Director - Civil Engineering (Transmission & Distribution)

Jacobs; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm based in Exeter is seeking a Civil Engineering Leader to define strategic roadmaps and lead a team of 40 engineers. This role emphasizes client management, technical compliance, and optimization of high-value projects. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Civil Engineering, be a Chartered Engineer, and possess significant experience in civil/structural design for utility projects. The company fosters a hybrid working environment, providing competitive benefits and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Free single medical cover

Enhanced parental leave pay

Professional development reimbursement

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Experience leading large engineering teams (40+) in civil/structural design for HV substations.
• Executive-level experience in business strategy and client engagement.
• Mastery of UK utility civil standards and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the civil engineering roadmap for T&D.
• Lead engineering team and set performance standards.
• Drive resource optimisation and programme delivery across projects.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Client relationship management

Commercial acumen

Digital transformation

Education

Degree in Civil Engineering or relevant discipline

Chartered Engineer status

Tools

Civil 3D

Revit

MicroStation

Tekla

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Define and execute the strategic roadmap for civil engineering within T&D, aligning with Jacobs' global energy transition objectives
• Lead a 40-strong engineering team, setting vision, priorities, and performance standards; ensure succession planning and capability growth
• Influence business strategy, market positioning, and client engagement at wider and senior leadership level
• Act as Jacobs' Civil Engineering Technical Authority for T&D, ensuring compliance with Eurocodes and DNO standards
• Oversee design assurance across all projects, embedding Safety in Design (CDM 2015) and best practice in risk management
• Drive resource optimisation, programme delivery, and commercial performance across multiple high‑value projects
• Champion digital transformation through BIM / CDE workflows and advanced civil design tools (Civil 3D, Revit, MicroStation, Tekla)
• Build and maintain strategic client relationships with National Grid, DNOs, and major developers
• Represent Jacobs in industry forums, standards committees, and thought leadership platforms; shape future civil engineering standards for T&D
• Lead major bids, negotiate commercial terms, and secure strategic frameworks
• Identify and develop new market opportunities, supporting Jacobs' growth in UK and Continental Europe

Qualifications

• A degree in Civil Engineering or another relevant engineering discipline
• Chartered Engineer status with a relevant institution
• Proven track record of leading large engineering teams (40+) in civil / structural design for HV substations, HVDC converter stations, OHL foundations, and cable route civils
• Executive‑level experience in business strategy, client engagement, and market development within UK T&D
• Mastery of UK utility civil standards and ability to influence industry best practice
• Strong commercial acumen and ability to deliver multi‑million‑pound programmes under pressure
• LCDAE / PD (TP137) and / or TP141 authorisation

Why Jacobs?

People are Jacobs' greatest asset, and we offer a competitive package to retain and attract the best talent. In addition to the benefits you'd expect, UK employees also receive free single medical cover and digital GP service, family‑friendly benefits such as enhanced parental leave pay and free membership of employee assistance and parental programmes, plus reimbursement towards relevant professional development and memberships. We also give back to our communities through our Collectively program which incorporates matched‑funding, paid volunteering time and charitable donations.

As a disability confident employer, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a vacancy. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.

We value collaboration and believe that in‑person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices / projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.