Cable Technical Lead (Energy)

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working policy with flexible/hy

Bank holiday entitlement

Chartership support

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

WSP in the UK & Ireland is seeking a Technical Lead for the Cable design team within its Energy Networks portfolio. You will lead engineering activities and provide technical support and design across projects, acting as the authority for cable design, ensuring safe and compliant solutions aligned with client needs and standards.

You will drive technical leadership, strategy, and stakeholder engagement, building a high-performing team and guiding design resources to meet project demand while

Qualifications

• Senior-level experience in Cable design & leadership within the UK Transmission sectors.
• Strong expertise in Cable engineering systems.
• Experience with Cymcap and cable design software (cableizer etc), exposure to AutoCAD and drawing packages.
• In-depth understanding of UK utility technical standards, grid codes and regulatory frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Cable design function across UK Transmission projects.
• Set direction for Cable design including Basic & Detailed design packages; approve design deliverables.
• Provide technical oversight across concept, FEED, detailed design, construction and commissioning.
• Build, mentor a high-performing team of engineers and specialists; define career pathways.
• Represent the organisation in client, regulator and partner meetings; manage external design collaborations.

Job description

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

Role Overview

As the Technical Lead of the Cable design team, you will lead the engineering activities and are responsible for technical support and design across WSP’s Energy Networks portfolio. You will act as the technical authority for Cable design, ensuring safe, compliant, and high‑quality engineering solutions aligned with client requirements, regulatory standards and industry best practice. The role combines technical leadership, strategic direction, team development, and engagement with key stakeholders across UK&I Transmission Operators.

Strategic Leadership

• Lead and develop the Cable design function.
• Define technical standards, best practices and long‑term capability requirements.
• Promote safety‑by‑design, quality assurance and compliance with UK/EU legislation and industry standards (ENA, BS, IEC).
• Align design resources with business strategy and project demand.
• Support resource planning and recruitment.

Technical Authority

• Set direction for Cable design including Basic & Detailed design packages.
• Approve design deliverables to ensure technical integrity, constructability, and compliance with utility standards.

Project Delivery & Governance

• Provide technical oversight across all project phases: concept, FEED, detailed design, construction and commissioning.
• Drive consistency, quality and risk management across design packages.
• Support tendering activities including bid preparation, estimating and scope definition.

People Leadership

• Build, lead and mentor a high‑performing team of engineers and technical specialists.
• Define career pathways, training programmes, standardisation of design activities, and performance expectations.
• Enable effective collaboration with HV Plant, Civil, OHL, P&C, DNO and project management teams.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Represent the organisation as a senior technical authority in client, regulator and partner meetings.
• Work with external design houses, suppliers and contractors to optimise technical solutions.
• Manage client feedback to support continuous improvement and strong commercial relationships.

Requirements

• Senior‑level experience in Cable design & leadership within the UK Transmission sectors.
• Strong expertise in Cable engineering systems.
• Strong expertise in Cymcap and cable design software (cableizer etc), exposure to AutoCAD and drawing packages.
• In‑depth understanding of UK utility technical standards, grid codes and regulatory frameworks.

Qualifications

• Minimum BEng in Electrical Engineering.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng, IET) or working towards chartership.
• Experience working with UK Transmission Operators.

Preferences

• Cable CDAE/LCDAE in UK National Grid Projects.
• BP141 Authorisation in HV Cables.
• Understanding / Experience in EirGrid, SSE requirements / Projects.

Benefits

Work‑life balance: hybrid working policy with flexibility to work from home two days a week; optional part‑time and flexible working arrangements; the option to purchase additional leave; ability to use bank holiday entitlement.

Inclusivity & Belonging: We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences and support a culture of inclusion and belonging.

Health & Wellbeing: Thrive programme, Virtual GP service, reasonable workplace adjustments, Gymflex scheme (up to 40% off gym memberships), comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time: WSP My Hour allows you to take one hour each day for personal activities.

Development and training opportunities, mentoring, chartership support.

Equal Opportunity

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.