Director – Substations (Primary Design) - UK Grid Network

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical cover

Parental leave pay

Professional development reimbursements

Community engagement opportunities

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is looking for a Director – Substations (Primary Design) based in Birmingham, UK. This role involves providing executive leadership for high voltage substation projects and leading a multidisciplinary team. Candidates should have a degree in Electrical Engineering and a proven track record in managing large-scale infrastructure programs. The company offers a competitive package and supports hybrid working arrangements.

Qualifications

• Recognised authority in HV substation engineering (132kV–400kV), including AIS/GIS and HVDC systems.
• Demonstrated success in team growth, recruitment, and capability development.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience in bid strategy and client engagement.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead strategic direction across the UK and Europe.
• Ensure quality assurance and technical governance across all substation projects.
• Lead recruitment and development of engineering talent.

Skills

Leadership

Electrical Engineering

Strategic Thinking

Stakeholder Management

Commercial Acumen

Education

Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent

Job description

Director – Substations (Primary Design) - UK Grid Network

Jacobs – Birmingham, England, United Kingdom

Overview

Jacobs is seeking a Director – Substations (Primary Design) to support a range of high-profile projects across our Power & Energy portfolio. This includes high voltage AIS and GIS Substations, transmission system assets, HVDC interconnectors, and energy storage systems. The role provides executive leadership on FEED and detailed design workstreams for National Grid and DNO clients.

Key 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

Requirements

• 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
• Demonstrated success in team growth, recruitment, and capability development
• Excellent communication, strategic thinking, and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to influence technical standards and contribute to industry innovation

Why Jacobs?

People are Jacobs’ greatest asset, and a competitive package is offered to retain and attract the best talent. UK employees may receive benefits such as medical cover, parental leave pay, employee assistance, professional development reimbursements, and community engagement through the Collectively program. We support hybrid, part-time and flexible working arrangements.

Additional information

Jacobs values inclusion and belonging and partners with initiatives to attract talent from diverse backgrounds. We are a disability-confident employer and welcome flexible working requests. Jacobs supports a hybrid working policy and provides recruitment process support.