Technical Services Design Manager

SSE; Thatcham; Hybrid; GBP 80,588 - 96,301; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible benefits package

Private healthcare discounts

Gym membership discounts

Cycle to Work

Job summary

SSE is seeking a Technical Services Design Manager to lead our team delivering Operational Technology solutions across the distribution network, including Protection and Real Time systems. The role focuses on safe operation, design leadership, and cross-functional collaboration.

You will oversee planning, design, and delivery for 6.6kV to 132kV systems, manage engineers, and mentor staff while liaising with policy teams and external partners. A driving licence and travel are required.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in the utility/engineering industry with an Electrical Engineering degree or equivalent.
• Extensive knowledge of electricity network operations, including technical, safety, and outage management requirements.
• Expertise in Protection & Real Time Systems and regulatory/licensing requirements.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills for technical performance issues and reporting.
• Proven ability to lead, coach teams, prioritise workloads and meet targets and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Promote and manage operational safety across the Distribution network, developing safe systems of work and ensuring the correct commissioning of protection schemes.
• Oversee planning, design, and delivery of Protection and Real Time systems (6.6kV to 132kV) for the Distribution South network, including complex design, commissioning, and fault diagnosis.
• Manage a team of engineers, ensuring compliance with processes and codes, and collaborating with central policy teams on strategy and asset database management.
• Provide day-to-day management, mentoring, and expert guidance on operational matters within your area of expertise.
• Collaborate with external partners, trade bodies, and other business units to influence strategy and design in Protection & Control, staying up to date with technological advancements.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Electrical Engineering degree

Job description

Base Location: You'll be expected to spend 50% of your working week in one of our offices in Melksham, Oxford, Reading or Thatcham.

Salary: £80,588 - £96,301 + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.

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

The role

We're excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a Technical Services Design Manager to lead our team. Our Technical Services team delivers Operational Technology solutions across the distribution network, including the design and operation of Protection and Control Systems, Real-Time Systems and increasingly, Telecommunications Systems.

We play a key role in ensuring the network operates safely and reliably, while continuously evolving to meet future demands.

You will

• Promote and manage operational safety across the Distribution network, developing safe systems of work and ensuring the correct commissioning of protection schemes.
• Oversee planning, design, and delivery of Protection and Real Time systems (6.6kV to 132kV) for the Distribution South network, including complex design, commissioning, and fault diagnosis.
• Manage a team of engineers, ensuring compliance with processes and codes, and collaborating with central policy teams on strategy and asset database management.
• Provide day-to-day management, mentoring, and expert guidance on operational matters within your area of expertise.
• Collaborate with external partners, trade bodies, and other business units to influence strategy and design in Protection & Control, staying up to date with technological advancements.

You have

• Significant experience in the utility/engineering industry with a degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• Extensive knowledge of electricity network operations, including technical, safety, and outage management requirements.
• Expertise in Protection & Real Time Systems and deep understanding of statutory, regulatory, and licenced requirements.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills for technical performance issues and clear reporting.
• Proven ability to lead, coach teams, prioritise workloads, and meet targets and deadlines effectively.

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 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 plan sees us investing £33bn in critical electricity infrastructure across the five years 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 energy experts 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.

If you're offered a role with SSE, you'll need to complete a criminality check and a credit check before you start work.