Director, Substation Design & HV Systems

Jacobs; Gloucester; Hybrid; GBP 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free medical cover (UK)

Digital GP service

Enhanced parental leave pay

Professional development reimburse/tu

Job summary

Jacobs is seeking a Director to lead Substation Primary Design within the UK Grid Network. This role requires strategic leadership over HV AIS/GIS substations, HVDC systems and associated transmission assets.

You will guide FEED and detailed design, control quality and governance, and drive growth with major clients including National Grid and DNOs. You will lead recruitment and capability development across multidisciplinary teams, while shaping bid strategy, client engagement and industry

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• LCDAE/PD (TP137) and TP141 authorisation.
• Recognised authority in HV substation engineering (132kV-400kV), including AIS/GIS and HVDC systems.
• Proven leadership across large-scale infrastructure programmes and multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong commercial acumen with bid strategy and client engagement.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead the strategic direction of Jacobs' Substation Primary capability across the UK and Europe.
• Provide executive leadership on FEED and detailed design workstreams for National Grid and DNO clients.
• Ensure quality assurance, technical governance, and delivery excellence across all substation 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.
• Oversee resource planning and ensure adequate training and capability development.
• Lead and support major bids, including technical strategy, resource alignment, and client engagement.
• Review and approve HV plant aspects including layouts, earthing, interlocking, busbar calculations, and specifications.
• Chair high-level design reviews, hazard reviews, and technical assurance meetings.
• Attend site visits, FAT and SAT as required.
• Represent Jacobs in industry bodies and forums, influencing standards and best practices.
• Maintain and grow strategic client relationships, supporting business development and market positioning.

Skills

Leadership

HV substation design

Bid management

Stakeholder management

FEED oversight

Project governance

Education

Electrical Engineering degree

Job description

Jacobs is seeking a Director to lead Substation Primary Design within the UK Grid Network. This role requires strategic leadership over HV AIS/GIS substations, HVDC systems and associated transmission assets.

You will guide FEED and detailed design, control quality and governance, and drive growth with major clients including National Grid and DNOs. You will lead recruitment and capability development across multidisciplinary teams, while shaping bid strategy, client engagement and industry