At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational services for electricity transmission, ensuring safety and efficiency across Scotland.
- Company: Join SSE, a leader in energy transition and infrastructure development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, health perks, and family support.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on energy infrastructure while shaping the future of sustainable power.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in utilities or engineering with strong risk management skills.
Base Location: For this role, we require successful applicants to be based from one of our Scottish locations and you'll be expected to spend 50% of your working week in the office – Perth, Aberdeen, Dundee, Inverness or Glasgow.
Salary: £80,700 - £121,100 + 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 Operational Services, you'll provide strategic leadership across a diverse portfolio of operational support functions that are critical to the safe, reliable and efficient operation of the electricity transmission network across the north of Scotland. Leading multidisciplinary teams and specialist delivery partners, you'll be responsible for services that enable the construction, commissioning and operation of a rapidly expanding transmission system. This includes vegetation and land management, civils and buildings engineering, logistics, warehousing and strategic spares. You'll play a key role in ensuring operational readiness, supporting major infrastructure investment programmes and helping maintain network resilience during storms and emergency events. This is a high‑profile leadership opportunity where you'll influence long‑term strategy, shape operational standards and work closely with senior leaders across operations, asset management and major capital projects.
You will:
- Lead a diverse operational services function, providing strategic direction, governance and performance oversight across vegetation management, civils and buildings engineering, logistics, warehousing and strategic spares.
- Develop and deliver long‑term strategies that improve network resilience, operational readiness and asset performance while supporting a growing infrastructure investment programme.
- Champion a strong safety, health and environmental culture, ensuring excellent standards across internal teams, contractors and operational activities.
- Provide leadership during major incidents, storms and system events, ensuring resources, logistics and specialist services are available to support safe network restoration.
- Work collaboratively with operational, engineering and project delivery teams to ensure new infrastructure is designed, constructed and handed over with long‑term operability, maintainability and resilience in mind.
You have:
- Significant leadership experience within utilities, infrastructure, engineering or another safety‑critical, regulated environment.
- Experience managing large multidisciplinary teams and supplier or contractor partnerships, with a track record of delivering results through others.
- Strong understanding of operational risk management, health and safety legislation and the governance required to support safe delivery.
- Experience supporting major capital investment programmes while balancing operational requirements, risk and business priorities.
- Commercial and strategic planning experience, with the ability to make informed decisions, influence senior stakeholders and drive continuous improvement.
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 Transmission owns and operates 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. We are 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.
Equal Opportunity Employer: SSE will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure that your application and experience with us is positive. SSE is 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.
Head of Operational Services in Perth employer: Ssen Transmission
SSEN Transmission is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Glasgow where innovation meets sustainability. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working options, and a competitive salary package, we empower our team to lead impactful energy infrastructure projects while fostering a collaborative culture that values diverse perspectives and expertise.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operational Services in Perth
✨Get Involved with Industry Events
The energy and utilities sector is always buzzing with events, trade shows, and networking opportunities. We should hit up conferences and exhibitions like Energy UK or Utility Week Live—these are prime spots to mingle with industry professionals and even snag some insider info on job openings!
✨Join Energy-focused Online Communities
Let's tap into online platforms and forums like LinkedIn groups or Reddit communities specifically for energy and utilities. Not only can we showcase our knowledge, but we can also stay updated on company announcements or job leads from people already in the know.
✨Consider Industry Certifications
Pushing ahead with certifications like the NEBOSH National Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health (if you’re into safety) can give us a leg up in this competitive field. It not only builds our credibility but also shows employers that we’re serious about our career in energy and utilities.
✨Apply ThroughSsen Transmission's Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through Ssen Transmission's website for the full-time Head of Operational Services role. Many companies prioritise candidates who show initiative by going straight to the source. Make sure we tailor our application to highlight our passion for the energy sector!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operational Services in Perth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Energy Knowledge:When crafting your CV and cover letter, make sure you highlight any knowledge or experience related to the energy-utilities sector. Whether it’s coursework, internships, or projects that showcase your understanding of energy management, sustainability, or regulatory frameworks, we want to see that passion and expertise shine through.
Quantify Your Achievements:In our field, numbers speak volumes! Don’t just tell us about your previous roles; quantify your achievements where possible. For instance, mention how you improved energy efficiency by a percentage or contributed to cost savings. This makes your application more compelling and shows us just how impactful you can be.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at Ssen Transmission. Tailor it to reflect how your values align with our mission in the energy sector. Share why you're excited about this specific role and how you envision contributing to our goals.
Demonstrate Your Team Spirit:Collaboration is key in the energy-utilities industry. In your application, emphasise any team projects or experiences where you worked effectively with others, especially on sustainability initiatives or technical projects. We're looking for someone who can mesh well with our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ssen Transmission
✨Show Your Passion for Renewable Energy
In the energy-utilities sector, it’s vital to demonstrate your enthusiasm for sustainable practices and innovations. Share experiences where you've worked on or studied renewable energy projects, whether that’s through coursework, past internships, or personal initiatives. Let us see how your passion aligns with the ethos of Ssen Transmission.
✨Brush Up on Industry Regulations
Being familiar with industry standards and regulations is crucial in energy-utilities interviews. Make sure to know the basics of relevant policies and frameworks, like the Energy Act or environmental legislation. This will not only show you’ve done your homework but will also prepare you for potential technical questions about compliance during your interview.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Project Management Skills
Most roles in the energy sector involve collaboration with diverse teams. Be ready to discuss examples where you’ve successfully worked in teams or led projects, especially those involving energy initiatives. This is particularly important for a full-time position, as employers want to see you bring a collaborative spirit to Ssen Transmission.
✨Prepare for Technical Assessments
Expect some technical questions or even practical assessments during your interview, especially about energy efficiency methodologies or basic engineering principles relevant to the role. It’s a good idea to brush up on key concepts and be prepared to explain them clearly, as this will demonstrate your technical proficiency and readiness to jump into your new role.
