Head of Operations (HVDC/FACTS)

Base Location: Flexible Scotland | 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 Scotland, Perth, Dundee, Glasgow, Aberdeen or Inverness.

Salary: Up to 117,600 + car/car allowance + 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

We are looking for a Head of Operations (HVDC/FACTS) to provide strategic leadership across our operating region, ensuring the safe, reliable and efficient performance of the transmission network. This role shapes long‑term operational capability while driving excellence in day‑to‑day delivery across SSEN Transmission's operations. Additionally, the role will play a pivotal role in enabling SSEN Transmission’s capital investment programme by ensuring operational readiness, resilience and integration of new infrastructure. 

You will

• Guide Operations for HVDC networks and FACTS assets, ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient performance. Oversee and support all operational activities—planned or unplanned—including maintenance, defects, incidents, and system performance.  You will provide senior leadership of the 24/7/365 operational response, ensuring appropriate coordination of fault response, resourcing and team deployment.

• Champion operational safety and ensure the highest standards of statutory network safety management. This includes protecting staff, contractors, third parties and the public, and ensuring all SSEN Transmission personnel and contractors comply with all relevant engineering and safety procedures, including the SSEN Transmission Operational Safety Rules.
• Ensure accountability for network lifecycle performance, reliability oversight and the delivery of maximum network availability. This includes managing and controlling operational expenditure budgets, ensuring alignment with SSEN Transmission’s business plan and long‑term strategic objectives.
• Lead and support the development and continuous improvement of all operational procedures, including maintenance standards, operational processes, safety rules and asset management approaches. Serve as the senior operational liaison for Project Development, Delivery, and Engineering teams.
• Maintain expert understanding of electricity transmission and related technological developments, driving innovation and ensuring SSEN Transmission continues to lead the sector. Working in partnership with OEMs and service providers, you will proactively manage key risks, including type faults, obsolescence, system resilience and cyber security.

You have

• A Degree in electrical engineering or a related technical field, or equivalent experience in a utility, engineering or process-driven environment.
• Extensive knowledge of statutory, regulatory and licence obligations, alongside deep technical expertise in electricity networks and their systems.
• Strong operational understanding of network safety, outage management, technical requirements and incident response.
• Exceptional analytical and engineering problem-solving abilities with a track record of delivering robust solutions.
• Proven leadership in managing large operational teams and experience with Safety in Design, CDM, and project assurance activities.

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 Transmission own and operate the electricity transmission network across the north of Scotland. We transport energy from where it is generated to where it is needed, ensuring a safe and reliable electricity supply for the communities we serve. But that's not all – we're upgrading the grid to deliver cleaner, homegrown energy for the future and building a network for net zero to create secure power for generations to come.

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 Andy on andrew.torrance@sse.com / 01738 275370 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.

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