Energy Markets - Principle Data Scientist

Base Location: London

Salary: £58,100 - £87,100 + performance-related bonus + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.

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

The role

Energy Markets (EM) is the commercial heart of the SSE Group, securing value for SSE's asset portfolios in wholesale energy markets as we move towards our vision of being a leading energy company in a net zero world. EM plays a critical role as the asset optimiser, route to market and risk management function for all SSE's Business Units (Wind, Hydro, Low Carbon Thermal, Distributed Energy and Customer portfolios). EM enables SSE to focus its expertise and capabilities in energy markets (including Trading, Risk Management, Energy Economics and Advanced Analytics) in one centre of excellence and, with these enhanced capabilities, support value creation and decision-making across the SSE Group.

The Advanced Analytics & Data (AAD) team is the driving force within EM to compete at the forefront of the modern and automated Wholesale market trading using quality data, sophisticated modelling and leveraging the emerging possibilities of Generative AI.

The AAD function is embedded into Front Office commercial decision making and will directly affect P&L contribution. Energy Markets is tasked with owning the Commercial solution for group, and AAD within Front Office will have to navigate volatile wholesale markets with skill and capture the best value available for SSE's assets and proprietary trading book.

The Principle Data Scientist needs to excel in four key areas: Commercial Acumen, Technical Knowledge, People Leadership and Agile Project Management.

You will head a proficient team to execute Commercial projects aimed at maximising the value of SSE's assets. This role involves understanding market dynamics and drivers and the data required to model these and provide insight. The role requires management of a skilled Data Engineering team to provide accurate and timely data to develop models that optimise the commercial operation of new assets and forecast market opportunities. This aligns with the group's ambitions in new markets and technologies.

You will demonstrate

Leadership & Culture

- Highly visible and proactive leader for the Advanced Analytics & Data team communicating the opportunities provided and de-mystifying the work the team does.

- Maintain the laser focus on delivery of value and commercial results for Energy Markets. Critically evaluate proposed use cases and projects to ensure the best commercial, efficiency or strategic benefits for EM.

- Leads a highly skilled and technical team to achieve successful outcomes. Communicate the ambition and opportunities in the coming years. Inspires and challenges staff, knowledgably discusses technical development areas with staff and supports career development conversations in a coaching environment.

Commercial Acumen

- Enhance operational efficiency and decision-making regarding our Trading exposures, which amount to over £2.3 billion daily, by providing Value Add Analytics and Insights.

- Actively participate in commercial discussions about market exposures, trading strategies, and asset optimisation.

- Acquire and disseminate crucial market knowledge to improve the skills and commercial awareness of staff.

Technical Expertise

- Leads the development of capabilities, optimizes performance, and promotes reuse of components in EM's Analytics Platform by staying updated on the latest advancements and exploring available capabilities and partners.

- Guides the technical direction of the team and critically assesses proposed solutions.

- Investigates new capabilities in Generative AI and translates these into projects that enhance performance for Trade Execution, Forecasting, Data Discovery, and Productivity.

- Balances Performance against Cost.

- Participates in discussions about Buy, Borrow, and Build decisions.

Strategic Thinking & Planning

- Show long-term planning in projects that not only address current demands but also enhance future capabilities. Strategically allocate resources and prioritise a roadmap for the medium - and long-term to help Energy Markets stay competitive in evolving Wholesale Markets globally.

Stakeholder Management & Communication

- Actively involved in commercial dialogues concerning market exposures, trading strategies, and asset optimisation.

- Possesses outstanding communication skills, necessitating collaboration within EPM and with the EPM Executive Committee and Managing Director. Building strong relationships throughout the business is crucial to preserving the trust and respect necessary for the team to continue offering support and guidance.

- Promote and champion the exceptional work being accomplished.

Transformation & Project Governance

- Leads the team to implement, plan and manage the transformation projects within an agreed governance framework to manage budget spend, mitigate project risk and track and report benefits to the PMO and stakeholders in line with the business plans.

- Advocates for the digital transformation underway in Energy Markets and the continued adoption and further use of data in decision-making.

You will have

- Expert understanding of the SSE energy portfolio, both physical & contractual and of the wholesale energy markets.

- Experience working with and continuous engagement with state-of-the-art data science, modelling and visualization techniques.

- Relevant Professional Qualifications; Master's degree / PhD / Extensive Industry Experience.

- Strategic planning skills with a track record of successful large scale / continuous change delivery.

- Experience with designing, building, and operating analytics solutions using Azure cloud technologies and with Azure DevOps. Lead on all best practices and standards in terms of source repository control, CI/CD and change control.

- Data Management and Data Quality experience - with a proven track record of applying data science / machine learning / AI to solve business problems.

About SSE

SSE has a bold ambition – to be a leading energy company in a net zero world. We're building the world's largest offshore wind farm. Transforming the grid to provide greener electricity for millions of people and investing over £20 billion in homegrown energy, with £20 billion more in the pipeline.

SSE Energy Markets secure the energy needed to power customers' lives, while creating value for SSE. Our Energy Markets trading teams buy the fuel needed to deliver cleaner energy and sell power generated in our wind farm, hydro and thermal assets back to the markets.

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 Lynsey on Lynsey.MacDonald@sse.com / 01738 340426 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.