Associate Director Overhead Lines (OHL)

Jacobs; Manchester; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A global engineering firm is seeking an Associate Director Overhead Lines (OHL) in Manchester, UK. The role involves developing engineering documentation, overseeing design tasks, and leading a team of engineers for high-profile projects. Ideal candidates will have substantial experience in OHL design and a relevant engineering degree. The firm values diverse applicants and supports flexible work arrangements.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in overhead line design within UK environments.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical workstreams.
• Familiarity with National Grid and DNO standards and processes.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop engineering drawings and specifications using software tools.
• Oversee technical activities and manage project risks.
• Lead and mentor a team of specialist design engineers.
• Lead a team of specialist design engineers on overhead transmission line projects.
• Engage in client‑facing design reviews and technical workshops.
• Identify and manage project risks to ensure successful delivery.

Skills

Proven experience in OHL design (132kV–400kV)

Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills

Ability to manage competing priorities

Demonstrated ability to lead technical workstreams

Risk management

Education

Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Civil or Electrical) or equivalent

Chartered Engineer (IET) or working towards chartership

Tools

PLS-CADD

AutoCAD

Microstation

AutoCAD

MicroStation

Autodesk tools

Job description

Associate Director Overhead Lines (OHL)

Jacobs Manchester, England, United Kingdom

Join to apply for the Associate Director Overhead Lines (OHL) role at Jacobs

At Jacobs, we are challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world’s most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, and mission‑critical outcomes. Our UK and Continental Europe team continues to expand, and we are seeking an Associate Director Overhead Lines (OHL) to support a range of high‑profile projects across our Power & Energy portfolio, including high voltage AIS and GIS substations, transmission system assets, HV Overhead Lines, HVDC interconnectors, and energy storage systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop detailed engineering drawings, specifications, and design documentation using software tools such as PLS-CADD, AutoCAD, and Microstation.
• Oversee technical activities, line routing, sag‑tension calculations, structure analysis, conductor selection, clearance reports, and design documentation.
• Prepare and review proposals and reports detailing project scope, timelines, budgets, and resource allocations.
• Regularly engage in client‑facing design reviews and technical workshops.
• Lead and mentor a team of specialist design engineers working on overhead transmission line solutions.
• Identify and manage project risks to ensure successful delivery.
• Promote a strong safety culture.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal teams, stakeholders, and clients to drive project success.
• Ensure all designs are appropriately reviewed and approved in line with best practice and by an appropriately qualified individual.
• Work with the resource manager to expand the team and improve design processes.
• Ensure designs are sustainable and support environmental and planning aspects of the works.
• Deal with any issues arising from the construction teams.
• Ensure that the drawings and specification documents contain sufficient, accurate information for construction of the works.

What you’ll need

• Proven experience in OHL design (132kV–400kV), ideally within UK transmission and distribution environments.
• Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Civil or Electrical) or equivalent.
• Chartered Engineer (IET) or working towards chartership.
• Familiarity with National Grid and DNO standards and processes.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver under pressure.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical workstreams and contribute to strategic project delivery.
• Proficient in industry‑standard software such as PLS-CADD, PLS-Tower, PLS-Pole, and AutoDesk tools.

We are a disability confident employer. We welcome applications from candidates who may not meet all listed requirements and who require flexible working arrangements.

To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter through our careers portal or contact our recruitment team for assistance. We will provide reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process if required.