Base Location: UK - Flexible

Salary: Competitive

SSE is looking for two dynamic and experienced individuals to lead the Independent Stakeholder Groups (ISGs) for its electricity network businesses, Transmission and Distribution.

The ISGs are external groups that provide independent scrutiny, challenge, and advice on key aspects of SSEN’s business decisions. They hold a pivotal role in reviewing the creation and delivery of our RIIO 2 and 3 Business Plans, with the Chair(s) working closely with stakeholders, Ofgem, and other Network Operator ISG Chairs to ensure that stakeholder and customer perspectives remain central to SSEN’s strategies, particularly in achieving Net Zero objectives.

During this process you will be able to select a preference to support either the Transmission business, which will commence its RIIO3 period next year, or the Distribution business, which is at the early stage of developing its RIIO3 Business Plan for 2028-2033.

Role Overview

The Chair of the ISG will lead the group’s work in scrutinising and advising on strategies and plans, with a particular focus on our RIIO Business Plans. This includes ensuring accountability for performance against targets and outputs and providing expert challenge on critical decisions outside of the Certain View. The Chair will also engage directly with Ofgem and the Chairs of the ISGs of the other Network Operators to promote consistency and best practice across the industry.
The group has a formal role in holding SSEN to account, especially in the development of our RIIO Business Plans, where demonstrating inclusive and effective stakeholder engagement is crucial.

Key Responsibilities:
• Leading the Independent Stakeholder Group to provide independent scrutiny, challenge, and advice on SSEN’s delivery against the commitments in RIIO Business Plans, particularly regarding targets and outputs.

• Scrutinising the development of the RIIO Business Plan to ensure it aligns with the expectations and needs of energy consumers, customers, and stakeholders in the north of Scotland, central and southern England and across Great Britain.

• Engaging with Ofgem and the Chairs of other Network Company ISGs to ensure alignment and consistency in the regulatory landscape and business planning process.

• Providing challenge to the company’s stakeholder engagement and consumer research approach, ensuring that it remains relevant, consistent, and effective throughout the development and delivery of business plans.

• Ensuring the group’s work is aligned with Ofgem’s Future Systems Network Regulation framework and responding to Ofgem's enhanced ‘Call for Evidence’ and Draft Determination after the submission of the final RIIO Business Plans.

• Encouraging transparency, fostering improved stakeholder understanding, and ensuring that the voices of all relevant stakeholders are represented in SSEN’s decision-making process.
• Ensuring that the group’s feedback is recorded as actionable recommendations, providing valuable input that will directly inform SSEN’s current and future business strategies and projects.

The Chair(s) of the ISG(s) plays a critical role in ensuring that SSEN’s business decisions remain transparent, stakeholder-focused, and aligned with the needs of consumers, customers, and the broader energy transition goals. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the direction of a leading network operator as it navigates the complex challenges of meeting Net Zero targets, providing and maintaining a resilient agile and reliable network, and achieving customer and stakeholder trust and satisfaction.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Proven leadership experience, ideally within the energy, infrastructure, or regulatory sectors, with a strong understanding of the energy transition and Net Zero objectives.

• Experience working with Ofgem and other regulatory bodies, and the ability to collaborate with senior leaders from other Network Operators.

• Strong communication, diplomacy, and negotiation skills, with the ability to provide strategic oversight and independent advice.

• Knowledge of regulatory processes, business planning, and stakeholder engagement, especially in the context of large-scale infrastructure and energy transition projects.

• Ability to guide an independent body with diverse members and interests, ensuring balanced, objective input on key business decisions.

Time Commitment

We anticipate a time commitment of up to 28 days per financial year. This will include attendance at a mixture of both virtual and office-based meetings of the ISGs as well as external meetings with Ofgem/other Network Operators. The standard length of term for the Chair is 3 years, up to a maximum of 6 years. The appointment will likely commence in August 2025.

About SSEN Transmission

SSEN Transmission operates the electricity transmission network in the north of Scotland, playing a crucial role in supporting the UK’s energy transition to a Net Zero future. As the stakeholder-led company moves forward with the final year of its RIIO-T2 (2021-2026) plan and prepares for the RIIO-T3 (2026-2031) price control period, it remains committed to independent, transparent stakeholder engagement, ensuring that all stakeholder concerns are heard and incorporated into strategic decision-making.

About SSEN Distribution

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks Distribution (SSEN Distribution) are the electricity Distribution Network Operator (DNO) responsible for delivering power to over 3.9 million homes and businesses across central southern England and the north of Scotland and are the electricity distribution subsidiary of SSE plc. As we move forward with RIIO-ED2 (2023-2028) and prepare for RIIO 3 (2028-2033) price control periods, we remain committed to independent stakeholder engagement, to ensure your views and priorities shape our future plans, as well as our current work.

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 james.walker2@sse.com / 01738 341514 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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