Lead Principal Civil Engineer

SSE; Inverness; On-site; GBP 78,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative energy provider in Scotland seeks a Lead Principal Civil Engineer to deliver complex infrastructure projects. This role involves leading a team, providing technical expertise, and driving innovation in safety and design. The ideal candidate should possess a degree in engineering, strong leadership skills, and deep knowledge of Civil engineering. The position offers competitive salary and flexible benefits, contributing to the development of cleaner energy solutions.

Benefits

Performance-related bonus

Discounts on private healthcare

Free online GP service

Generous family entitlements

Qualifications

• Proven track record in delivering complex Civil engineering projects.
• Chartered Engineer status or equivalent preferred.
• Deep technical knowledge of relevant legislation and industry standards.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for all Civil engineering projects.
• Guide and nurture a team of specialist engineers.
• Oversee resolution of technical issues across projects.

Skills

Leadership and accountability

Communication and stakeholder management

Problem-solving ability

Civil engineering expertise

Education

Degree in engineering discipline

Job description

Base Location

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

Salary

£78,400 - £117,600 + car / car allowance + performance‑related bonus + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.

Working Pattern

Permanent | Full Time (Part Time options available) | Flexible First options available.

The role

This isn’t just a job—it’s your chance to make a meaningful impact and shape the future of Civil engineering at a pivotal time for SSEN Transmission. As we deliver some of the UK’s most ambitious infrastructure projects and accelerate towards Net Zero, we’re looking for a collaborative and inspiring leader to join our Transmission Project Engineering team.

As Lead Principal Civil Engineer, you'll provide technical leadership in the development of standardised designs and innovations across all Civil engineering projects. You’ll work closely with others, support and empower a talented team, and advocate for safety, consistency, and creativity while driving forward solutions that power a greener, smarter energy network. This is a role where your expertise will help others thrive and create lasting change.

You Will

• Provide technical leadership and accountability for all Civil engineering projects, ensuring solutions meet business, regulatory, and safety requirements.
• Guide and nurture a team of specialist engineers, fostering a supportive and inclusive culture and encouraging career growth.
• Oversee and coordinate resolution of technical issues, applying collaborative problem‑solving and thoughtful thinking across projects and workstreams.
• Promote health, safety, and environmental excellence, ensuring compliance with CDM, ESQCR, and SSEN standards.
• Drive Innovation by encouraging creativity and continuous improvement, implementing enhancements and engaging with industry forums to shape best practice.

You Have

• A proven track record of bringing out the best in people and delivering complex Civil engineering projects.
• A degree in an appropriate engineering discipline, with Chartered Engineer status (or equivalent) preferred.
• Deep technical knowledge of Civil engineering, relevant legislation (including CDM & ESQCR), and industry standards.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build trust and simplify complex ideas.
• Strong problem‑solving ability, collaborative decision‑making skills, and a passion for supporting the growth of others.

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 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. 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 Shirley-Anne O'[e-mail] or 01738 351976 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.

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.