Strategic Consents Manager

About the Role

Base Location: At SSE we work flexibly and this role is no exception. We would need you to be within commutable distance of one of our South business areas; New Forest, Yeovil, Poole, Salisbury, Melksham, Swindon, Oxford, Portsmouth, Isle of Wight, Basingstoke, Aldershot, Petersfield, Slough, West London, Reading, Andover, Bracknell, Theale.

Salary: £51,600 – £77,400 + car allowance + performance-related bonus + a range of other benefits to support your family, finances and wellbeing.

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

The Role:

A development opportunity has arisen within SSEN for an experienced Strategic Consents Manager. We’re investing in our infrastructure assets which are spread far and wide across our licenced areas in the North of Scotland and Island groups and across the South of England, to accelerate progress towards a net zero world whilst ensuring a safe, resilient, and responsive network.

Reporting to the Head of Engineering Design and Consents, this is a pivotal role where you will be responsible for overseeing the safe and efficient decommissioning and termination of assets, in accordance with regulatory requirements and industry standards.

In this role you will;

– Lead the regional land consents teams within the Large Capital Delivery organisation to establish and maintain excellence in customer service, providing and managing land consents for regional capital projects and business as usual access to land.

– Develop and implement asset termination plans, coordinating with engineering and design teams to ensure compliance with project specifications, and managing the overall process to ensure timely and cost-effective asset terminations.

– Engage with stakeholders such as landowners, government agencies, local communities, and groups to establish positive relationships and address concerns on all matters relating to termination of consents.

– Assess, manage, and advise on approach to compensation claims and associated wayleave terminations by working closely with SSE Legal and external consultants and stakeholders to mitigate network risk, add long term cost savings and ensure expenditure is in line with the business plan.

– Work with Engineering Teams to identify opportunities to acquire land for current and future large capital infrastructure projects.

– Identify areas of improvement by working collaboratively with the larger Engineering Design team, establish various frameworks for consenting contractors and provide guidance and support to consents staff and external bodies.

To succeed in this role, we’d love you to bring;

– Strong negotiation and communication skills to effectively engage and manage relationships with various stakeholders such as landowners, tenants, and their agents, local authorities, and national agencies.

– Experience securing both voluntary and statutory consents for capital projects and the ability to identify, assess and manage risks.

– Working knowledge of relevant consents and environmental legislation.

– Understanding of Distribution Networks and Power Distribution operations.

– Strong financial skills including analysis, budget forecasting and budget management as well as proficiency in project planning, coordination, and execution.

– Leadership abilities; coaching and mentoring skills, performance management skills.

What’s in it for you?

An excellent package with 34 days holiday 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 actively encourage applicants from all protected characteristics and commit to providing any reasonable adjustments required during the application, assessment and upon joining SSE. Search for ‘Inclusion & Diversity at SSE‘ to find out more.

About our Business

SSEN Distribution powers 3.8 million homes and businesses in communities across central southern England and the north of Scotland. Our team of more than 3,500 people keep customers connected to a safe and reliable supply of electricity whilst developing the flexible networks that are vital to achieving net zero. By enabling a smarter, more resilient electricity network we’re ensuring our local communities continue to receive the power they need, both now and in the future. We are consistently investing and innovating to improve network resilience and future-proof power supplies for life’s changing demands, from rolling out large scale EV charging schemes to supporting small community generation projects.

Next Steps

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 Louise on / 01738 351698.

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.