Technical Asset Policy and Authority Manager

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 68,000 - 102,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private healthcare

Gym discounts

Online GP

Counselling

Cycle to Work

Family leave

Job summary

SSEN Distribution, part of the SSE group, is seeking a Technical Asset Policy & Authority Manager in Reading with a mandate to lead a team of engineering specialists and set the technical standards for LV to 132kV assets. The role shapes asset policies, operates at the cutting edge of the energy transition and represents the company with regulators and industry bodies.

You will influence major investment decisions, drive continuous improvement and ensure safety, reliability and value for money

Qualifications

• Chartered Engineer status and an engineering degree.
• Strong experience with electricity networks, asset management, and engineering standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of engineering specialists delivering network investment programmes.
• Own the standards, specifications and engineering policies for network assets.
• Act as the organisation's principal technical authority for asset-related risks and failures.
• Shape long-term asset strategies and investment plans using data-driven approaches.
• Collaborate with regulators, manufacturers and industry groups to drive innovation.

Skills

Engineering leadership

HV networks

Asset management

Regulatory knowledge

Stakeholder influence

Education

Chartered Engineer

Engineering degree

Job description

Base Location

Reading, Perth, Glasgow. You’ll be expected to spend 50% of your working week in one of these locations.

Salary

£68,100 - £102,100 + performance related bonus + car/cash allowance + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.

Working Pattern

Permanent | Full Time | Flexible First options available

The role

As Technical Asset Policy & Authority Manager, you'll play a critical leadership role in shaping the future of one of the UK's largest electricity distribution networks.
Leading a team of highly skilled engineering specialists, you'll set the technical standards, specifications and policies that govern assets across our network, from LV through to 132kV. Your decisions will influence how millions of pounds of critical infrastructure are designed, procured, operated, maintained and replaced.
This is a unique opportunity to combine technical expertise, strategic thinking and industry leadership. As SSEN Distribution's technical authority for network assets, you'll help determine how we respond to emerging asset risks, harness innovation, enable net zero ambitions and ensure our network remains safe, resilient and sustainable for generations to come.
You'll work at the forefront of the energy transition, influencing major investment decisions, driving continuous improvement and representing SSEN Distribution with regulators, suppliers and industry bodies to help shape the future of electricity networks across the UK.

What you'll do

• Lead and inspire a team of engineering specialists, fostering technical excellence and providing the expertise that underpins the safe and successful delivery of our network investment programmes.
• Own and develop the standards, specifications and engineering policies that govern our network assets, ensuring they deliver the highest levels of safety, reliability, sustainability and value throughout their lifecycle.
• Act as the organisation's principal technical authority for asset-related risks, operational restrictions, major failures and defect investigations, turning lessons learned into tangible improvements across the network.
• Shape long-term asset strategies, maintenance policies and investment plans, using data-driven and risk-based approaches to improve network performance, resilience, customer outcomes and value for money.
• Influence the future direction of the industry by collaborating with regulators, manufacturers, research organisations and industry groups to drive innovation, develop new standards and support the transition to a low-carbon energy system.

What we're looking for

We're looking for an experienced engineering leader who combines deep technical expertise with the ability to influence, inspire and drive change.

You’ll Bring

• Chartered Engineer status and an engineering degree (Electrical, Mechanical or related discipline), alongside significant experience within electricity networks, utilities, asset-intensive industries or engineering consultancy.
• Extensive knowledge of high-voltage network assets, asset management principles, engineering standards and the regulatory, safety and environmental frameworks that govern critical infrastructure.
• Strong technical expertise in cable and/or overhead line (OHL) engineering is highly desirable, whether gained through design, construction, asset management, maintenance, standards development or technical authority roles.
• A track record of developing engineering policies, technical standards and asset strategies that successfully balance risk, performance, sustainability, compliance, deliverability and long-term value.
• Proven experience leading high-performing technical teams and influencing senior stakeholders across complex organisations.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, enabling you to translate complex technical challenges into practical solutions and represent the business externally at the highest levels.

Why this role is different

This isn't just a standards and governance role.
It's an opportunity to influence how one of the UK's largest distribution networks evolves for the future. This is your opportunity to be the technical authority behind the future network. Few roles offer the opportunity to influence national engineering standards, shape long-term investment decisions and lead technical strategy across a critical infrastructure network serving millions of customers.
If you're motivated by solving complex engineering challenges, developing industry-leading solutions and leaving a legacy that supports the UK's transition to a low-carbon future, this could be your next career-defining role.

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 341814 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.