Associate Director - Cables System Design (Transmission & Distribution)

AECOM; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading infrastructure consulting firm in the UK seeks an experienced Associate Director for its Transmission & Distribution team. This pivotal leadership role involves managing high-value HV/EHV cable projects and client engagement, with a focus on shaping future energy infrastructure. Strong project delivery experience in regulated utility or energy transition projects is essential.

Benefits

Flexible hybrid working model

Career development opportunities

Volunteering days

Qualifications

• Extensive experience delivering HV/EHV cable system projects in onshore environments.
• Strong knowledge of cable system design, installation, and commissioning.
• Proficient in ampacity, electromagnetic, and thermal analysis.

Responsibilities

• Leading the delivery of cable system design and consultancy services.
• Acting as technical lead and client interface for major cable system packages.
• Coordinating multidisciplinary input for integrated solutions.

Skills

HV/EHV cable system project delivery

Cable system design

Client engagement

Leadership experience

Health and safety standards

Education

Chartered Engineer (CEng) or working towards chartership

National Grid CDAE certification

Tools

CYMCAP

WinCable

ElectraMagnetics Studio

PLAXIS

Job description

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we’re delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of nearly 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We’re one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

Start here. Grow here.

We’re looking for an experienced and motivated Associate Director to join our growing Transmission & Distribution (T&D) team at AECOM in the UK. This is a pivotal leadership role, supporting the strategic growth and technical delivery of our HV/EHV cable systems capability across the UK and international energy markets.

You will lead multidisciplinary teams to deliver complex cable system projects, drive client engagement, and contribute to the development of future‑ready energy infrastructure. Working with a diverse client base—including Transmission System Operators, Distribution Network Operators, private developers, and global energy clients—you will manage high‑value cable projects across the full lifecycle.

This is an opportunity to play a central role in the energy transition and help shape the grid of the future through world‑class engineering and innovation.

Here’s what you will do:

• Leading the delivery of cable system design and consultancy services across the project lifecycle; from feasibility and concept through to detailed design, procurement, and commissioning.
• Acting as technical lead and client interface for major cable system packages, ensuring timely and high‑quality delivery aligned to client expectations and industry standards.
• Developing and reviewing HV cable designs, including routing studies, thermal and electromagnetic analysis, burial risk assessments, and cable protection strategies.
• Lead complex installation planning, including cable pulling, jointing arrangements, short‑circuit and cleating calculations, especially in subsea, tunnel, and congested urban environments.
• Coordinating multidisciplinary input (civil, structural, substation, marine, OHL) to ensure robust and integrated solutions.
• Providing technical governance and assurance, including alignment with IEC, CIGRÉ, and National Grid Transmission Procedures (NGTPs).
• Lead on FAT/SAT, cable manufacturing inspections, and installation verification.
• Leading/mentoring a team of engineers, promoting technical development and supporting performance management and growth.
• Contributing to business development through proposal writing, client presentations, and building long‑term relationships with strategic partners.
• Influencing innovation, digital delivery, and best practices across the cables discipline.

Enjoy the Perks.

At AECOM, you'll enjoy a range of core and personalised benefits designed to support your future and well‑being, customised to fit your lifestyle. Take advantage of career development opportunities, our flexible hybrid working model to ensure a work‑life balance that suits your lifestyle, technical practice networks, AECOM University, and volunteering days.

Qualifications

Ready to push the limits of what’s possible?

• Extensive experience delivering HV/EHV cable system projects in onshore environments.
• Strong knowledge of cable system design, installation, and commissioning, particularly within regulated utility or energy transition projects.
• Familiarity with National Grid Transmission Procedures, IEC, CIGRÉ and other international standards.
• Proficient in ampacity, short‑circuit, electromagnetic, and thermal analysis and design validation.
• Proven leadership experience managing technical teams, supporting junior engineers, and overseeing multidisciplinary coordination.
• Experience engaging with clients and project stakeholders, providing strategic and technical advice on complex cable projects.
• Clear understanding of health, safety, and environmental standards in high‑voltage environments.
• Experience working with key UK and international clients such as National Grid, SSE, EirGrid, EDF, or major renewable developers.

Desirable Certifications & Qualifications

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) or working towards chartership.
• National Grid CDAE or equivalent cable system certification.
• Experience in cable system software tools (e.g., CYMCAP, WinCable, ElectraMagnetics Studio, PLAXIS).
• Strong project management and commercial awareness.

We celebrate diversity, including neurodiversity, and believe it enriches our team. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and abilities. If you are an applicant with a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, please contact us at [e-mail]. At AECOM, we value everyone's unique contributions and perspectives.

For further information about the role, reach out to the recruiter on LinkedIn, Francesca Siddle.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.