Associate Director - Cables (T&D)

AECOM; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Birmingham seeks an experienced Associate Director for their Transmission & Distribution team. This pivotal role involves leading complex HV/EHV cable system projects, managing multidisciplinary teams, and engaging with clients in the energy sector. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in cable system design and commissioning, with a strong focus on safety and innovation. A variety of core benefits and a collaborative environment are offered while working towards a sustainable energy future.

Benefits

Flexible hybrid working

Professional networks

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in onshore and offshore cable system projects.
• Knowledge of IEC and National Grid Transmission Procedures.
• Leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of cable system design across project lifecycle.
• Develop and review HVAC and HVDC cable designs.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary input for integrated solutions.

Skills

Extensive experience delivering HV/EHV cable system projects

Strong knowledge of cable system design

Proven leadership experience

Experience engaging with clients

Education

Chartered Engineer (CEng) or working towards chartership

National Grid CDAE or equivalent cable system certification

Tools

CYMCAP

WinCable

PLAXIS

Job description

Overview

We are 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 HVAC and HVDC cable projects across the full lifecycle, both onshore and offshore.

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.

Responsibilities:

• 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 HVAC and HVDC cable designs, including routing studies, thermal and electromagnetic analysis, burial risk assessments, and cable protection strategies.
• Supporting 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).
• Supporting FAT/SAT, cable manufacturing inspections, and installation verification.
• Leading and 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.

What we offer

Become part of our dynamic T&D team with a diverse group of industry experts. Collaborate with civil, mechanical, electrical, and process engineers on projects from concept to completion. Enjoy an inclusive environment where your contributions are valued, along with a range of core and personalised benefits, flexible hybrid working, professional networks, and career development opportunities.

Why Join Us:

• Dynamic team tackling challenging and impactful projects.
• Opportunities to work with leading professionals and thought leaders.
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Continuous learning and development opportunities.
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

Ready to push the limits of what's possible?

Here’s what we’re looking for:

The successful Associate Director will have/be:

• Extensive experience delivering HV/EHV cable system projects in onshore and offshore 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).
• Offshore certification (e.g., GWO/BOSIET) is advantageous.
• Strong project management and commercial awareness.

You will also be self-motivated with an ability to work both autonomously where required, with a strong sense of commitment, a willingness to learn and a desire to work in a dynamic deadline driven team environment.

At AECOM, we believe in creating a better world through innovative and sustainable solutions. If you share our vision and are ready to make a difference in the energy industry, we want to hear from you.

Additional Information

Application Support

We celebrate diversity, including neurodiversity, and 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]. All information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Disclaimer All information provided is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of posting.