Director Overhead Lines (OHL)

JACOBS; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy in the UK is seeking a Senior Associate Director Overhead Lines to support high-profile projects in the Power & Energy sector. The role involves developing engineering drawings, managing overhead line designs and leading a team. Candidates should have proven OHL design experience at 132kV-400kV and a relevant engineering degree, as well as strong leadership and stakeholder engagement skills. This position offers opportunities for flexible working and career development.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in OHL design within UK transmission and distribution environments.
• Strong communication and engagement skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed engineering drawings and design documentation.
• Manage and lead HV/EHV Overhead Line designs at all project stages.
• Engage in client-facing design reviews and technical workshops.
• Mentor a team of design engineers.

Skills

OHL design experience (132kV-400kV)

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership skills

Proficient in PLS-CADD and AutoCAD

Education

Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, or Electrical)

Chartered Engineer (IET) or working towards chartership

Tools

PLS-CADD

AutoCAD

Microstation

PLS-Tower

PLS-Pole

Job description

Director Overhead Lines (OHL) Jacobs is playing a leading role in the global energy transition. As our UK and Continental Europe team continues to expand, we are seeking a Senior Associate Director Overhead Lines (OHL) to support a range of high‑profile projects across our Power & Energy portfolio. This includes 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
• Manage and lead HV / EHV Overhead Line designs at all project stages
• Preparing and reviewing proposals and reports detailing project scope, timelines, budgets, and resource allocations
• Regularly engaging in client‑facing design reviews and technical workshops.
• Leading and mentoring a team of specialist design engineers working on overhead transmission line solutions
• Identifying and managing project risks to ensure successful delivery
• Promoting a strong safety culture
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with internal teams, stakeholders, and clients to drive project success
• Ensuring 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.
• Work with the existing team to improve / implement efficient design processes
• Work with the wider team to ensure designs are sustainable and support environmental and planning aspects of the works
• Deal with any issues arising from the construction teams

Qualifications

• Ensure that the drawings and specification documents contain sufficient, accurate information for construction of the works * 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
• Working as CDAE and TP141 authorisation
• 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
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver under pressure
• Proficient in industry‑standard software such as PLS-CADD, PLS-Tower, PLS-Pole, and AutoDesk tools

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.