Thermal - Business Development Graduate Programme

SSE has big ambitions to be a leading energy company in a low carbon world. Following our commitment to invest £18 billion in low carbon projects to 2027, we have significant growth plans and are well on our way to achieving our ambition to build a world that's more sustainable and inclusive for you, your family, the community you live in and for generations to come. 

Join us on our journey to net zero and help us power change. 

Base Locations:  Glasgow, Perth, Leeds, Reading

Salary: £34,000 per annum + a range of other benefits to support your family, finances, and wellbeing. 

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

Start Date: September 2026

About our Business

SSE Thermal is on a mission to deliver the flexible energy needed today while powering the transition to net zero. Our 600+ employees play a crucial role in keeping the lights on across the UK and Ireland and we're rising to the low-carbon challenge with our teams at the cutting-edge of vital technologies. We're developing ground-breaking carbon capture and storage projects and progressing plans for what could be the world's first hydrogen-fired power station, as well as a major hydrogen storage facility and exploring other exciting options as we decarbonise. We've already achieved a lot - but we're just getting started. As part of SSE, which is investing £24bn this decade, we're at the forefront of the energy transition - so come join us as we continue to grow and power change.

We at SSE Thermal are working on several high-profile, low-carbon flexible energy and hydrogen production and storage projects to support our vision of becoming the leading provider of flexible thermal energy in a net zero world.

As a Business Development graduate joining SSE Thermal, in your core rotation, you will support the business development team in identifying new opportunities and building the techno-economic case for investment. Graduates will be exposed to strategic and early project development work and have the opportunity to work with Engineering, Legal, Commercial, Procurement, Policy, and Corporate Affairs teams. The graduate scheme offers the opportunity to rotate in other areas within the business, and the broad experience provides a base for future growth into a Business Development Analyst role or other pathways depending on the rotations completed.

What do I need to join? 

At SSE we're proud to celebrate difference. We all have different skills, experience and backgrounds and we strive to have a friendly and inclusive culture where you can be yourself.  Safety is at the heart of everything we do at SSE and we live by the mantra 'if it's not safe, we don't do it'. You should show alignment with our core values and have a genuine passion and interest in the energy sector.  

You'll be on track to have a 2:2 honours degree in one of the following degree disciplines; Engineering, Science, Business or Economics.

We'd love you to have some practical work experience that reflects your passion for the energy sector, as well as demonstrable experience of working in a team. You'll also be comfortable working to and setting stretching individual targets and using your own initiative to overcome challenges and should have a genuine interest in SSE Thermal and the prospect of a long term future with us.

Please refer to the programme overview contained here for more information. 

As the organisations grows and becomes more international, our graduates need to be highly flexible in order to embrace the changes and keep up with the fast-paced evolution of the business.  Our graduates are agile in their thinking and seek to address knowledge gaps. You should be comfortable working to and setting stretching individual targets and using your own initiative to overcome challenges.  

You can find out more about what to expect during the recruitment process here. 

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 graduates@sse.com/  01738340150 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.

Next Steps

All applications should be submitted online.   Closing date for applications is Sunday, 5th October, 2025.

Before commencing employment with SSE, you'll be required to fully complete our pre-employment screening process consisting of a basic criminal records and credit check. 

SSE welcomes applications from all nationalities.  Please note that any successful candidate must be able to evidence a valid right to work prior to commencement of employment.  Please note, due to recent immigration rule changes in July, 2025 to the Skilled Worker route, this role falls below the minimum "New Entrant" salary threshold and therefore does not meet the requirements to allow for sponsorship.

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