Head of Engineering - OHL

Calibre Global Consulting; City Of London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy in the UK is seeking a Head of Engineering for Overhead Transmission Lines. This pivotal role involves leading technical operations, developing compliance standards, and managing a high-performing team. The ideal candidate has 15+ years of engineering experience, proven leadership in large-scale transmission projects, and a chartered engineering status. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence the UK’s transmission network of the future.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of HV/EHV OHL engineering experience.
• 5+ years in management or senior technical roles.
• Proven leadership across the full lifecycle of OHL projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop technical roadmaps and standard interfaces for OHL.
• Lead system integration design and engineering.
• Drive product type testing and certification.
• Ensure safety in design best practices.
• Manage the development and wellbeing of the department.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Knowledge of transmission engineering disciplines

Expertise in safety legislation (CDM, ESQCR)

Advanced project controls understanding

Commercial acumen

Contractual knowledge (NEC3)

Strong stakeholder engagement

Education

BSc in Electrical Engineering

Chartered Engineer

MBA

Job description

About the job

Head of Engineering Overhead Transmission Lines (UK)

United Kingdom | Full-time | Senior Leadership

We are seeking a Head of Engineering (Overhead Transmission Lines, OHL) to lead our UK technical and engineering operations. This is a pivotal leadership role for an accomplished Chartered Engineer with extensive HV/EHV OHL experience and a proven track record in delivering complex, large-scale transmission projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop technical roadmaps and standard interfaces for OHL in the UK, ensuring compliance with BS/EN/IEC/ENA standards.
• Lead system integration design and engineering implementation of CICA cross-arms, conductors, fittings, and towers.
• Drive product type testing, certification, and inclusion into Transmission Owners Approved Product List (APL).
• Support constructability, technical solutions, and HSE compliance for line uprating and new build projects.
• Serve as the technical interface to customers, supporting bids, clarifications, and deviation management.
• Collaborate with the Group CTO to promote adoption of new materials and processes.
• Ensure safety in design best practice across projects, with focus on CDM and ESQCR compliance.
• Manage the development, wellbeing, recruitment, and budgeting of the department.
• Oversee quality systems to ensure robust technical governance throughout the project lifecycle.
• Act as focal point for engagement with internal and external senior stakeholders.

Experience & Qualifications

• BSc in Electrical Engineering (MBA desirable).
• Chartered Engineer in a relevant discipline.
• 15+ years of HV/EHV OHL engineering experience.
• 5+ years in management or senior technical roles within UK transmission projects (TO, EPC, consultancy, or utility).
• Proven leadership across the full lifecycle of OHL projects: design, approval, testing, commissioning.

Technical & Leadership Skills

• Strong leadership and strategic thinking, with the ability to deliver under changing conditions.
• In-depth knowledge of transmission engineering disciplines, industry standards, and design requirements.
• Expertise in safety legislation (CDM, ESQCR) and network operations.
• Advanced understanding of project controls, technical governance, and capital project delivery.
• Commercial acumen: balancing CapEx/OpEx, regulatory frameworks, and investment cases.
• Strong contractual and procurement knowledge (NEC3, commercial strategies).
• Established network and credibility with consultants, contractors, and industry stakeholders.

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to shape the UKs transmission network of the future leading innovation in OHL design, new materials adoption, and large-scale project delivery. You will have full responsibility for building and leading a high-performing engineering team, while engaging directly with senior stakeholders across the industry.