Distribution Planning Manager

Job Description

SP Energy Networks is part of the ScottishPower Group of companies. We provide power on behalf of supply companies through a network of cables and power lines that we own and maintain.

We do it responsibly. We do it with respect for people and for the environment. We do it looking at the long term, not just today. We do it innovatively.

We're dedicated to delivering a safe and reliable electricity supply to all of our customers 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Through our Transmission and Distribution network we provide power to customers in Merseyside, Cheshire, North Wales and North Shropshire as well as Central and Southern Scotland.

What you'll be doing

You will act as the Section Head for the growing Distribution Planning section inside the Operational Control Centre.

You will manage a team of Planning Engineers and other Planning related functions as they seek to manage the risk to electricity network security and customer supplies on SPEN's Distribution Network. You will have a particular focus on 33kV outages.

Your team will face a growing workload as the number of planned outages increases as SPEN moves into the ED3 price control settlement. It is essential that you coach and mentor your team to ensure it is in a position to provide scrutiny and support to the investment delivery plan, while still being able to react to faults and customer connections.

Your team will work very closely with the Distribution Control Room.

Your team acts at the interface between SPEN and large generation and demand customers connected to SPEN's network. It is essential that these relationships are managed in a proactive and professional manner to ensure that SPEN is seen as the frontier DNO by our connected large customers.

Principle Accountabilities - Distribution Planning Team

You will manage a team that is:

• Responsible for the co-ordination of all system users and network outages impacting the distribution network from two years ahead to day ahead timescales to a high technical standard.
• Responsible for establishing an optimum level of pre-arranged IIS penalties against the need to carry out works on the distribution network, providing workable recovery plans to the control room where appropriate in order to minimise potential IIS penalties
• Co-ordinating and liaising with business areas across Energy Networks to understand implications of proposed works, driving to develop and implement contingency works to appropriately mitigate risk from distribution and transmission projects
• Establishing and maintaining excellent relationships with major customers.
• Intervening when necessary to ensure planning, safety and customer service standards

What you'll bring

• Working knowledge of Energy Networks policies, procedures and working practices.
• Committed to achieving the highest standards of customer service
  • Seen as a trusted, knowledgeable, reliable colleague, who is ready to step into a leadership position
• Working knowledge of health, safety and environmental legislation.
• Knowledge of network and business data and network management systems.
• Working knowledge of the relevant regulatory documentation.
• Aware of network development policies and procedures.
• Ability to devise solutions to complex problems/challenges.
• Developed customer service skills.
• Expert knowledge of the application of System Security Standards and the interplay with system capability elements
• Broad operational experience preferred, e.g. spanning Distribution/Transmission and possibly generation.
• Good understanding of the Company Safety Rules and supporting procedures for working on HV electrical equipment.
• Expert user of PowerOn and PI systems
• Working knowledge of power system analysis tools and techniques demonstrating a detailed understanding of load flow and contingency analysis

Minimum Criteria

• Engineering qualification, degree level/HNC with significant relevant experience
• Strong working knowledge of PowerOn and associated SPEN software packages
• Strong working knowledge of SPEN Distribution network, and its interface with the SPT network

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 [email protected].

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.