Lead Design Engineer

SSE plc; Perth; On-site; GBP 64,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private healthcare

Gym discounts

Wellbeing support

Cycle to Work

Family entitlements

Job summary

SSE plc is seeking a Lead Design Engineer to head a varied design portfolio, ensuring high-quality, cost-effective engineering deliverables and strong team performance. The role involves travel to Aberdeen, Perth or Dundee, with a vehicle provided for work travel.

You will lead feasibility through detailed design, drive productivity, and manage contractor design partners to meet project requirements, within SSEN standards and budgets.

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical Design or HNC with relevant experience.
• Proven people management experience.
• Strong knowledge of design governance and CDM regulations.
• Experience delivering high-quality work under tight deadlines.
• Excellent negotiation, communication and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee a varied project design portfolio and ensure outputs meet SSEN standards and are approved efficiently.
• Lead the development and delivery of cost-effective engineering solutions from feasibility to final design.
• Manage day-to-day operations of the design team, improving productivity and contractor performance.
• Set performance targets, KPIs and drive improvement initiatives across the Engineering Design team.
• Collaborate with contractor design partners to deliver outputs on time and within budget.

Skills

People management

Leadership

Engineering design

CDM regulations

Communication

Negotiation

Problem solving

Deadline driven

Education

Electrical Design degree or HNC with substantial experience

Job description

Base Location: You'll be expected to spend 50% of your working week in one of the following locations Aberdeen, Perth or Dundee.

Salary: £64,085 - £76,581 + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.

Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time | Flexible First options available

The role

As a Lead Design Engineer you will lead a varied design portfolio, ensuring high‑quality, cost‑effective engineering solutions while driving team performance.

You will

• Oversee a varied project design portfolio, coordinating internal and external resources while ensuring all design outputs meet SSEN standards and are approved efficiently.
• Lead the development and delivery of cost‑effective engineering solutions, from feasibility assessments through detailed design packages to final design approval.
• Manage day‑to‑day operations of the design team, driving productivity, strengthening customer service, reducing costs, and enhancing contractor performance.
• Identify and deliver improvement initiatives, set performance targets, and manage KPIs across the wider Engineering Design team.
• Work collaboratively with contractor design partners to ensure design outputs are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with project requirements.

You have

• A degree in Electrical Design (preferred), or a Higher National Certificate (HNC) with substantial relevant experience.
• Proven experience in people management with strong leadership and team coordination skills.
• Solid engineering design expertise, with a strong understanding of design governance and CDM (Construction Design and Management) regulations.
• Experience producing high‑quality work under tight deadlines and thrive in collaborative team environments.
• Excellent negotiation, communication and problem-solving skills.

This role involves travel across various locations to support business needs. To enable you to fulfil these responsibilities, as a role requirement, the company will provide access to a vehicle for work-related travel.

The requirement will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and if the company car policy criteria are met, there will be an opportunity to join the company car scheme. Provision of a company car or cash allowance does not form part of the contractual terms and conditions of employment for this role.

A valid driving licence is essential.

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 Distribution, part of the wider SSE group, powers 3.9 million UK homes and businesses. Our team of more than 4,200 skilled engineers, customer service advisors and technical specialists keep customers connected to a safe, reliable supply of electricity while investing in and developing the flexible networks needed for our low carbon future.

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 340954 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.

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