Head of OCC Operability

Job Description

Step into a pivotal leadership role as Head of the Operational Control Centre (OCC), where you'll drive strategic direction, system operability, and real-time performance across SP Energy Networks. You'll lead the integration of flex contracts and DSO interactions, ensuring seamless control of the distribution network.

From planning network changes and enhancing system quality to overseeing emergency response and business continuity, you'll shape the future of operational excellence. As a senior leader, you'll inspire high-performing teams, uphold regulatory and safety standards, and champion innovation and collaboration across the business.

What you will be doing

As Head of OCC System Operability, you'll be at the forefront of shaping how SP Energy Networks delivers a smarter, more flexible grid-ready for the demands of Net Zero. You'll lead the strategic evolution of our SCADA systems and operational tools, ensuring seamless service delivery while adapting to real-time changes from NESO and other key agencies.

Here's how you'll make an impact:

• Shape future strategy across all voltage levels, driving technology deployment, IT delivery, and staff development to support future investment.
• Lead the interface between the Control Room, OCC System Operability, and DSO teams to ensure operational targets are met.
• Maximise the use of flexibility contracts to support both day-to-day operations and emergency response.
• Represent OCC in DSO interactions to unlock regulatory rewards through cultural, technical, and process improvements.
• Make informed, balanced decisions and contribute as a key member of the OCC North Leadership team.
• Take a lead role in emergency planning and support the rollout of new processes and technologies.
• Champion a safety-first culture, ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation.
• Drive organisational change to enhance performance, productivity, and service standards across Operations.

This is your chance to lead with purpose, influence the future of energy operations, and help deliver a resilient, customer-focused network for generations to come.

What you will bring

Step into a role where your leadership powers the future of energy. If you're passionate about innovation, system control, and delivering exceptional service, this role is your next big challenge.

You're the right fit if you have:

• A solid understanding of DSO operations and the regulatory landscape, including TO/DNO incentives.
• Expertise in SCADA systems, PowerOn Advantage, and network/business data tools.
• A knack for solving complex problems and applying cutting-edge technologies to real-world challenges.
• Proven leadership experience in engineering or operational roles across Distribution, Transmission, or Generation.
• A strong commitment to safety, quality, and customer service-never compromising on standards.
• Knowledge of SP Safety Rules, Health & Safety compliance, and operational procedures.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to engage confidently with stakeholders at all levels.
• A flexible, enthusiastic mindset with the drive to lead, motivate, and inspire high-performing teams.
• Sharp decision-making skills, with the confidence to lead and collaborate when needed.

If you're ready to lead with impact and help shape a smarter, more resilient energy network, we'd love to hear from you.

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.