Associate Director - Cables (T&D)

AECOM; Newcastle upon Tyne; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A global infrastructure firm is seeking an experienced Associate Director to lead their Transmission & Distribution team in Newcastle upon Tyne. You will manage HV/EHV cable system projects, ensuring high-quality delivery and client engagement. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in cable system design and installation, and a strong commitment to health and safety standards. Flexible hybrid working and diverse opportunities for professional growth are part of the role.

Benefits

Core and personalized benefits

Continuous learning and development

Qualifications

• Extensive experience delivering HV/EHV cable system projects in onshore and offshore environments.
• Strong knowledge of cable system design, installation, and commissioning.
• Proven leadership experience managing technical teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of cable system design and consultancy services.
• Act as technical lead and client interface for major cable system packages.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary input to ensure robust solutions.

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 pivotal leadership role supports 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

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

Growth and Culture

Become part of our dynamic T&D team, collaborating with civil, mechanical, electrical, and process engineers to deliver projects from concept to completion. We foster an inclusive and forward-thinking environment where contributions are valued, with a range of career development opportunities and a flexible hybrid working model to support work-life balance.

Benefits and Environment

Perks include core and personalised benefits, technical practice networks, AECOM University, volunteering days, and opportunities for continuous learning and development.

Qualifications

Ready to push the limits of what's possible?

We are looking for:

• 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 autonomously, with a strong sense of commitment, willingness to learn, and a desire to work in a dynamic deadline-driven team environment.

Additional Information

We celebrate diversity, including neurodiversity, and welcome applications from all backgrounds and abilities. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, please contact us at [e-mail]. All information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

About AECOM

AECOM is the worlds trusted infrastructure consulting firm, delivering professional services across the project lifecycle. We solve complex challenges with a focus on equity, diversity and inclusion, and ESG priorities. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm with extensive global capabilities and a commitment to creating a better world.