Protection and Control Design Manager

Base Location: We're proud to offer a Flexible First approach to work, and this role is no exception. We will, however, need your base 'home' location to be one of our SSEN offices or depots around Central Southern England.

Salary: £77,488 - £91,285 + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.

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

Join our Technical Services Team as a Protection and Control Design Manager.  The Technical Services Team is the driving force behind innovative Operational Technology solutions across the Distribution network.

We specialise in designing and operating Protection and Control Systems, Real Time Systems, and growing Telecommunications Systems to ensure our network remains safe, reliable, and future-ready.

As a key leader in this team, you will not only manage complex technical projects but also inspire and develop a high-performing team. If you’re passionate about combining technical expertise with exceptional management skills to deliver impactful results, this is the role for you!

You will:

- Lead and promote operational safety, including developing safe systems of work and ensuring protection schemes support network safety and are correctly commissioned.

- Plan, design, and deliver protection systems (6.6kV–132kV), supporting capital projects, customer connections, and fault diagnosis.

- Manage a team of specialist engineers, overseeing work planning, safety, mentoring, and ensuring compliance with Distribution code.

- Work closely with National Grid ESO, contractors, suppliers, and internal teams across SSEN Distribution.

- Support future strategy for Protection & Control by staying up to date with technology and shaping system design with policy and technical teams.

You have:

- Proven ability to lead, coach, and motivate high-performing engineering teams.

- Degree in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent) with significant experience in utility or engineering environments.

 -Strong operational knowledge of electricity networks, including outage management, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.

- Expert in Protection & Control systems, with excellent analytical skills to resolve technical issues and develop robust engineering solutions.

- Clear and confident communicator, skilled in writing technical reports, providing structured guidance, and managing workloads to meet deadlines.

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 fiona.smith@sse.com / 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.

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.

#LI-DIST

#LI-FS1

#LI-Hybrid