement, you’ll be at the heart of SSEN Transmission’s growth journey. A key member of the Transmission Extended Leadership Team, you’ll set the strategic direction for how we engage with stakeholders across a £20bn+ investment portfolio, from project consenting to community benefit. Working in partnership with Corporate Affairs teams, you’ll secure critical support for our infrastructure ambitions, and ensure our stakeholders feel heard, informed, and valued. You’ll take the lead in developing other leaders, creating a high-performing culture where individuals are empowered to step up, grow, and deliver at pace.

This is your chance to lead ambitious delivery, influence decisions at the highest level and make a visible impact. You’ll gain exposure to complex challenges and high-profile work that offers the opportunity to expand your leadership and progress your career within SSEN Transmission, all while helping deliver economic growth, support thriving communities, and build the network for a net-zero future.

You will

  • Lead the strategy and delivery of stakeholder engagement for SSEN Transmission’s large capital project consenting and delivery and the SSEN Transmission business plan, ensuring alignment with wider organisational goals and regulatory expectations.
  • Build and lead an end-to-end stakeholder engagement framework that simplifies and strengthens relationships with our most critical partners, from landowners and community groups to industry and government.
  • Champion a performance driven culture, where continuous improvement and innovation in engagement practices drive better outcomes for both the business and our stakeholders.
  • Take responsibility for strategic budget planning and financial oversight for the department, managing significant budgets in excess of £100m to deliver effective engagement and social value outcomes.
  • Coach and lead a high performing team of leaders, investing in their development and fostering a culture of inclusion, challenge, and excellence.

You have

  • Proven experience of developing and delivering stakeholder engagement strategies across a broad landscape, ideally within a regulated, infrastructure or capital project environment.
  • A strong track record of leading successful teams, with the ability to coach, support and develop leaders to achieve strategic goals.
  • Experience of influencing change and delivering transformation in a complex organisation, with the courage to challenge established ways of working.
  • An understanding of, or exposure to, governance processes within a similar regulatory environment.
  • Excellent communication skills with the judgement and political awareness to manage senior level relationships and reputational risk effectively.

About SSE

SSE has a bold ambition – to be a leading energy company in a net zero world. We\’re investing around £10 million a day in homegrown energy to help power a cleaner, more secure future.

SSEN Transmission own and operate the electricity transmission network across the north of Scotland. We transport energy from where it is generated to where it is needed, ensuring a safe and reliable electricity supply for the communities we serve. But that\’s not all – we\’re upgrading the grid to deliver cleaner, homegrown energy for the future and building a network for net zero to create secure power for generations to come.

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.

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 louise.markwick@sse.com / 01738 351671 to discuss how we can support you.

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.

Seniority level

  • Seniority level

    Executive

Employment type

  • Employment type

    Full-time

Job function

  • Job function

    Business Development and Sales

  • Industries

    Utilities, Oil and Gas, and Renewable Energy Semiconductor Manufacturing

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Head of External Engagement employer: Ssen Transmission

SSEN Transmission is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can lead impactful stakeholder engagement strategies within a £20bn+ investment portfolio. With a strong commitment to employee growth, flexible working options, and a culture that champions innovation and inclusion, you'll have the opportunity to develop your leadership skills while contributing to a sustainable energy future in Scotland. Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that supports your wellbeing and family needs, making SSEN Transmission a rewarding place to build your career.
Ssen Transmission

Contact Detail:

Ssen Transmission Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of External Engagement

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the energy and infrastructure sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues or stakeholders. Building these connections can give you insights into the company culture and expectations.

✨Tip Number 2

Research SSEN Transmission's recent projects and initiatives. Understanding their current challenges and successes will help you tailor your discussions during interviews, showing that you're genuinely interested and informed about their work.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully developed teams in the past. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've influenced change and driven performance in previous roles, as this is crucial for the Head of External Engagement position.

✨Tip Number 4

Familiarise yourself with governance processes relevant to the energy sector. Being able to speak knowledgeably about regulatory frameworks and stakeholder engagement strategies will demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the role.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of External Engagement

Stakeholder Engagement Strategy Development
Leadership and Team Development
Change Management
Governance Processes Understanding
Excellent Communication Skills
Political Awareness
Budget Planning and Financial Oversight
Performance Management
Community Relations
Regulatory Compliance
Negotiation Skills
Strategic Thinking
Problem-Solving Skills
Collaboration and Partnership Building

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in stakeholder engagement and leadership. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to influence change and deliver results in a complex environment.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your understanding of SSEN Transmission's goals and how your skills align with the role. Emphasise your strategic vision for stakeholder engagement and your commitment to fostering a high-performing culture.

Showcase Leadership Experience: In your application, provide concrete examples of how you've successfully led teams and developed leaders. Highlight any experience you have with budget management and delivering social value outcomes.

Demonstrate Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is crucial for this role, ensure your application showcases your ability to manage senior-level relationships and navigate reputational risks. Use clear and concise language throughout your application.

How to prepare for a job interview at Ssen Transmission

✨Understand the Role and Company

Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Head of External Engagement role and SSEN Transmission's mission. Familiarise yourself with their recent projects and strategic goals, especially regarding stakeholder engagement and net-zero initiatives.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect to be asked about your experience in developing stakeholder engagement strategies. Prepare specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead teams, influence change, and manage complex relationships effectively.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

As a candidate for a senior position, it's crucial to articulate your leadership philosophy. Be ready to discuss how you coach and develop others, foster a high-performing culture, and drive continuous improvement within your team.

✨Demonstrate Communication Skills

Given the importance of communication in this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Be prepared to discuss how you've managed senior-level relationships and navigated reputational risks in previous roles.

Head of External Engagement
Ssen Transmission
Location: Inverness
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