Electricity Distribution - 11kV Network Planner

National Grid; Northampton; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

National Grid Electricity Distribution is looking for an experienced 11kV Planner to join our Northampton team. You will own complex network design activities, provide technical leadership, and deliver innovative solutions for connections from domestic developers to major industrial projects.

In this senior role you will design and analyze 11kV schemes, supervise fellow planners, and engage with customers and stakeholders to shape the future of our distribution network.

Qualifications

• Level 3 City & Guilds 2339 or equivalent electrical qualification.
• Strong knowledge of 11kV distribution networks and planning.
• Experience designing new connections or reinforcement schemes in a DNO/ICP environment.
• Ability to interpret technical information and apply engineering principles.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• Full UK driving licence.
• SAP experience in a DNO/ICP context.

Responsibilities

• Design and assess complex 11kV network connection schemes.
• Carry out network analyses, load flow studies, and fault level assessments.
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to planners.
• Build relationships with customers, developers and stakeholders.
• Coordinate with engineers on HV projects and complex system interactions.
• Support reports, connection offers, and project documentation.
• Site visits to assess network requirements and identify practical solutions.

Skills

11kV network design

Stakeholder engagement

Technical leadership

Network modelling tools

Education

Level 3 City & Guilds 2339

HNC Electrical & Electronic Engineering

Tools

CROWN

DES/EMU

ConnectLV

SINCAL

Job description

At National Grid Electricity Distribution, we play a vital role in connecting customers to a safe, reliable and future-ready electricity network. We're looking for an experienced 11kV Planner to join our Northampton team, where you'll take ownership of complex network design activities, provide technical leadership to colleagues, and help deliver innovative solutions for customers ranging from domestic developers through to major commercial and industrial connections.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with strong 11kV network knowledge who enjoys solving technical challenges, working closely with customers and stakeholders, and supporting the development of others. You'll be involved in the design and analysis of new connections, reinforcement schemes, network upgrades and generation connections, helping to shape the future of the distribution network.

As one of the most senior technical specialists within the depot, you'll play a key role in supporting planners, collaborating with operational teams and engaging directly with customers on significant projects.

You will be required to hold a minimum Level 3 City & Guilds 2339 (or equivalent qualification deemed to be at the same level) in order to apply and evidence of your qualification certificates will be required prior to appointment.

If not already attained the successful candidate will be required to undertake HNC Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

As part of our hybrid working approach this role offers a mix of office and home working. Hybrid working can only be considered once your initial training is complete and subject to business need.

• Please note the successful candidate may initially be appointed at a lower salary until all relevant courses and training are complete.

Main Responsibilities

• Design and assess complex 11kV network connection schemes, including new demand connections, embedded generation and reinforcement projects
• Carry out network analysis, load flow studies and fault level assessments to develop safe, efficient and cost-effective solutions
• Produce feasibility studies, budget estimates and firm quotations for customer connection projects
• Provide technical support, guidance and mentoring to planners across the team, acting as a subject matter expert for 11kV network design
• Build strong relationships with customers, developers, consultants and key stakeholders, representing the business at meetings and site visits
• Manage customer enquiries and provide technical advice throughout the connection process
• Design reinforcement, replacement and automation schemes to ensure the network remains resilient and capable of supporting future growth
• Coordinate with Primary Network Design Engineers and Operational teams on projects involving higher voltage networks and complex system interactions
• Support the preparation of technical reports, connection offers, capital sanctions and project documentation
• Undertake site visits to assess network requirements and identify practical design solutions
• Assist with wayleaves, easements and land rights requirements where necessary
• Ensure designs comply with company standards, industry regulations and safety requirements

Ideal Candidate

Level 3 City & Guilds 2339 (or equivalent electrical qualification).

Strong working knowledge of electrical distribution networks, particularly 11kV network design and planning.

Experience designing new connections, network reinforcement or network alteration schemes within a DNO, ICP or similar electricity industry environment.

Ability to interpret technical information and apply engineering principles to develop practical network solutions.

Excellent communication skills with the confidence to engage with customers, developers, consultants and internal stakeholders.

Strong stakeholder management and customer service skills.

Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and make sound technical decisions.

Full UK driving licence.

Previous Senior Authorised Person (SAP) experience.

Experience within a Distribution Network Operator (DNO) or Independent Connection Provider (ICP).

HNC in Electrical & Electronic Engineering, or willingness to work towards obtaining it.

Experience using network modelling and design systems such as CROWN, DES/EMU, ConnectLV, SINCAL or similar.

Understanding of OFGEM regulation and performance incentives.

Experience mentoring or supporting colleagues in a technical environment.

What Success Looks Like

We're looking for someone who combines strong technical expertise with excellent relationship-building skills. You'll be comfortable leading technical discussions, supporting colleagues, engaging with customers on complex projects and finding practical solutions to challenging network problems. Whether you're currently working within a DNO, an ICP, or in a similar electrical planning role, you'll bring the confidence and knowledge to make a positive impact from day one.

About Us

We’re National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED), the owner and operator behind the electricity distribution systems for the Midlands, the Southwest of England and South Wales. Serving communities of more than 8 million people, our expert teams deliver heat, light and power for homes and businesses.

National Grid employs over 29,000 people worldwide. We are building an inclusive workplace, a place to actively celebrate the cultures, personalities and preferences of our colleagues – who in turn help to build the success of our business and reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Our vision is to be at the heart of a clean, fair and affordable energy future and we are doing this in a fast-moving industry with an increasing focus on tackling climate change, exploring new energy sources that are renewable, low carbon, and improve efficiency to meet demand.