Project Manager

SSE plc · London, England, United Kingdom

On site
Full-time
£75,100 / year
London, England, United Kingdom

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Job highlights

Lead large capital projects from inception to handover.
Focus on developing Data Centre projects.
Manage stakeholders and ensure project governance.
Collaborate across diverse teams and business units.
Contribute to Critical National Infrastructure delivery.

About the role

About the Role

The Distributed Energy Development and Delivery team at SSE plc is responsible for managing large capital projects from their initial conception through to operational handover. We collaborate closely with various teams and businesses across the group to develop projects that align with SSE's broader strategic goals. As a Project Development Manager, you will be instrumental in shaping key projects within SSE's Data Centres focus, leveraging your expertise in project development, stakeholder management, and governance. Your judgment and experience will be crucial in refining project strategies, enhancing commercial value, and fostering disciplined, high-quality collaboration across different functions. This is a significant role where you will build cross-functional relationships, take ownership of key project aspects, and support teams in adopting best practices. Your contributions will directly impact the successful development of projects that deliver Critical National Infrastructure, supporting SSE's commitment to a secure, fair, and sustainable net-zero future.

What You Will Do

Utilize your experience in developing, governing, and delivering major infrastructure projects to create high-quality solutions that meet client needs and internal value requirements.
Collaborate with colleagues across teams, contractors, and business units to ensure projects are developed to robust standards, effectively managing the cost and program challenges inherent in infrastructure development.
Apply your project development experience and comprehensive understanding of the utilities sector (including public highway work, contractor management, and consenting, planning, and land matters) to guide projects from ambitious development to execution, securing client commitment and financial close.
Embody inclusive leadership, using strong communication skills to build rapport and collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders, including clients, peers, and senior leadership, to positively influence project outcomes.

What You Have

Proven experience in project development within the utilities sector, covering early concept, detailed design, and financial close.
A solid understanding of risk, quality, and project controls, with the ability to empower teams to provide insights that maximize project returns.
A strong grasp of the challenges in developing large utility projects, such as contractor management, local authority engagement, client management, and internal governance.
Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the capability to influence, challenge constructively, and hold others accountable in a diverse and inclusive setting.
Hands-on experience with project management processes and systems, including contract and program management, ensuring accuracy and consistency of project information.
Demonstrated experience in developing high-value projects under challenging timelines within a functional matrix environment.

About SSE

SSE's purpose is to provide the energy needed today while building a better world of energy for tomorrow. We achieve this by developing, building, operating, and investing in the electricity infrastructure and businesses essential for the energy transition. Our 'Transforming for Growth' investment plan outlines an investment of £33 billion in critical electricity infrastructure through to 2030.

Flexible Benefits To Fit Your Life

Enjoy a range of benefits designed to support your finances, wellbeing, and family. These include discounts on private healthcare and gym memberships, wellbeing benefits such as a free online GP and 24/7 counselling service, interest-free loans for tech and transport season tickets, and a Cycle to Work scheme. We also offer generous family entitlements, including maternity and adoption pay, and paternity leave.

Work with an Equal Opportunity Employer

SSE is committed to making reasonable adjustments to ensure your application and experience with us are positive. Please contact zoe.gillespie@sse.com to discuss your support needs. We are dedicated to fostering an open and inclusive workplace where individuals from all backgrounds can thrive, promoting equal opportunities for success, and particularly welcoming applications from underrepresented groups in our workforce or industry.

Ready to Apply?

Begin your online application by using the 'Apply Now' box on this page. We exclusively accept online applications. We will contact you after the closing date regarding the status of your application. If offered a role, a criminality check and credit check will be required before employment commences.

Key skills/competency

Project Development
Stakeholder Management
Infrastructure Projects
Utilities Sector
Contract Management
Program Management
Risk Management
Financial Close
Inclusive Leadership
Client Management

Skills & topics

Project Manager
Project Development
Infrastructure
Utilities
Data Centres
Stakeholder Management
Governance
Risk Management
Financial Close
SSE plc

How to get hired

Tailor your resume: Highlight experience in project development, utilities, and stakeholder management relevant to SSE's Data Centre focus.
Showcase leadership: Detail instances of inclusive leadership, influencing, and constructive challenging in previous roles.
Emphasize infrastructure experience: Clearly articulate your background in developing, governing, and delivering major infrastructure projects.
Demonstrate sector knowledge: Provide specific examples of navigating challenges in the utilities sector, including public highway work and contractor management.
Prepare for checks: Be ready to complete criminality and credit checks if an offer is extended.

Technical preparation

Familiarize yourself with utility sector project lifecycles.,Study infrastructure project development methodologies.,Review contract and program management best practices.,Understand risk assessment and mitigation techniques.

Behavioral questions

Describe a complex infrastructure project you led.,How do you manage difficult stakeholder expectations?,Share an example of successful cross-functional collaboration.,How have you ensured project quality and controls?

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary focus for the Project Development Manager role at SSE plc?: The primary focus for the Project Development Manager role at SSE plc is on developing large capital projects, particularly within the Data Centres sector, ensuring they progress from inception through to operational handover.
What does SSE plc look for in a Project Development Manager candidate?: SSE plc seeks candidates with proven experience in project development within the utilities sector, strong stakeholder management and governance skills, and a deep understanding of infrastructure project challenges like contractor management and financial close.
How does SSE plc support employee wellbeing and work-life balance?: SSE plc offers flexible working options and a comprehensive benefits package, including discounts on healthcare and gym memberships, wellbeing services like a free online GP and 24/7 counselling, and generous family entitlements.
What are the key locations for the Project Manager role at SSE plc?: The Project Manager role requires 50% of working time to be spent in one of the following locations: Reading, Slough, London, Melksham, or Portsmouth.
What kind of projects will I be involved in as a Project Development Manager at SSE plc?: As a Project Development Manager, you will be involved in developing major infrastructure projects, specifically contributing to SSE's focus on Data Centres and the delivery of Critical National Infrastructure.
How can I best prepare my application for the Project Development Manager position at SSE plc?: To best prepare your application, highlight your experience in utilities project development, stakeholder engagement, and your ability to manage risks and financial close. Emphasize your leadership and collaboration skills.
What is SSE plc's commitment to diversity and inclusion for Project Development Managers?: SSE plc is dedicated to fostering an open and inclusive workplace, actively welcoming applications from all backgrounds and especially encouraging those underrepresented in the industry to apply. They also provide reasonable adjustments for candidates with specific needs.

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