Director – Substations (Primary Design) - UK Grid Network

Jacobs; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free single medical cover

Enhanced parental leave pay

Professional development reimbursement

Flexible working hours

Job summary

A leading global engineering firm is seeking a Director – Substations (Primary Design) to oversee the strategic direction of their substation capabilities across the UK and Europe. The ideal candidate will possess a degree in Electrical Engineering, strong leadership experience, and expertise in HV substation engineering. The role includes ensuring quality assurance and fostering team growth. The firm offers a competitive package, including hybrid working options and comprehensive benefits.

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 experience in bid strategy and client engagement.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead the strategic direction of Substation Primary capability across the UK and Europe.
• Ensure quality assurance, technical governance, and delivery excellence across projects.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and development of engineering talent.

Skills

Leadership across large-scale infrastructure programmes

Communication and stakeholder management

Commercial acumen

Influencing technical standards

Education

Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent

LCDAE/PD (TP137) and TP141 authorisation

Job description

Overview

Director – Substations (Primary Design) - UK Grid Network role at Jacobs. Jacobs is challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

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

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
• 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 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 program 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.

Joining Jacobs not only connects you locally but globally. Our values stand on a foundation of safety, integrity, inclusion and belonging. We put people at the heart of our business, and we truly believe that by supporting one another through our culture of caring, we all succeed. We value positive mental health and a sense of belonging for all employees. With safety and flexibility always top of mind, we’ve gone beyond traditional ways of working so you have the support, means and space to maximize your potential. You’ll uncover flexible working arrangements, benefits, and opportunities, from well-being benefits to our global giving and volunteering program, to exploring new and inventive ways to help our clients make the world a better place.