Head of Service Management

Job Description Are you looking for a role that allows you to make full use of your contract and performance management skills on contracts worth an annual total of over £8M? If so, then the Smart Energy Code Company (SECCo) would love to hear from you. Smart Metering sits as a key enabler of a net-zero energy system and there has never been a more important time for ensuring that smart meters and the supporting Smart Energy Code (SEC) arrangements are fit for the future. The parties to the SEC are at the forefront of developments that will allow energy consumers to make better use of their energy and reduce their energy bills, whilst making more efficient use of the energy system and assets. At the heart of decarbonising the UK economy, the energy sector is an exciting place to be. SECCo is arguably one of the most important bodies in ensuring we achieve the UK’s low-carbon goals. The SECCo Board would like to increase the executive capacity of SECCo, introducing new roles to work alongside the SEC code administrator and together provide a better service to SEC Parties. This role will require you to manage external service provider contracts and related performance (including the SECAS contract) ensuring that services are delivered to time, cost and quality. You will initially report to the SECCo Chair. Location Remote working (with occasional meetings in London) Salary range Competitive salary, depending on experience, plus a good benefit package Employment type Fixed-term contract (with full term appointment possible) Contract basis Full-time (although flexible working arrangements will be considered) Application Deadline Closing on Sunday 15 September 2024 Responsibilities The scope of the role covers all contracts held by SECCo. For these contracts, your responsibilities will be to: · Performance manage and provide scrutiny of service provider contracts and provision, in particular the Code management service (provided by SECAS), to ensure the best levels of service are achieved and maintained. · Manage the contract with the provider of User Competent Independent Organisation assurance. · Provide oversight for the Smart Metering Device Assurance (SMDA) scheme. · Define meaningful performance KPIs and SLAs for SECAS and all other suppliers. · Oversee the operational performance of service provider contracts, monitoring and reporting to the SECCo Board on supplier performance against SLAs and KPIs. · Drive improvements in the service against KPIs and SLAs, ensuring that the delivery of the service meets (or exceeds) targets. · Manage the SECAS and other supplier budgets · Record, monitor and actively manage all risks relating to the delivery of the service. · Work with SECAS to ensure the contract is up to date and reflective of the services currently provided. · Work with other SECCo resources to determine necessary service improvements and future service requirements. · Negotiate and manage contract change requests with respect to SECAS and other suppliers. · Ensure that procurement/re-procurement activities take place in a timely manner. · Support the writing of requirements for the SECAS contract renewal. · Manage the end-to-end commercial activity from commercial strategy to contract exit. · Drive value for money and service improvement through appropriate supplier commercial arrangements. · Maintain up an up-to-date bank of framework suppliers for use on SECCo projects, identifying emerging issues and aligning the framework with the anticipated needs. · Develop and maintain strong and productive commercial relationships with suppliers. · Act as a trusted advisor to SECCo, SEC Panel, Sub-Committees and other stakeholders in relation to supplier and contract management. · Monitor the Code and wider market landscape to consider if there are opportunities for different models for service deliver. · Consider new technologies and innovation that could be deployed into the service for the benefit of SEC Parties and consumers. Requirements The successful candidate will: · Have experience of leading effective supplier engagement and relationship-building. · Have 5 years’ experience in a similar role, ideally within the energy sector. · Be able to negotiate with suppliers to achieve positive outcomes for all parties. · Be able to develop positive and effective relationships with suppliers. · Be able to communicate with suppliers effectively and in a timely manner, challenging suppliers when required. · Be able to manage projects and change within own field of work. · Continuously seek to improve the way SECCo operates, adding value for SEC Parties and other stakeholders. · Have a solid grasp of data analytics and performance metrics. · Have experience of managing supplier budgets. · Be familiar with the smart metering and regulatory code environment (preferable). · Have an understanding of the Smart Energy Code (not essential). · Have a Commercial Service Management qualification (not essential).