Director Protection & Control (P&C) - UK Grid Network

Jacobs; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free single medical cover

Enhanced parental leave pay

Paid volunteering time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Manchester is seeking a Director of Protection & Control to manage a range of high-profile projects across the Power & Energy portfolio. The ideal candidate will lead the P&C capability in the UK and Europe, oversee engineering teams and ensure compliance with technical standards. This role offers a competitive benefits package and embraces flexible working arrangements.

Qualifications

• Chartered Engineer through the IET.
• TP141 Authorisation (Protection & Control).
• National Grid Contractor Design Approval Engineer (CDAE).

Responsibilities

• Define and lead strategic direction of P&C capability.
• Provide executive leadership on FEED and detailed design work.
• Oversee technical assurance and quality control for P&C projects.

Skills

Technical leadership

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Commercial acumen

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Job description

Director Protection & Control (P&C) - UK Grid Network

Jacobs Manchester, England, United Kingdom.

At Jacobs, we’re challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission‑critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting‑edge manufacturing. 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 Director – Protection & Control to support a range of high‑profile projects across our Power & Energy portfolio including high voltage AIS & GIS Substations, transmission system assets, HVDC interconnectors and energy storage systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and lead the strategic direction of Jacobs’ Protection & Control capability across the UK and Europe
• Provide executive leadership on FEED and detailed design workstreams for National Grid and DNO clients
• Oversee technical assurance, quality control, and delivery excellence across all P&C projects
• Lead recruitment, onboarding, and development of engineering talent to support growth and delivery
• Drive team billability, utilisation, and performance metrics aligned with business objectives
• Lead and support major bids, including technical strategy, resource alignment, and client engagement
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with key clients, supporting business development and market positioning
• Represent Jacobs in industry bodies and forums, influencing standards and best practices
• Oversee interface design, protection schemes, control philosophies, and settings coordination
• Chair high‑level design reviews, hazard reviews, and technical governance meetings
• Ensure compliance with CDM regulations and proactively manage technical risks
• Support succession planning and capability growth across the P&C team

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering
• Chartered Engineer through the IET
• TP141 Authorisation (Protection & Control)
• National Grid Contractor Design Approval Engineer (CDAE)
• Recognised authority in P&C engineering for high‑voltage installations (132kV–400kV)
• Proven leadership across large‑scale infrastructure programmes and multidisciplinary teams
• Strong commercial acumen with experience in bid strategy and client engagement
• Demonstrated success in team growth, recruitment, and capability development
• Excellent communication, strategic thinking, and stakeholder management skills
• Familiarity with protection and control systems for DNOs, BESS, wind farms, and HVDC
• Ability to influence technical standards and contribute to industry innovation

Benefits and Culture

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 programme which incorporates matched‑funding, paid volunteering time and charitable donations.

Work‑life balance and flexibility is a key focus area for Jacobs. We’re happy to discuss hybrid, part‑time and flexible working hours, patterns and locations to suit you and our business.

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