Help us create a better future, quicker
SP Energy Networks (SPEN) are working to achieve network targets set by the Scottish and UK Government as part of our journey to Net Zero. Our focus is on harnessing technology and innovation to create the networks of the future. SPEN is building a dynamic network to meet the changing demands for electricity and increasingly, renewable electricity – safely, securely and sustainably in the communities we serve.
This is an exciting opportunity for you to be at the forefront of innovation! You will be paving the way to NetZero by leading SPEN’s Innovation Team, within the Process and Technology organisation, to create and implement an innovation strategy that develops and delivers engineering solutions for transmission and distribution networks for the ever-evolving energy landscape.
As a vital part of SPEN, you will be exposed to a wide range of new and emerging responsibilities, and at a pivotal time as ScottishPower leads the fight against climate change and strives to deliver our ambitious growth and investment plans. You can expect to be working with and learning from a broad range of stakeholders from across SPEN, the Iberdrola Group and relevant external bodies.
We know that our people are our strongest asset, at the heart of all business visions and activities are the people whose individual efforts and performance make it happen. We encourage our people to be proud of where they work, to share their ideas and to own their careers. We promote a safe working environment and push people to shape and progress their careers so that we grow our talent within the company.
The successful candidate must have demonstrated ability to work with complex stakeholder groups, understand the regulatory landscape in which SPEN operate and have the ability to operate at a strategic level – with a thorough understanding of the challenges facing the energy industry.
What you’ll be doing
Responsible for the development and management of a portfolio of innovation projects, including the NIA and SIF project portfolios. This will require determining / sourcing delivery resources (both within the Future Networks team and in supporting organisations where applicable); managing project plans; financial/budget management; and liaising with the Distribution and Transmission Network Planning teams to ensure projects maximise value to SPEN whilst meeting regulatory funding criteria.
Lead and manage the Future Networks project delivery team in developing and delivering project portfolio. Direct activity for wider team members on an indirect basis to ensure sufficient resource is available to execute the innovation program. This will also include promoting personal development of staff through their inclusion in these activities.
Ensuring that all significant learning outcomes from innovation stimulus funded projects undertaken by other TOs/DNOs is disseminated across SPEN in order to influence future price control reviews and assisting SPEN achieving its strategic goals.
Ensure that all appropriate learning available on new technology & project outcomes is shared / utilised across SPEN at all levels of the Develop a knowledge management and transfer process to implement this information dissemination between external resource and internal teams.
Support stakeholder relationships with partners in the innovation space (working with Head of Innovation – Stakeholder Engagement). These stakeholders include solution suppliers (both SME/start-ups and established industry players); industry associations and interest groups (e.g. EIC, ENA) and academic institutions.
Support technical working groups / committees to influence the development of national and international policies and standards for the benefit of SPEN, and ensure alignment with internal business strategy.
Lead and manage the Innovation team for developing and delivering the various projects described above, including other staff on an indirect basis to ensure sufficient resource is available for the various initiatives. This will also include assisting the development of staff through their inclusion in these activities.
Lead initiatives to support and foster an innovative culture for networks business and beyond, with a specific focus on building a strong, positive relationship between our central innovation team and our operational license teams.
What you’ll bring
We are looking for an individual who is a strong project manager with the ability to collaborate and build strong relationships internally/externally with an ability to influence and represent a business at external forums at a senior level.
They will have a broad range of technical and business skills, supported by experience in energy-related commercial/technical roles and/or experience in business strategy development and policy/regulation and knowledge of the regulatory framework applicable to electricity networks.
- A broad range of technical and business skills, supported by experience in energy-related commercial / technical roles and/or experience in project / programme management.
- Proven experience of managing multi-disciplined teams and stakeholders.
- Experience of delivering creative and innovative technical and commercial project solutions.
- Knowledge of the regulatory framework applicable to electricity networks.
- Highly developed influencing and negotiation skills with a record of tangible changes delivered.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, ability to influence and represent SPEN at external forums at a senior level.
- Proven experience of leading the implementation of change in a complex business environment.
- Proven experience of building and maintaining strong inter-departmental and external working relationships.
Minimum Criteria
- Degree qualified – engineering, technical or equivalent.
- Demonstrable ability to apply innovative solutions and a creative approach to design and problem solving.
- Experience of managing and leading projects / programmes within a regulated environment.
- Experience of managing and influencing a variety of stakeholders.
- Knowledge of industry health & safety requirements and compliance.
What’s in it for you
As well as a competitive salary which is reviewed annually, you can also enjoy a number of other benefits. With our pension scheme, we’ll double match your contribution up to a company contribution of 10%.
At ScottishPower, we believe it’s the little things we do in life that make a big difference. From helping you look after your family’s wellbeing, save for your future and take personal steps for climate action – our benefits are designed to help you do just that - so that you have everything you need to take care of your world – today and tomorrow.
That’s why our benefits include:
- 36 days annual leave
- Holiday Purchase – perfect your work/life balance with extra annual leave
- Share Schemes
- Payroll Giving and Charity Matched Funding
- Technology Vouchers – save more and spread the cost of your technology purchases
- Electric Vehicle Schemes – to help you transition to green/clean driving
- Cycle to Work scheme and Public Transport Season Ticket Loans
- Healthcare benefit options including: Dental Insurance, Private Medical Insurance, Health Cash Plan and annual Health Assessments
- Life Assurance (4x salary)
- Access to Savesmart financial wellbeing support
- Plus shopping, leisure, restaurant and gym discounts, and unique employee deals on travel insurance and more
Why SP Energy Networks
SP Energy Networks is part of the Iberdrola Group, one of the world’s largest integrated utility companies and a world leader in wind energy. We keep electricity flowing to homes and businesses through Central and Southern Scotland, North Wales and in the North West of England. We operate over 4000km of cables and lines that make-up the transmission network – connecting infrastructure like wind farms into the electricity system. It’s a role that puts us right at the heart of Scotland’s ambition to be Net Zero by 2044. And we’re taking it very seriously.
We’re investing >£5.5 billion into our transmission network, directly supporting the rapid growth needed in renewable energy. With diverse opportunities across our businesses and a commitment to invest in our own internal talent, ScottishPower can offer people real career opportunities that meet personal and professional goals, in a global organisation.
Inclusion, diversity, and a social purpose are at the heart of everything we do. Together with our values, they bring us together into a stronger, more sustainable business with direct links to the communities we serve. It takes all kinds of people to build a large-scale business like ours, so whatever your background, you’ll fit right in.
We are committed to providing reasonable support or adjustments in our recruiting processes for candidates with disabilities, long term conditions, mental health conditions, or who are neurodivergent or require pregnancy-related support. If you need support, please reach out to careers@scottishpower.com.
