Senior Policy Manager

Senior Policy Manager

• 549671

• Closing at: Aug 8 2024 at 23:55 BST

SSE has big ambitions to be a leading energy company in a low carbon world. Following our commitment to invest £20.5 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.

About the Role

Base Location: Aberdeen, Inverness, Glasgow, London or Perth 

Salary: £55,200 - £83,000 + performance-related bonus + a range of other benefits to support your family, finances and wellbeing.

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

At SSEN Transmission, we have a critical role to play in supporting delivery of UK and Scottish Government targets to tackle the climate emergency and secure the country’s future energy independence, as we deliver a network for net zero emissions in the north of Scotland, securing power for future generations.

We're looking to recruit a highly motivated, energetic, passionate and experienced Senior Policy Manager, responsible for proactively leading a team responsible for proactively managing and influencing the development of UK and Scottish Government policy to help meet business objectives and support the transition to net zero emissions.

As part of the Corporate Affairs Transmission team, you will be responsible for leading SSEN Transmission’s engagement with policy makers and coordinating SSEN Transmission’s response to policy and legislative change, building advocacy to positively influence the policy landscape to help meet business objectives and support the transition to net zero emissions.

Key responsibilities for this role will include:

- Leading a team of Policy Managers, working closely with Public Affairs, Regulation and wider internal colleagues, to develop policy positions to support SSEN Transmission business objectives, including the creation of engaging and compelling policy related content (thought leadership blog, briefings) for an external audience and use on external channels (i.e. parliamentary briefings, web/social media content).

- Proactively designing and executing engagement programmes with policy makers and wider stakeholders to build advocacy for SSEN Transmission’s policy priorities and business objectives.

- Supporting future growth opportunities through positive policy advocacy, influencing the development of policy positions to support SSEN Transmission business objectives; and horizon scan to advise on emerging policy thinking and trends to identify upcoming risks and opportunities.

- Leading responses to Government consultations, Parliamentary Inquiries and legislative development, proactively seeking opportunities to positively influence the direction and outcome of policy change with Government officials, elected members and wider stakeholders.

- Proactively building alliances with wider stakeholders, advocating on behalf of SSEN Transmission’s customers and stakeholders, protecting the interests of current and future GB consumers and tackling the climate emergency; working with colleagues to coordinate support for advocacy priorities via communications, public affairs and regulatory functions.

What do I need?

To be considered for this role, we would love you to have:

- Exceptional communications and engagement skills and experience to communicate the positive contribution that SSEN Transmission is making to the social, environmental and economic wellbeing of the country and the regions in which the company is operating.

- First class interpersonal skills enabling you to build and maintain strong working relationships internally and externally whilst clearly explaining complex issues in a simple and compelling way to build credibility and trust with external stakeholders and within the business.

- Demonstrable, extensive experience and a proven track record engaging with policy makers and industry stakeholders with the goal of influencing decision making, with a passion and detailed understanding of UK and Scottish politics and the associated legislative processes underpinning changes in policy and legislation that could impact/affect SSEN Transmission’s business objectives.

- Open and flexible work style to adapt to changing priorities and a dynamic external environment, with an ability to work in a pressurised environment to tight deadlines and a willingness to commit to and deliver long-term strategic objectives.

- Managerial experience and a background in, or detailed understanding of, the Energy industry gained from professional and/or academic experience as well as through social/professional networking with experience within a similar energy policy role.

About our Business

Our Corporate Affairs, Regulation & Strategy (CARS) function combines three quite separate but intrinsically linked businesses, with a shared focus on advising, influencing and communicating SSE's strategy and interests with key stakeholders.  This involves the interpretation of complex political and regulatory changes, skilled lobbying to inform the future energy ecosystem, and innovative communication techniques to ensure SSE's story is reached by a broad range of audiences including investors, competitors, governments, partners, suppliers, communities, and both current and prospective employees.

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?