Head of External Engagement
- 549891
- Closing at: Aug 18 2024 at 23:55 BST
About the Role
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.
If you live outside of Scotland, we can offer relocation assistance.
Salary: Competitive + 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
SSEN Transmission's portfolio of projects is currently a £20bn+ investment programme, and to support this delivery we are growing our Customer and Stakeholder Directorate. As part of the Extended Leadership Team, reporting to the Director of Customer and Stakeholder, the Head of External Engagement will play an integral part of SSEN Transmission's Stakeholder Engagement, Community Engagement and Legacy, leading the development of strategy and future direction, setting targets and driving engagement, as well as supporting all the Directorates within Transmission to develop their stakeholder proposition ensuring that SSEN Transmission is a company which people want to engage with, partner with, work for and invest in.
The responsibilities of Head of External Engagement include:
- To unite the key areas of stakeholder and community engagement and legacy to support the strategic aims of the Transmission business, enhancing stakeholder experience while driving continuous improvement. Stakeholders range from community councils and landowners to trade bodies, National Grid ESO, DNOs, other Transmission Network owners, and various external parties.
- Develop and lead the overall stakeholder engagement strategy, supporting the delivery and embedding of this across the Transmission, to ensure that SSEN Transmission are recognised as an industry leader in stakeholder and community engagement.
- Ensure a simplified and unified approach to significant stakeholder engagement by providing a "key account manager" service; proactively develop and embed processes and behaviours designed to meet current and future needs of stakeholders considering the scale of capital projects in development and delivery.
- Collaborate with the Transmission Executive Committee and senior management to shape stakeholder engagement strategies and actions, aiming to leverage opportunities, address potential risks, and foster third-party advocacy/partnerships.
- Manage and guide the communication and implementation of a statutory and non-statutory consultation program for both onshore and offshore SSEN Transmission Projects, establishing clear guidelines and standards for all consultation efforts. Address objections by engaging and ethically resolving stakeholder issues.
What do I need?
To be considered for this role, we would love you to have:
- Proven ability and experience of developing and implementing Stakeholder strategy in a complex delivery focused environment, preferably combined with knowledge of the UK energy industry and landscape.
- Extensive experience in creating, implementing, and assessing stakeholder engagement strategies, ideally within a large energy or linear infrastructure setting, though specific industry experience is not required. This should involve merging stakeholder initiatives with other communication efforts to form unified strategies.
- History of successfully addressing resistance to changes that enhance performance, stakeholder relationships, and reduce risk, with significant personal resilience attributes.
- Ability to influence and challenge status quo, quickly analysing and assimilating information to make evidence-based decisions and drive unity across a wide range of internal and external stakeholders,
- Natural relationship builder, with the ability to collaborate effectively and harness ideas from within and across organisational boundaries to achieve mutually successful outcomes.
About our Business
At SSEN Transmission, we take immense pride in owning and operating the high-voltage electricity transmission network across the north of Scotland. We transport energy from where it is generated to wherever it is needed, ensuring a safe and reliable electricity supply for the communities we serve. But that's not all – we're committed to upgrading the grid to deliver cleaner, homegrown energy for the future. By developing, building and maintaining a network for net zero, we're creating secure power for generations to come.
What's in it for you?
We offer an excellent package with 34 days annual leave entitlement. Enhanced maternity/paternity leave, discounted healthcare, salary sacrifice car leasing and much more, view our full benefits package on our careers site.
As an equal opportunity employer we encourage diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage applicants from all protected characteristics and commit to providing any reasonable adjustments you need during the application, assessment and upon joining SSE. Search for 'Inclusion & Diversity at SSE' to find out more.
What happens now?
All applications should be made online, and I'll be back in touch after the vacancy closing date to let you know the outcome.
If you would like to discuss any working flexibly requirements or adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment and selection process, please contact Stephanie at or .
Before commencing your role with SSE, you'll need to complete our pre-employment screening process. This will consist of a criminality and credit check.
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