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Lead Development Project Manager

Lead Development Project Manager

  • 558916
  • Closing at: Jul 22 2026 - 23:55 BST
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Base Location: For this role, we require successful applicants to be based from one of our Scottish locations and you'll be expected to spend 50% of your working week in the office – Glasgow, Perth, Aberdeen or Inverness. 

Salary: £68,100 - £102,100 + 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 

As an experienced Project Manager in Large Capital Projects (LCPs), the Lead Development Project Manager will be responsible and accountable for leading a team of Project Managers developing onshore substation, overhead line and cable projects ranging in value from £20million-£1 billion, all supporting the transition to NetZero and providing energy security.  

Within your remit you will lead your team, supported by focused multi-disciplinary functions, to undertake critical development activities including site and route selection; community consultation and engagement; surveys and assessments; and progressing the planning and consenting processes alongside integrating with current and future planned works.  A key responsibility will also be to ensure all work undertaken by the project team is executed safely in accordance with the project safety licence - ‘If it’s not safe, we don’t do it’. 

Coupled with that there is a strong requirement to lead the procurement works for each project to secure critical equipment and resources to deliver the design and construction elements ahead of handover to our on-site teams. 

You will 

  • Lead the team to develop options and initial designs, driving design refinement to a selected option through to provision of consents, procurement of suppliers and handover into the construction phase across multiple projects running concurrently 

  • Have experience of procurement and commercial processes to select suitable supply chain partners and operating projects under NEC3 Contracts.  

  • Have experience of managing significant development budgets (typically £10m and above) and lead on forecasting and planning for an overall capital expenditure pipeline exceeding £1bn  

  • Have a high degree of Project Management diligence in assessing and managing programmes; risks and budget for projects. Provide effective management of all key internal and external interfaces across the development phase to deliver successful outcomes  

  • Have demonstratable experience leading multi-discipline project teams, including staff and external contractors, using robust project management systems, tools and techniques to produce key deliverables up to the construction phase. Provide strong Safety and Environmental Leadership, ensuring the safety, health and wellbeing of all personnel and minimising environmental impact of our projects. 

You have 

  • Degree qualified (or equivalent) in a relevant subject with membership of a recognised professional body. A recognised Project Management qualification would be advantageous. 

  • Extensive experience in the development phase of large capital projects (preferably in the Electrical generation/transmission sectors) and ideally managing projects through the consenting and regulatory approval stages. 

  • Strong and demonstrable experience leading and managing key project interfaces across multiple stakeholder groups and external supply chain partners. 

  • Advanced knowledge and understanding of project management systems, risk management and large capital project governance.  Strong appreciation and focus on health and safety, and awareness of how to influence this at the design stage. 

  • Excellent effective communication skills both written and verbal with experience of communication with both internal and external stakeholders at all levels, including members of the public. 

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 Stephanie at stephanie.murphy@sse.com/01738 342963 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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Our Benefits

  • 34 days of annual leave with the option to purchase up to 10 days holiday
  • 24/7 free and confidential employee counselling service
  • Sharesave Scheme
  • Private healthcare discounts
  • Subsidised gym memberships
  • Generous family entitlements including adoption leave, paternity leave and gradual return to work for new parents
  • Flexible working opportunities
  • Interest-free loans on tech and transport season tickets
  • And much more…

 

Explore our full list of benefits:

UK Benefits Booklet

ROI Benefits Booklet

NI Benefits Booklet