Director, Substation Design & HV Systems

Jacobs; Lancashire; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free medical cover

Digital GP service

Enhanced parental leave

Professional development reimbursement

Employee assistance programs

Job summary

Jacobs is seeking a Director - Substations (Primary Design) to lead the strategic direction of the Substation Primary capability across the UK and Europe, with oversight of FEED and detailed design for National Grid and DNO clients.

You will guide QA, governance and delivery across HV substations (132kV-400kV), chair design reviews, lead recruitment, and drive profitable growth through strong client engagement and industry leadership.

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 experience in bid strategy and client engagement.
• Excellent communication, strategic thinking, 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

Excellent communication

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Bid strategy

Client engagement

Leadership

Education

Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent

LCDAE/PD (TP137) and TP141 authorisation

Job description

Jacobs is seeking a Director - Substations (Primary Design) to lead the strategic direction of the Substation Primary capability across the UK and Europe, with oversight of FEED and detailed design for National Grid and DNO clients.

You will guide QA, governance and delivery across HV substations (132kV-400kV), chair design reviews, lead recruitment, and drive profitable growth through strong client engagement and industry leadership.