Operations Manager

Operations Manager – Scotland
Location: Scotland Central BeltContract: Permanent, Full-timePackage: Competitive salary + Car Allowance + Flexible BenefitsReports to: Regional Director

About the Role
We are looking for an experienced Operations Manager to lead the safe, successful and commercially effective delivery of our electricity network activities across Scotland.
The role will have primary responsibility for our operations supporting SP Energy Networks (SPEN) and will oversee the delivery of projects across electricity distribution and transmission networks from LV through to 400kV.

Our workload is predominantly substation based, covering secondary substations, primary substations and grid sites. The role will also require a sound understanding of overhead line and underground cable activities across distribution and transmission networks.
This is a senior operational leadership position with responsibility for safety, people, programme delivery, customer relationships, commercial performance and continuous improvement.
The successful candidate will also be expected to support the wider Scotland operation, provide cover for the SSEN Operations Manager when required and deputise for the Regional Director.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the safe, efficient and commercially successful delivery of operational activities across the region
Take primary operational responsibility for the delivery of projects and programmes for SPEN
Oversee projects ranging from LV distribution works through to 400kV transmission infrastructure
Lead delivery across secondary substations, primary substations and grid sites, including construction, refurbishment, replacement and associated infrastructure works
Provide appropriate operational oversight of overhead line and underground cable activities
Lead and develop Project Managers, Site Managers, Supervisors, Engineers, Planners and operational delivery teams
Ensure projects are appropriately resourced with suitably competent people, subcontractors, plant and materials
Maintain a strong focus on health, safety, environmental and quality performance, positively challenging standards where required
Ensure works comply with Freedom requirements, SPEN procedures, relevant DNO requirements, legislation and project-specific standards
Review operational performance including safety, quality, programme, productivity, cost, margin and customer KPIs
Maintain effective commercial governance across the regional portfolio, including cost control, forecasting, change management and margin performance
Work closely with commercial teams to identify and manage contractual risks and opportunities
Develop and maintain effective relationships with key SPEN stakeholders, acting as a senior operational point of contact
Lead regular operational and project reviews with internal teams and customers
Ensure accidents, incidents, near misses and quality issues are appropriately reported, investigated and closed out
Ensure operational inspections and assurance activities are completed and identified defects or actions are closed within agreed timescales
Support resource planning and succession planning to ensure the operation has the capability required to meet current and future workload
Identify competency and development requirements across the operational team and our supply chain
Drive continuous improvement in safety, productivity, quality, programme delivery and commercial performance
Support tendering, mobilisation and development of new work opportunities where operational input is required
Work collaboratively with the SSEN Operations Manager and provide operational cover when required
Deputise for the Regional Director when required, representing the Scotland business with customers, colleagues and other stakeholders

Essential Experience and Skills

Significant operational management experience within electricity distribution or transmission
Strong experience delivering electrical infrastructure projects within a DNO or transmission environment
Practical knowledge of projects across LV, HV and EHV networks
Strong experience of substation construction, refurbishment or asset replacement projects
Good working knowledge of secondary substations, primary substations and grid sites
Working knowledge of underground cable and overhead line construction and maintenance activities
Demonstrable experience managing multiple projects, programmes and operational teams
Strong understanding of health, safety, environmental and quality requirements within the electricity industry
Strong commercial awareness, including budgets, forecasting, cost management, contract management and project margin
Ability to manage competing operational priorities and make effective decisions in a safety-critical environment
Strong customer and stakeholder management skills
Ability to lead, develop and hold operational teams accountable for delivery
Full UK Driving Licence with willingness to travel throughout Scotland as required

Desirable Experience and Qualifications

Previous operational experience working with SP Energy Networks
Established working relationships with relevant SPEN operational, delivery and commercial stakeholders
Experience of working across both SP Distribution and SP Transmission environments
Experience working with SSEN or another UK DNO or transmission network owner
Current or previous relevant DNO authorisations
HNC, HND, degree or equivalent qualification in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline
NEBOSH, IOSH or equivalent health and safety qualification desirable
APM, PRINCE2 or equivalent project management qualification
Formal leadership, business or management qualification

Benefits:
We're always evolving our benefits to ensure we're attracting and retaining great people. Some of what you can expect includes:

Company commercial vehicle
Salary sacrifice car scheme (Hybrid/Electric Vehicle)
Pension with a leading provider and up to 8% employer contribution
25 days holiday plus bank holidays
Personal Wellbeing and Volunteer Days
Private Medical Insurance
Free 24/7 365 Employee Assistance Program to support mental health and well-being (including counselling sessions and legal advice)
Flexible benefits to suit from Dental Insurance, Gym Memberships, Give As You Earn, Travel Insurance, Tax Free Bikes.
Personal development programme