A Fresh Challenge After 20 Years: My Move from Openreach to SSE
We hear from Matt Stephens, who joined SSE in September 2024 as a Resource and Scheduling Manager. With over 20 years of experience at Openreach, Matt shares why he made the move, what surprised him when he joined, and what he enjoys most about working at SSE.
Most of my career was at Openreach. Like many people there, I started out in the field and worked my way up into leadership roles. I loved the pace, the variety, and the people. It’s a place where you learn quickly and pick up a lot along the way.
After two decades, though, I knew it was time for something different. Not because I didn’t enjoy the work, but because I wanted a new challenge and a fresh environment. That’s when SSE came onto my radar.
Why I Made the Move
A few things stood out to me:
- The chance for new challenges. I wanted to test myself in a different industry
- A growing business with big projects and a clear sense of direction
- A purpose I could really get behind, especially with net zero and electrification
- A culture that felt supportive, open, and easy to settle into
- It felt like the right step at the right time, and I’m glad I took it.
What Surprised Me When I Joined
The biggest surprise? How familiar a lot of it felt. If you’ve worked at Openreach, you’ll recognise the challenges:
- Dealing with customers and deadlines
- Managing people and performance
- Keeping on top of safety, quality, and compliance
- Solving problems in fast moving situation
These skills transfer seamlessly. Everything I learned continues to make a difference in what I do now.
What I Enjoy at SSE and the Experience I Bring
What I enjoy most about SSE is the people. Everyone works together, supports each other, and there is a genuine sense of teamwork. You are encouraged to speak up, try new ideas, and help shape how we work. It’s a place where your experience matters and you can make a real difference.
My experience from Openreach fits perfectly into this environment. Over the years, I led teams of more than 40 people, managed large operational areas, improved efficiency, strengthened compliance, trained new engineers, and supported major customer programmes. Most importantly, I spent years in Service Delivery building teams, helping people grow, and improving the way work gets done.
Now at SSE, I get to do all of that again, but in a fresh environment with new challenges and exciting opportunities.
Would I Recommend SSE to Others from Openreach?
Absolutely. If you are looking for new challenges, long term stability, opportunities to grow, or just a fresh start, SSE is worth considering. The work is varied, the culture is supportive, and the skills you have built at Openreach will take you far here.
For me, moving to SSE hasn’t just been a new job. It is the start of a strong, rewarding future.
- BT Openreach
