Head of System Control

SSEN Transmission; Perth; On-site; GBP 81,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Car or car allowance

Performance bonus

Wellbeing benefits

Job summary

SSEN Transmission is seeking a Head of System Control to lead the safe, 24/7 operation of the north of Scotland transmission network, shaping the long‑term operational strategy to support growth and new technologies.

Based in Perth with a Flexible First approach, you will build a high-performing team, engage with regulators and industry partners, and make high‑impact decisions during incidents to balance safety, reliability and regulatory obligations.

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in electricity transmission or similarly regulated operations.
• Strong technical understanding of power systems and transmission network operations.
• Degree qualified in Electrical Engineering, ideally chartered or equivalent.
• Proven ability to lead and develop specialist teams with a focus on safety culture.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication at senior levels.

Responsibilities

• Set and deliver the System Control strategy for the north of Scotland transmission network, ensuring readiness for growth and new technologies through 2030 and beyond.
• Lead 24/7 system operations across real-time, planned, unplanned, fault and major event scenarios, protecting safety, system integrity and energy security.
• Collaborate with NESO, Ofgem, government, transmission owners, generators and internal project teams to support safe commissioning and delivery of significant transmission projects.
• Build, develop and lead a high-performing team of senior managers, control room specialists and technical experts.
• Provide senior operational leadership during major incidents, crisis management and electricity system restoration events.

Skills

Senior leadership

Power systems knowledge

Regulatory awareness

Stakeholder management

People development

Education

Electrical Engineering degree

Chartered status or equivalent

Job description

Base Location: Flexible Scotland | We're proud to offer a Flexible First approach to work, and this role is no exception. We will, however, need your base 'home' location to be in our Perth Control Room.

Salary: £80,700 - £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 delivering a major programme of network growth to support the UK’s transition to net zero, including connecting significant renewable generation across the north of Scotland. We are looking for a Head of System Control to lead the safe, secure and reliable 24/7 operation of the transmission system, shaping the long‑term operational strategy needed to support a rapidly expanding and increasingly complex network.

You will

• Set and deliver the System Control strategy for the north of Scotland transmission network, ensuring operational readiness for major network growth, new technologies and renewable connections through to 2030 and beyond.
• Lead 24/7 system operations across real‑time, planned, unplanned, fault and major event scenarios, protecting safety, system integrity and energy security.
• Work closely with NESO, Ofgem, government, transmission owners, generators and internal project teams to support safe commissioning, outage planning and delivery of nationally significant transmission projects.
• Build, develop and lead a high‑performing team of senior managers, control room specialists and technical experts, ensuring the right skills, tools and resources are in place for future network operation.
• Provide senior operational leadership during major incidents, crisis management and electricity system restoration events, making high‑impact decisions that balance safety, reliability, regulatory obligations and long‑term business outcomes.

You have

• Senior leadership experience in electricity transmission, system operation or another nationally critical, highly regulated operational environment.
• Strong technical understanding of power systems, transmission network operations, operational safety and the regulatory obligations that apply to electricity transmission networks.
• Degree qualified in Electrical Engineering, or able to demonstrate equivalent professional experience; ideally chartered or operating at a comparable professional level.
• Proven ability to lead, coach and develop specialist teams, building capability, resilience and a positive safety culture in a high‑pressure operational setting.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the confidence to influence at senior levels across industry, regulatory and internal networks, including during complex or time‑critical situations.

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 plansees us investing £33bn in critical electricity infrastructure across the five years to 2030.

SSEN Transmissionown 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 Andy on [e-mail] / 01738 275370 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.