Director Overhead Lines (OHL)

Jacobs; Manchester; 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 (OHL) to support high-profile energy projects. This role involves developing engineering designs, managing overhead line projects, and mentoring teams. Ideal candidates will have proven OHL design experience and a degree in Engineering. The position offers opportunities to work on major infrastructure projects and is available at various locations including Manchester. Flexible working options are also supported.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Disability confident employer policy

Qualifications

• Proven experience in overhead lines design, ideally within UK transmission and distribution environments.
• Chartered Engineer (IET) or working towards chartership is preferred.
• 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.
• Leading and mentoring a team of specialist design engineers.

Skills

OHL design experience (132kV-400kV)

Strong communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Technical leadership

Education

Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Civil or Electrical)

Chartered Engineer (IET)

Tools

PLS-CADD

AutoCAD

Microstation

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 manage 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
• 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

Qualifications

• 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
• Proficient in industry-standard software such as PLS-CADD, PLS-Tower, PLS-Pole, and AutoDesk tools

Locations

• Exeter|Devon|United Kingdom
• Manchester|Greater Manchester|United Kingdom
• Leeds|West Yorkshire|United Kingdom
• Birmingham|West Midlands|United Kingdom
• Belfast|Antrim|United Kingdom
• Wokingham|Berkshire|United Kingdom
• London|Greater London|United Kingdom Electrical Energy

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.