Operations Manager

Job Description

At Scottish Power we know that our people are our strongest asset, so we're always looking for individuals whose energy, intelligence and passion can help us reach our goals.

At the heart of all business visions and activities are the people whose individual efforts and performance make it happen. We encourage our people to be proud of where they work, to share their ideas and to own their careers. We promote a safe working environment and push people to shape and progress their careers so that we grow our talent within the company.

Role

The LV Operations Manager will oversee the daily operations of the low-voltage distribution network, ensuring optimal performance, safety, and reliability. As this role evolves you will be managing a team of technicians and incident controllers and implementing operational strategies to enhance customer service. An integral part of this will involve mentoring and coaching team members and developing and encouraging a strong team culture.

Responsible for minimising risk to the Low voltage network by co-ordinating activities with the Distribution Operations management teams to ensure all planned and unplanned work is completed timeously, cost effectively and with the correct priorities. Responsible for ensuring the liaison with the Distribution HV Control Room delivers the highest levels in Safety Compliance & Customer Service in line with SPEN strategic goals.

Responsible for the development of policies and strategies associated with system restoration activities. This will involve engaging and working closely with other parts of the business, HSE, DESNZ, OFGEM, SPD, and other DNO's. Represent the licence area and at times SPD interests in Government led Industry Groups.

Responsible for all aspects of Low voltage. Responsible to ensure SPD is in a state of readiness during periods of increased network risk. Responsible for ensuring SPD is in a state of readiness to act on emergency or systems events.

What you will be doing

Encourage and promote a safety culture and ensures that all Safety Legislation is implemented on all activities associated with the shift team.

Manage the LV and Control Room interfaces with the Distribution Control Room, Distribution Operational Planning, SPD Operations and Major Projects, other departments within SPEN (Scotland), and external parts of the business.

Develop an integrated shift operations team by bringing together Distribution - Control, Planning, and other Customer Service and Control Support functions.

Ensure an appropriate structure of resource availability is in place to achieve the goals identified in the Operating Plan.

Assist in the development and delivery of the annual Operating Plan, which is consistent with the delivery of SPD network investment, maintenance, and operational excellence goals.

Ensure Performance Management process is delivered within the LV Operations Team.

Manage customer service proactively and reactively as appropriate, to meet all customer service KPI's.

Carry out regular Strategic Reviews for the LV/HV Control Room Operations to ensure business readiness for Regulatory changes and skills are in place to operate and manage emerging technologies such as NAVI, LView, LV monitoring, DSO and future requirements

Duty Manager and Emergency Planning management roles as required.

Actively participate in business and organisational change such that the performance, productivity and service standards of the Operations business are maintained and/or improved.

Manage the operational interface with Distribution HV control to optimise the security of supplies to our end customers.

Take the lead to ensure the LV Operations maximises the Regulatory financial rewards available from IIS and reduce CI/CML penalties through efficient practice.

Introduce initiatives that drive further benefit and financial reward culturally, technically and by improved processes.

Coach and develop the LV Operations team to ensure business objectives are met.

Support the Business in the delivery of new processes and technologies.

Lead the LV Operations department with openness, honesty and integrity and strive to maximise productivity within the team, thus reducing the operational cost of the business.

Deliver full balance of activities, considering overall Energy Networks objectives and strategic goals.

Able to make balanced decisions, considering all possible information available, able to consult with others when applicable and anticipate / recognise possible outcomes.

Able and confident to make own decisions and be confident to seek appropriate input from supervisors, peers and subordinates.

Management of risk control framework and formulation of risk management strategy.

Coach, develop & mentor staff ensuring appropriate training programmes are in place.

What you will bring

Expert knowledge of SP Energy Networks policies, procedures and working practices.

Expert knowledge of health, safety and environmental legislation.

Awareness of network development policies and procedures.

Developed customer service skills.

Knowledge of network and business data and SCADA network management systems.

Innovative in applying the latest technologies.

Contract & SLA management and general commercial & regulatory awareness.

Developed negotiation, communication, influencing and management skills.

Ability to devise solutions to complex problems/challenges.

Experience in a line management role.

Ability to deliver objectives without compromising on safety, quality or customer service.

Well-developed consultation, negotiation and influencing skills.

Good organisation and time management skills.

An effective and confident verbal and written communicator.

Working knowledge of company code of conduct, disciplinary procedures and other HR guidance documentation.

Expert knowledge of company Health & Safety requirements and compliance.

Expert Knowledge of the incentive arrangement surrounding DNO activities.

Minimum Requirements

Education: Bachelor's degree or HNC in Electrical Engineering or Operations Management, or related industry experience

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in operations management within the electrical distribution industry.

Skills: Strong leadership and team management skills, excellent problem-solving abilities, and proficiency in using operations management software.

What's in it for you

As well as a competitive salary which is reviewed annually, you can also enjoy several other benefits. With our pension scheme, we'll double match your contribution up to a company contribution of 10%.

At Scottish Power, 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 Incentive Plan and Share save Scheme
• Payroll giving and charity matched funding
• Technology Vouchers - save more and spread the cost of your technology purposes
• Count us in - pledge to reduce carbon emissions and help fight climate change
• Electric Vehicle Schemes - to help you transition to green/clean driving
• Cycle to Work scheme and public transport season ticket loans
• Options to purchase dental insurance, private medical insurance, health cash plan and annual health assessments
• Life Assurance (4x salary)
• Access to 'nudge' financial wellbeing support
• Plus, shopping, leisure, restaurant and gym discounts, and unique employee deals on travel insurance and more
• CIOB Chartership programmes available.

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.