Head of Network System Access

SSE plc; Perth; On-site; GBP 87,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible benefits package

Cycle to Work / well-being perks

Family entitlements (maternity/paternn

Job summary

SSEN Transmission, part of SSE, is seeking a Head of Network System Access to lead planning, coordination and management of network access across the north of Scotland from long-term project planning through to commissioning and real-time operational requirements.

This senior role supports a capital investment programme exceeding £30bn, ensuring safety, security and reliability while coordinating outages, connections and commissioning with NESO and other stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent with Chartered Engineer status or equivalent.
• Experience in transmission system operation and interface with TOs and System Operator.
• Knowledge of grid code, transmission licence and STC framework.
• Proven leadership of technically skilled teams in safety-critical environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead Network Access and outage planning across multiple projects and timescales.
• Provide senior operational leadership over outages and commissioning activities.
• Coordinate with NESO, TOs, OFTOs, DNOs, generators and Transmission Users.
• Ensure strategies align with regulatory and licence requirements.
• Develop and deliver an integrated network access plan for long-term investment.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder communication

Analytical decision-making

Outage planning

Network access planning

Power system engineering

Education

Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent

Chartered Engineer status

Job description

Base Location: Perth with the opportunity to occasionally work from other locations

Salary: £87,000 - £121,100 + 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

SSEN Transmission is at the heart of the transition to a low-carbon energy system. As our network grows significantly in scale and complexity, securing and coordinating access to the transmission system will be critical to delivering that growth safely and successfully.

We are looking for a Head of Network System Access to lead the planning, coordination and management of network access across the north of Scotland, from long-term project and outage planning through to commissioning and real-time operational requirements.

This is a highly influential senior leadership role, responsible for helping enable delivery of SSEN Transmission's significant capital investment programme while protecting the safety, security, reliability and integrity of the transmission network. The position has responsibility for securing network access for a transmission business plan exceeding £30bn and for planning system security and network access across multiple operational timescales.

Working closely with project teams, the Transmission Control Centre, NESO and industry partners, you'll ensure investment, maintenance, connections and commissioning activity can be delivered through a coordinated and operable network access plan.

Key accountabilities include:

• Leading SSEN Transmission's Network Access and outage planning activities, coordinating requirements across projects, construction, commissioning, maintenance and connections while maintaining acceptable levels of system security.
• Developing an integrated approach to network access across multiple planning horizons, ensuring outage requirements are identified early enough to influence project design, sequencing and delivery
• Providing senior operational leadership and assurance over outage and commissioning activity, with authority to challenge or delay activity where network safety or security cannot be adequately maintained.
• Working closely with NESO, other Transmission Owners, OFTOs, Distribution Network Operators, generators and Transmission Users to develop coordinated outage arrangements and support safe operation of the wider GB electricity system.
• Balancing competing requirements for network access, system security, construction delivery and customer needs, ensuring the long-term interests of SSEN Transmission, the north of Scotland and the wider GB network are appropriately considered.
• Leading and developing the Network Access function, ensuring the right people, capability, training, processes and operational tools are in place as the scale of the network and investment programme grows.
• Driving improvements in outage planning and operational strategy, including appropriate use of innovation to release network access while protecting connected generation and demand.
• Providing leadership during significant network events, severe weather and electricity system restoration scenarios, including Silver Command responsibilities and direction of Bronze Command.
• Representing SSEN Transmission with senior stakeholders and contributing to the development of wider industry operational policy and processes.
• Ensuring network access strategies remain aligned with relevant regulatory, licence and industry requirements.

What do I need?

To be successful in this role, you'll bring significant experience within electricity transmission operations, system planning, network access or outage management, together with the leadership capability to operate effectively in a complex, safety-critical environment.

You'll also have:

• A degree in Electrical Engineering, or equivalent professional experience, with Chartered Engineer status or experience operating at an equivalent professional level.
• Significant experience in transmission system operation and management of the interface between Transmission Owners and the System Operator.
• Strong knowledge of power system engineering, system operation, operational safety and network development.
• A thorough understanding of relevant statutory, regulatory and licence requirements, including the Transmission Licence, Grid Code and STC framework.
• Proven leadership capability, with experience of leading, coaching and developing technically skilled teams.
• Strong analytical and decision‑making capability, including the ability to assess complex technical issues and understand their potential consequences.
• Excellent stakeholder and communication skills, with the credibility to build trusted relationships and influence internal and external stakeholders.
• The resilience and judgement to remain calm, provide leadership and make effective decisions in demanding operational situations.

This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in enabling one of the UK's most significant electricity network investment programmes, shaping how we create the network access needed to build the transmission system of the future while protecting the system we operate today.

About SSE

SSE’s purpose is to be restless every day until we make electricity clean, affordable and available for all.

We do this by developing, building, operating and investing in electricity infrastructure and businesses needed in the energy transition. This includes electricity transmission and distribution networks, onshore and offshore wind farms, hydro-electric power and flexible thermal generation. We also provide products and services for businesses and other customers.

Our investment plan will see SSE invest £33bn in critical electricity infrastructure to 2030.

SSEN Transmission own and operate the electricity transmission network across the north of Scotland. We transport electricity 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 power for the future and building the infrastructure needed for a cleaner electricity system 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 [e-mail] / 01738 341043 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.