Head of Engineering Design

Western Power Distribution Plc; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days paid leave + 8 bank holidays

Electric company car or car allowance

Performance bonus up to 20%

Pension scheme with employer matching

Annual Share Save plan

Private Medical Insurance

Life assurance x4 annual salary

Employee Assistance Programme

Free on-site parking

Job summary

National Grid Electricity Distribution is seeking a Head of Engineering Design based in the UK with flexibility across locations (Bristol, Cardiff, Tipton or Castle Donington) and regular travel. You will lead an expert team delivering high-voltage substation designs, protection and control schemes, and setting standards for 11kV–132kV assets, ensuring safe, compliant outcomes.

You will drive performance improvements, governance and cost efficiency while collaborating with Major Projects,

Qualifications

• Significant experience in electrical engineering design or a related discipline, including leadership of large technical teams.
• Proven track record of improving delivery performance and reducing costs in an Engineering, utility or project-delivery environment.
• Strong leadership skills to inspire, develop and hold teams accountable for delivering results.
• Ability to manage day-to-day priorities while driving long-term improvements.
• Experience of NEC contracts and Design & Build delivery models.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills across multiple functions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing engineering design team to deliver safe, compliant and cost-effective solutions.
• Drive continuous improvement in design quality, productivity and efficiency, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.
• Collaborate with Major Projects and Engineering Policy to align standards and design criteria across the organisation.
• Embed change and manage multiple priorities while maintaining delivery performance and governance.

Skills

Electrical engineering design

Large technical team leadership

Stakeholder management

Change leadership

NEC contractsexperience

Job description

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, working outdoors with underground cables, overhead lines and substations that operate between 230 and 132,000 volts. 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.

Job Introduction

An opportunity is available for a Head of Engineering Design based at Bristol, Cardiff, Tipton or Castle Donington, with regular travel across our licence areas as required.

The Engineering Design team is at the heart of NGED's major network investment programme, delivering EHV substation electrical designs, including protection and control systems, and providing design assurance for civil and linear assets operating at 11kV, 33kV, 66kV and 132kV. The team also has overall NGED responsibility for substation design standards and for the preparation and issue of protection relay configurations and settings (from 11kV to 132kV).

You will lead a highly skilled team ensuring the delivery of safe, compliant and cost-effective design solutions. Working closely with Major Projects, Engineering Policy and other key stakeholders, you will drive continuous improvement in design quality, productivity and efficiency, while supporting the successful delivery of projects on time and within budget.

Through strategic leadership and collaboration, you will help ensure the business has the engineering expertise, capacity and vision needed to deliver the network of the future.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for an experienced engineering leader with a strong background in electrical engineering and design, and a passion for developing high-performing teams. You will have a proven track record of delivering operational and strategic improvements, driving efficiency, and successfully leading people through change.

With excellent stakeholder management skills, you'll be comfortable building strong relationships across the business and collaborating with a wide range of technical and project delivery teams.

You will be able to demonstrate:

• Significant experience in electrical engineering design or a related discipline, including leadership of large technical teams.
• A proven track record of improving delivery performance and reducing costs either in an Engineering, utility or project delivery environment
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to inspire, develop and hold teams accountable for delivering results.
• Ability to manage day to day priorities and urgent requirements while driving long-term improvements
• The ability to lead and embed change
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, particularly when working across multiple functions and disciplines.
• Able to take accountability of team performance and working collaboratively to co-own overall project performance
• Experience of NEC contracts and Design & Build delivery models.

About The Company

Joining the UK's leading electricity distribution business means plenty of career opportunities and well-deserved recognition. We reward hard work and encourage ambition. So, as well as a competitive salary, you will also benefit from:

• 28 days paid leave plus 8 bank holidays
• Electric company car or car allowance (currently £6,000)
• Competitive annual performance related bonus (max 20%)
• Competitive contributory pension scheme (we double match your contributions up to a maximum of 12%)
• Annual Share Save plan
• Private Medical Insurance for you and contributory for your family
• Life assurance x 4 annual salary
• Support via our Employee Assistance Programme, including musculoskeletal and physiotherapy services
• Free on-site parking at all our main sites

Things you need to know

National Grid Electricity Distribution is committed to safeguarding the interests of the Company, colleagues and customers. This role is subject to a satisfactory Barring Service, (DBS) check, depending on the role different levels of screening and vetting are required. Some roles require a triannual check.

Please note that in most cases, National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points-based immigration system. As such, applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future under the UK points-based immigration system.

However, in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear and demonstrable need for specialist skills that cannot be sourced from the local labour market, National Grid may consider offering sponsorship. All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality, or ethnic origin.

As an equal opportunities employer who is committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, we celebrate individual difference.