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

Jacobs; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free single medical cover

Enhanced parental leave pay

Reimbursement for professional development

Job summary

Jacobs, located in Tees Valley, is seeking a Director – Protection & Control to oversee strategic direction in the Energy and Power sector across the UK and Europe. This role involves managing high-profile projects including substations and energy storage systems.

The ideal candidate will possess a degree in Electrical Engineering, significant leadership experience, and a strong commercial acumen in client engagement. Benefits include competitive remuneration and support for professional development.

Qualifications

• Experience in high-voltage installations (132kV–400kV).
• Proven leadership across infrastructure programmes.
• Familiarity with protection and control systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic direction of Protection & Control capability.
• Oversee technical assurance and quality control.
• Drive team billability and performance metrics.

Skills

Chartered Engineer

Leadership

Client engagement

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering

TP141 Authorisation

National Grid Contractor Design Approval Engineer

Job description

Overview

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, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact: 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 Energy and Power portfolio. This includes high voltage AIS and 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/LCDAE)
• 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, windfarms, and HVDC
• Ability to influence technical standards and contribute to industry innovation

Benefits

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 toward relevant professional development and memberships.