Remote (with some meetings in London, typically twice per month)
Competitive salary, depending on experience, plus a good benefits package
Full-time | Permanent
Application closing date: 5pm, 25th February 2025
About SECCo
At the Smart Energy Code Company, we have been working to set up the governance arrangements around smart metering to make them fit for the future and develop/augment our capabilities to take on new activities or work currently undertaken elsewhere.
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 effective. 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 ensuring 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 has been working to increase the Executive capacity of SECCo, introducing new roles to work alongside the existing SEC code administrator and together provide a better service to SEC Parties.
This role is the latest Executive appointment, joining 4 other Executive members, reporting to the SECCo Chair. The post holder will work with the Executive team, external service providers (in delivering employee and company support) and ensuring that the company meets its statutory requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Overseeing and managing financial functions and operational efficiency
· Overall responsibility for budgeting and forecasting and cost control and optimisation
· Overseeing and managing the process of selecting and deploying the internal IT solution/s required for cost control and transparency
· Taking responsibility for financial and operational reporting to the SECCo Executive and Board; working with service providers to align reporting on key operational aspects of service delivery
· Working with the Chair and Head of Code and Regulatory Strategy in the preparation of the Annual Business Plan and Budget
· Establish policies and a culture that strengthens operational efficiency and promotes SECCo vision and values
· Support the Head of Service Management in establishing Ways of Working with service providers and foster highly collaborative relationship with them
· Work with the SECCo Chair on the production of the Annual Report and Accounts.
Overseeing and directing company management activities
· Maintain, or where the service has still to be established, put in place contractual arrangements, for the company in relation to insurances, pension and health care; periodically review the services provided with an overall view of having a compelling EVP (employee value proposition)
· Oversee the development and periodic reviews and updates of the policies that support the company’s operation and employees working with other functions as appropriate
· Oversee the management of/manage the service providers necessary for SECCo corporate operations, including carrying out periodic service reviews, for services such as legal, payroll, IT provision and support provider(s)
· Attend and provide support to the SECCo Board, responsible for agenda setting (together with the SECCo Chair), ensuring papers are created and are timely and of high quality. Drawing up Board papers as necessary
· Oversee the establishment and running of the internal corporate governance meetings (e.g. Board, Board Sub-Committees and Executive meetings), managing team members to deliver excellent and timely service and liaising with other function to adhere to the established timelines and procedures.
Overseeing and directing employee management
· Act as first point of escalation in the case of any staff grievance process
· Manage the evolution of the organisation structure, working with the Executive team; ensure a plan is in place and is maintained and executed for getting the right resources in place at the right time
· Organise and manage support to on recruitment needs and throughout the recruitment process.
Corporate governance, Compliance and Risk Management
· Contact point for HMRC and any other statutory bodies
· Responsible for reviewing and authorising contracts (up to delegated signing level)
· Manage the corporate and SEC Sub-Committee risk management processes and co-ordinate and manage quarterly risk reviews
· Responsible for the maintenance of the Business Continuity, Disaster Recovery process and procedures – carrying out annual reviews, including with SECCo’s service providers, such as the User CIO, SMDA Test House and SECAS
· Be the key contact point for external legal advisors, obtaining advice on Corporate, Employment and Laws applicable to SECCo and advising the SECCo Board accordingly.
Manage organisational structure & resource requirements
· Ensure SECCo has adequate resourcing, with appropriate succession planning and contingency arrangements
· Provide the necessary support to the Chair and the Executive team on the creation and agreement of employment contracts
· Review and support the Head of Service Management with the agreement of contracts with service providers.
The Successful Candidate Will Have:
Strong Financial Acumen
· Proven budgeting and forecasting skills: Mastery of budgeting processes, including creating, managing, and tracking budgets. Ability to develop accurate financial forecasts and analyse variances
· Financial analysis skills: Strong analytical skills to interpret financial statements, identify trends, and understand key performance indicators (KPIs)
· Experience in cost control and optimisation: Knowledge of cost accounting and strategies to manage and reduce expenses
· Proficient in financial reporting: Ability to clearly communicate financial information to various stakeholders, including Board members, Executive team and industry stakeholders.
Experience in deploying operational excellence initiatives and projects
· Proven experience in process improvements: Identify and implement improvements in financial and operational processes to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
Technology Proficiency:
· Understanding of the financial software and tools, including budgeting systems, ERP systems, and data analytics platforms
Strategic Thinking and Planning
· Strategic alignment: Proven ability to connect financial plans with the organisation's overall strategic goals and objectives
· Resource allocation: Skill in prioritising and allocating financial resources effectively to support key initiatives
· Long-term financial vision: Capacity to develop and implement long-term financial strategies for sustainable growth.
Other characteristics
· Strong leadership, management and interpersonal skills, including a highly collaborative approach
· Excellent verbal and written communication skills
· Ability to organise, manage and work with a senior team and have productive relationships with the Board and Board members
· Ability to work under pressure and prioritise appropriately
· Ability to motivate, coordinate and ensure proper time-management among reports
· Previous experience as a Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff, Client Services Director with significant financial responsibility or equivalent, desirable but not necessary.
At SECCo, you’ll be working at the forefront of the UK’s energy transformation. As part of a dynamic team, you’ll play a key role in ensuring that smart metering services continue to support the country's move towards a sustainable, low-carbon future.
We look forward to receiving your application!
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