NESO Lead Policy Manager

sse.com; Inverness; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A major energy company is seeking an NESO Lead Policy Manager to directly influence the future of the GB electricity system and lead a team in addressing critical energy challenges. The role requires extensive experience in energy policy, strong leadership skills, and the ability to simplify complex issues. This position offers competitive salary, performance-related bonuses, and flexible benefits, as well as the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the energy landscape.

Benefits

Discounts on private healthcare

Free online GP

24/7 counselling service

Generous family entitlements

Interest-free loans for transport

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in electricity markets and regulatory frameworks.
• Proven ability to lead strategic initiatives.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Set the strategic direction for policy development.
• Influence stakeholders and represent the business in discussions.
• Lead and inspire a team for collaboration and improvement.
• Manage programme risks and governance.
• Deliver meaningful impact on reforms.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Communication

Team management

Job description

Base Location: For this role, we require successful applicants to be based from one of our Scottish locations – Perth, Aberdeen or Inverness

Salary: £competitive + performance‑related bonus + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.

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

The role

As NESO Lead Policy Manager, you will sit at the heart of the energy transition, helping to shape the future direction of the GB electricity system. You will play a key role in making sure SSEN Transmission’s voice is heard, understood and acted on the role of the National Energy System Operator (NESO) evolves. This is your opportunity to lead strategic policy thinking, influence national decision-making and guide a team working on some of the most important energy challenges of our time.

You will bring clarity to complex issues, set the strategic direction for policy development, and build relationships that help drive positive outcomes for both our organisation and the wider sector. If you are motivated by long‑term thinking, influencing change and leading people to deliver high‑impact work, this role gives you significant autonomy, visibility and purpose.

You will

• Set the strategic direction for our policy approach, aligning your work with industry developments and long‑term organisational goals, while exercising autonomy in setting priorities and making decisions that drive progress.
• Influence key stakeholders, representing the business in high‑level discussions and ensuring your insights contribute to shaping policy outcomes and delivering against strategic objectives.
• Lead and inspire a team, creating an environment where collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement flourish, and where success is measured through the achievement of meaningful, long‑term reforms.
• Manage programme risks, ensuring strong governance, clear oversight and proactive mitigation across key policy and reform activities.
• Deliver meaningful impact, ensuring your recommendations support the successful implementation of reforms and contribute to positive outcomes for both the organisation and the wider industry.

You have

• Extensive experience in electricity markets, regulatory frameworks, and policy development, with a particular focus on strategic energy planning.
• A proven ability to lead strategic initiatives and influence senior external stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and communication skills, allowing you to simplify complex issues and present them clearly.
• Experience managing cross‑functional teams in fast‑paced, evolving environments.
• The confidence to work autonomously, setting priorities and making decisions that drive real progress.

About SSE

SSE’s purpose is to provide energy needed today while building a better world of energy for tomorrow. We do this by developing, building, operating and investing in electricity infrastructure and businesses needed in the energy transition. Our Transforming for Growth investment plans see us investing £33bn in critical electricity infrastructure across the five years to 2030.

SSEN Transmission owns and operates the electricity transmission network across the north of Scotland. We transport energy from where it is generated to where it is needed, ensuring a safe and reliable electricity supply for the communities we serve. But that's not all – we're upgrading the grid to deliver cleaner, homegrown energy for the future and building a network for net zero to create secure power for generations to come.

Flexible benefits to fit your life

Enjoy discounts on private healthcare and gym memberships. Wellbeing benefits like a free online GP and 24/7 counselling service. Interest‑free loans on tech and transport season tickets, or a new bike with our Cycle to Work scheme. As well as generous family entitlements such as maternity and adoption pay, and paternity leave.

Work with an equal opportunity employer

SSE will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure that your application and experience with us is positive. Please contact [e-mail] 01738 351671 to discuss how we can support you.

We're dedicated to fostering an open and inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds can thrive. We create equal opportunities for everyone to succeed and especially welcome applications from those who may not be well represented in our workforce or industry.

Ready to apply?

Start your online application using the Apply Now box on this page. We only accept applications made online. We'll be in touch after the closing date to let you know if we'll be taking your application further. If you're offered a role with SSE, you'll need to complete a criminality check and a credit check before you start work.