Head of Control Support and Network Performance

Head of Control Support and Network Performance

Location: SPHQ 

Salary up to £100,000 per year, with a strong benefits package including an 30% Annual Bonus (performance related), Private Healthcare (Family) - plus a £450 per month Car Allowance. 

Full Time / Permanent 

Due to the level of this position, successful candidates will be required to complete additional background checks and any offer is subject to passing such checks. 

Help us create a better future, quicker 

At Scottish Power we know that our people are our strongest asset, so we’re always looking for individuals whose energy, intelligence and passion can help us reach our goals. 

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. 

Role 

The Control Support and Network Performance Manager is responsible for all aspects of the coordination of control support and performance functions across the transmission and distribution network.  

This role ensures the reliable and efficient delivery of electricity from generation facilities to end-users, maintaining system stability and integrity. An integral part of this will involve mentoring and coaching team members and developing and encouraging a strong team culture, providing leadership to a team of control room operators and support staff, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and operational procedures.  

Responsible for minimising risk to the Transmission and Distribution networks by co-ordinating activities with the Distribution & Transmission Operations management teams to ensure all planned and unplanned work is completed timeously, cost effectively and with the correct priorities.  Responsible for ensuring the Control Room delivers the highest levels in Safety Compliance & Customer Service in line with SPEN strategic goals. 

Responsible for the development of policies and strategies associated with system restoration activities.  This will involve engaging and working closely with other parts of the business, HSE, DESNZ, OFGEM, NESO and all other DNO’s.  Represent SPD & SPT interests in Government led Industry Groups. 

Responsible for all aspects of Network Performance across our network. Responsible for ensuring the on-going monitoring of the network circuitry, identifying weaknesses and areas for maintenance, investment and/or repair. Overseeing the preparation of internal and external statutory reporting collation, quality assurance and submissions.     

Responsible for leading all aspects of Control Room Emergency Planning and Business Continuity.  

Responsible for ensuring SPD & SPT is in a state of readiness during periods of increased network risk.   

Responsible for ensuring D & T control room is in a state of readiness to act on Government or NESO instructions to implement emergency demand reduction.   

Responsible for ensuring the Control Room has an agreed viable Black Start and Distribution Restart plan to restore the SPT & SPD network and associated 2 million + customers following a partial or total GB shutdown. 

What you will be doing 

Encourage and promote a safety culture.  

Lead control support and network performance teams activities, to plan for future network changes, performance improvement initiatives and investment. 

Assist in the development and delivery of the annual Operating Plan, which is consistent with the delivery SPENs network investment and maintenance goals.  

Ensure an appropriate structure of resource availability is in place to achieve the goals identified in the Operating Plan 

Lead the control support and performance functions with a customer view point to manage risk and satisfaction to customers impacted by our work.  

Manage the Control Room interfaces between the Real Time Systems, AEMS, outage planning T & D, and other departments within SPEN (Scotland) and external parts of the business. 

Manage customer service proactively and reactively as appropriate, to meet all customer service KPI’s.  

Communicate, monitor, coach and develop the control support and performance teams to ensure business objectives are met.  

Maintain emergency and business continuity plans.  

Carry out regular Strategic Reviews for the Control Room Operation to ensure business readiness for Regulatory changes and skills are in place to operate and manage emerging technologies 

Ensure effective working and integration with Control Room and close collaboration with the peers with the OCC Senior Management Team. 

Duty Manager and Emergency Planning management roles as required. 

Actively participate in business and organisational change such that the performance, productivity and service standards of the customer service business are maintained and/or improved. 

Ensure Performance Management process is delivered within Control Room Support Team and Network Performance team. 

Take the lead to ensure the Control Room maximises the Regulatory financial rewards available from ENS, IIS & BMCS. Introduce initiatives that drive further benefit and financial reward culturally, technically and by improved processes. 

Coach and develop the Control Support and Network Performance team to ensure business objectives are met. 

The post holder will have a requirement to respond to several different challenges in this role. The accountabilities are varied, and a degree of knowledge is required in each area to ensure effectiveness. 

Take a lead with the Business in the delivery of new processes and technologies. 

Lead the Control Support and Network performance teams with openness, honesty and integrity and strive to maximise productivity within the team, thus reducing the operational cost of the business. 

Deliver full balance of activities, considering overall Energy Networks objectives and strategic goals. 

Able to make balanced decisions, considering all possible information available, able to consult with others when applicable and anticipate / recognise possible outcomes. 

Able and confident to make own decisions and be confident to seek appropriate input from supervisors, peers and subordinates. 

Coach, develop & mentor staff ensuring appropriate training programmes are in place. 

Able and confident to make own decisions and be confident to seek appropriate input from supervisors, peers and subordinates. 

Management of risk control framework and formulation of risk management strategy. 

Coach, develop & mentor staff ensuring appropriate training programmes are in place. 

What you will bring 

• Expert knowledge of SP Energy Networks policies, procedures and working practices. 

• Expert knowledge of health, safety and environmental legislation. 

• Awareness of network development policies and procedures. 

• Developed customer service skills. 

• Knowledge of network and business data and SCADA network management systems. 

• Innovative in applying the latest technologies. 

• Contract & SLA management and general commercial & regulatory awareness. 

• Developed negotiation, communication, influencing and management skills. 

• Ability to devise solutions to complex problems/challenges. 

• Experience in a line management role. 

• Broad operational experience preferred, e.g. spanning Distribution / Transmission and possibly generation. 

• Ability to deliver objectives without compromising on safety, quality or customer service. 

• Well-developed consultation, negotiation and influencing skills. 

• Good organisation and time management skills. 

• An effective and confident verbal and written communicator.  

• Ensure an appropriate structure of resource availability is in place to achieve the goals identified in the Operating Plan. 

• Working knowledge of company code of conduct, disciplinary procedures and other HR guidance documentation. 

• Expert knowledge of company Health & Safety requirements and compliance. 

• Expert Knowledge of the incentive arrangement surrounding TO and DNO activities. 

Minimum Requirements 

Education: HNC electrical or equivalent field or industry experience  

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in operations management within the electrical distribution industry. 

Skills: Strong leadership and team management skills, excellent problem-solving abilities, Excellent communication skills with individuals at all levels and an individual with drive to succeed. 

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. 

IMPORTANT 

Advert will close at 23:59 GMT the day before Job Posting End Date below 

Mobility

Please note that any applicant who is not a citizen of the country of the vacancy will be subject to compliance with the applicable immigration requirements to legally work in that country. If/when required, the Company will support the employee with the necessary Immigration requirements.

IMPORTANT 

Advert will close at 23:59 GMT the day before Job Posting End Date below

August-30-2025