Director of Civil Engineering – T&D Substations & HVDC

Jacobs; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working policy

Flexible working hours

Job summary

Jacobs is recruiting a Director – Civils to lead frontend engineering design and detailed civil/structural design for high-voltage substations, HVDC converter stations, and OHL/cable routes. You will shape technical assurance, delivery excellence and market growth in the Transmission & Distribution sector.

The role requires Chartered Engineer status, proven leadership of large civil teams, and strong UK T&D experience. Hybrid working across UK regions is offered with a competitive package.

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.

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.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Client engagement

Stakeholder management

Education

Degree in Civil Engineering

Chartered Engineer

Tools

Civil 3D

Revit

MicroStation

Tekla

Job description

Jacobs is recruiting a Director – Civils to lead frontend engineering design and detailed civil/structural design for high-voltage substations, HVDC converter stations, and OHL/cable routes. You will shape technical assurance, delivery excellence and market growth in the Transmission & Distribution sector.

The role requires Chartered Engineer status, proven leadership of large civil teams, and strong UK T&D experience. Hybrid working across UK regions is offered with a competitive package.