Head of Technical Engineering

SSE Enterprise; Scotland; On-site; GBP 101,000 - 152,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy company in Scotland is seeking a Head of Technical Engineering to lead and support a talented engineering team. This role focuses on fostering innovation and delivering safe, efficient designs while driving towards Net Zero goals. Ideal candidates will have proven leadership experience, an engineering degree, and a strong background in transmission engineering. The company offers a competitive salary, flexible benefits, and an inclusive workplace for all backgrounds.

Benefits

Discounts on private healthcare

Gym membership discounts

Wellbeing support services

Qualifications

• Proven experience in leading and developing teams in a technical environment.
• Chartered Engineer status or equivalent with technical knowledge in transmission disciplines.
• Experience working in large complex organizations on significant infrastructure investment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support a team of engineers, overseeing various engineering disciplines.
• Develop the technical engineering team for future business needs.
• Set the technical direction and promote innovative solutions.

Skills

Team leadership

Technical knowledge in transmission engineering

Effective communication

Project management

Education

Engineering Degree qualification

Job description

Head of Technical Engineering

• Job Number: 556988
• Closing at: Jan 21 2026 - 23:55 GMT

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

Salary: £101,000 - £151,400 + car / allowance + performance‑related bonus + a range of other benefits to support your family, finances and wellbeing.

Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time | options available

The role

We’re looking for a talented engineering lead to join our Engineering leadership team as a Head of Technical Engineering, playing a key role in shaping the future of our transmission network. You’ll guide and empower a talented team, foster collaboration, and champion innovative solutions that deliver safe, efficient designs and help us achieve Net Zero. You’ll work alongside our engineering leadership teams throughout the project development and delivery lifecycle maturing technical solution to the strategic and everyday challenges of our ambitious portfolio of Transmission Investment Programmes and Customer Connections projects. This is a leadership role where your ability to lead, inspire and influence others will make a real difference.

You will

• Lead and support a team of Lead Principal Engineers, overseeing our network of Project, Senior & Principal Engineers across our project teams, supervising all relevant engineering disciplines including HVDC Converters (Offshore Only), FACTS systems, substations, OHL, cable, civil, and protection & control disciplines, creating an environment where people thrive.
• Develop the technical engineering team, managing recruitment, resource planning, and capability development to meet future business needs and ensure we maintain our technical excellence and breadth of engineering competence.
• Set the technical direction, embedding standardised designs and encouraging creative, forward‑thinking solutions that improve safety and efficiency.
• Coordinate designs and governance readiness, ensuring projects meet quality, cost, and programme goals while enabling timely delivery.
• Guide teams through complex challenges, offering expertise and building confidence to unlock opportunities for innovation and value engineering.
• Collaborate widely, representing SSEN Transmission in industry forums and building strong partnerships to influence standards and share best practice.

You will have

• Proven experience in leading and developing teams, with a focus on coaching, mentoring, collaboration, and delivering positive change.
• An Engineering Degree qualification, preferably with Chartered Engineer status (or equivalent) and demonstrable technical knowledge across transmission disciplines, combined with an understanding of regulatory requirements. Experience of Construction and operations in the marine environment is preferable for the Offshore role.
• Experience working in large complex organisations, delivering significant £bn+ infrastructure investment programmes, prioritising safety, quality, whilst fostering innovation and economic efficiency from concept through to completion.
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills, with the ability to simplify complex issues and bring people together to achieve shared goals.
• A strategic, solutions‑focused mindset, with a passion for innovation and commitment to helping the UK reach Net Zero.

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.

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.